Cardiology Research Specialty Internship
The Cardiology Research Internship is a 12-month advanced training program designed for veterinarians seeking intensive experience in cardiovascular research and preparation for a future cardiology residency. The program begins annually in mid-July and provides a unique combination of research, scholarly activity, and limited specialty clinical exposure.
Program Overview
This one-year internship places a strong emphasis on collaborative research within the cardiology service. Interns work closely with faculty investigators on projects that advance the understanding of cardiovascular disease in companion animals while developing the skills necessary for a successful academic or specialty career.
A significant portion of the internship (approximately 40–60%) is dedicated to research activities within the Yang Laboratory, where interns support investigations focused on:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Mitral valve disease
- Molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease
- Related cardiac research initiatives
The remainder of the internship involves collaboration with other cardiology faculty members on ongoing projects that may include:
- Cardiomyopathy research
- Cardiac biomarkers
- Nutritional studies related to heart disease
- Clinical trial support
Clinical case involvement is limited to animals enrolled in cardiology clinical research studies.
Research and Academic Development
Cardiology Research Interns gain hands-on experience in all phases of the research process, including:
- Laboratory and bench-top research
- Literature reviews
- Coordination with diagnostic and research laboratories
- Sample collection and processing
- Patient recruitment and study enrollment
- Examination of study patients (excluding echocardiography)
- Necropsy and tissue collection
- Statistical analysis
- Data management and interpretation
- Manuscript preparation, review, and editing
Interns also participate in cardiology resident rounds and other educational activities within the service.
Teaching Opportunities
As members of the Department of Clinical Sciences, Cardiology Research Interns contribute to the educational mission of the school through:
- Clinical teaching of veterinary students
- Mentoring students on clinical rotations
- Instruction in at least one clinical skills laboratory each year
These experiences provide valuable opportunities to develop teaching and communication skills while supporting student learning.
Clinical Training
Training is centered at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals in North Grafton, Massachusetts, approximately 40 miles west of Boston.
Although the internship is primarily research-focused, interns receive limited clinical training alongside board-certified cardiologists and gain exposure to advanced diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures, including:
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- Cardiac catheterization
- Interventional cardiology procedures
Application Information
Applications are submitted through the AAVC Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
For further information, contact Dr. John Rush, Program Director or Dr. Vicky Yang.
Tufts University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.