Clinical Sciences Intern and Resident Graduation Ceremony

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University held its annual Department of Clinical Sciences Intern and Resident Graduation ceremony June 29, where 25 interns and 10 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, with 15 finishing small animal rotating internships.

Dr. Leslie Sharkey (she/her), professor and chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences, thanked the interns and residents. “You are the lifeblood of this place … our faculty consistently share how much they enjoy their relationships with you … and we are all really proud of what you’ve accomplished.”  

Presiding over the ceremony, Dr. Mary Labato, V83 (she/her), the Anne Engen and Belle Professor in Clinical Nephrology, announced the annual resident achievement award recipients, which recognize the top performers from this year’s graduating class, and shared some comments received from professors about each honoree.

Jules and Lucy Silver Animal Bedside Manner Award
Awarded annually to a resident demonstrating outstanding care, concern, and sensitivity for the well-being of both animal patients and clients, the Jules and Lucy Silver Animal Bedside Manner Award was presented to Dr. Jessica Eisenbarth of Emergency and Critical Care. Dr. Eisenbarth was characterized by faculty as “an amazingly compassionate doctor, a kind teacher of students, and has done a really good job advancing research in chickens.”

Resident Award for Excellence in Teaching
Diagnostic Imaging Resident Dr. Manabu Kurihara received the Resident Award for Excellence in Teaching for teaching and serving as a role model for students during the residency. “This individual served as a great role model and mentor to fellow residents,” Labato shared.

Outstanding Research Award
Presented each year to a resident who has excelled in research during their residency, Dr. Madeleine Stein of small animal internal medicine garnered this honor after publishing two first author publications and having two abstracts accepted for oral presentations at ACVIM.

Charles and Althea Simons Award for Clinical Excellence (sponsored by VSTONE)
Dr. Colleen Bourque of small animal internal medicine received the Charles and Althea Simons Award from Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (VSTONE) Award for Clinical Excellence, presented to a resident who is from New England. In a congratulatory letter from Dr. Richard Heller, chair of VSTONE, he shared “… your exemplary work in small animal internal medicine is a result of your dedication during the three years of your residency.” 

Dr. James Ross Memorial Award
Dr. Madeleine Stein received the Dr. James Ross Memorial Award, 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. Established in 2021, the award honors Dr. Ross, a founding member of Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Stein was characterized by faculty as “an excellent all-around resident, consistently committed to student teaching, volunteering for small group teaching opportunities, and delivering additional lectures.”

Following the award presentations, each graduating intern and resident received a certificate of completion from their program director and a gift bag from the Department of Clinical Sciences.

Among the 10 residents, one earned their D.V.M. at Cummings School, four previously served as Tufts interns, and six hold a veterinary degree from an international institution.

The interns included five Cummings School graduates and five who will continue to serve the institution as residents.