2024 House Officers' Graduation Ceremony

Cumming School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University held its annual House Officer, Interns and Residents, Graduation ceremony on June 27. Twenty-three interns and 18 residents were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Cummings School’s hospitals and clinics.

Residents completed a three-year appointment, while interns each served the school for one year. Fifteen finished small animal rotating internships.

Dean Alastair Cribb welcomed everyone to the celebration. He congratulated the house officers and acknowledged their tireless work to support Cummings School, saying, “Thank you for  teaching our veterinary students, working with patients and clients, and assisting our faculty members in delivering the very best care.” 

Dr. Mary Labato, V83 (she/her), the Anne Engen and Belle Professor in Clinical Nephrology, presided over the ceremony and announced the annual resident achievement award recipients. These awards recognize the top performers from this year’s graduating class. 

Jules and Lucy Silver Animal Bedside Manner Award

This award is presented to residents demonstrating outstanding care, concern, and sensitivity for the well-being of both animal patients and clients. This year’s recipients are Dr. Nicole Dowgos, VI21, anesthesiology resident, and Dr. Devyn Shultz, VI21, small animal medicine resident. Both Drs. Dowgos and Shultz were described as “Always eager to help and very caring.” 

Excellence in Teaching

This award is presented to residents for their exceptional talents and efforts in teaching and serving as student role models. This year’s recipients are Dr. Lauren Holly, a large animal resident, and Dr. Antonia Ioannou, a small animal medicine resident. Dr. Holly was described as an exceptional teacher, doing a fantastic job explaining cases to students.” Dr. Ioannou “Loves teaching, has great patience, and is very enthusiastic.“

Outstanding Research Award

This award is presented to a resident who excels in research during their residency. This year’s recipient is Dr. Shaylan Meyer, an emergency and critical care resident. Dr. Meyer is recognized for mastering a challenging surgical technique and successfully recruiting many patients to participate in a clinical trial. 

Charles and Althea Simons Award for Clinical Excellence (sponsored by VSTONE)

This award is presented to a resident from New England who demonstrates excellent clinical skills. This year’s recipient is Dr. Gretchen McLinden, V19, a small animal medical oncology resident. 

Dr. James Ross Memorial Award

This award is presented to a resident who demonstrates clinical excellence and whose passion, energy, collegiality, and commitment shine in all aspects of veterinary medicine, including teaching, bedside manner, and research. This year’s recipient is Dr. Stephanie Kline, an emergency and critical care resident. Dr. Kline was described as “Kind, patient, dedicated, and unfailingly collegial.”  

Following the resident award presentations, each intern and resident received a certificate of completion from their program director.

Interns 

Community Medicine

Program Director: Dr. Jenni Grady, V12

Intern: Dr. Brooke Robinson, V23

Small Animal Rotating

Program Directors: Drs. Alexia Berg & Lilian Cornejo 

Interns:

Dr. Samuel Devine 

Dr. Margot Ehrlich

Dr. David Green 

Dr. Manraj Grewal 

Dr. Maryam Iranmanesh  

Dr. Erin LeRoy, V23 

Dr. Hannah McAnulty 

Dr. Katelyn Meakin

Dr. Tatiana Noel 

Dr. Annie Pankowski 

Dr. Heather Reid

Dr. Megan Riley 

Dr. Megan Sha

Dr. Kathryn Shaffert, V23

Dr. Walker Smith 

Zoological Companion Animal Medicine/Emergency and Critical Care

Program Director: Dr. Marjorie Bercier

Intern: Dr. Lauren Gawel, V22

Cardiology

Program Director: Dr. John Rush

Intern: Dr. Jasmine Huynh

Clinical Trials

Program Director: Dr. Cheryl London, V90

Intern: Dr. Saige Margolin, V22

Neurology

Program Director: Dr. Dominik Faissler

Intern: Dr. Genesis Lopez Bonilla

Ophthalmology

Program Director: Dr. Stephanie Pumphrey, V08

Intern: Dr. Laura Donohue

Zoological Companion Animal Medicine

Program Director: Dr. Marjorie Bercier

Interns: 

Dr. Karla Olguin

Dr. Emily Schlake

Residents

Anesthesiology

Program Director: Dr. Lois Wetmore

Residents:

Dr. Nicole Dowgos, VI21

Dr. Kelly Sullivan

Cardiology

Program Director: Dr. John Rush

Resident: Dr. Joey LaMastro

Community Medicine

Program Director: Dr. Jennifer Grady, V12

Resident: Dr. Kayla Sample, V18

Diagnostic Imaging

Program Director: Dr. Mauricio Solano

Residents:

Dr. Megan Heil

Dr. Leah Pomerantz

EMERGENCY/CRITICAL CARE

Program Director: Dr. Armelle de Laforcade, V97

Residents:

Dr. Alexandra Allen

Dr. Shannon Keane

Dr. Stephanie Kline

Dr. Shaylan Meyer

Dr. Zachary Wilcox 

Large Animal Medicine

Program Director: Dr. Daniella Bedenice

Resident: Dr. Lauren Holley

Large Animal Sports Medicine and Surgery

Program Director: Dr. Kirstin Bubeck

Resident: Dr. Meghan Wanstrath

Neurology

Program Director: Dr. Dominik Faissler

Resident: Dr. Savannah Giannasi

Small Animal Medical Oncology

Program Director: Dr. Jennifer Mahoney

Resident: Dr. Gretchen McLinden, V19

Small Animal Medicine

Program Director: Dr. Mary Labato, V83

Residents: 

Dr. Antonia Ioannou

Dr. Devyn Schultz, VI21

Small Animal Surgery

Program Director: Dr. Ray Kudej

Resident: Dr. Kristen Arango