Cardiology Residency
The Cardiology Residency Program at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is designed to provide rigorous and comprehensive clinical training in veterinary cardiology, culminating in eligibility for board certification through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Cardiology.
Program Highlights
Residents actively participate in:
- Primary patient care: Outpatient appointments, in-hospital management of hospitalized patients, and internal consultations
- Cardiovascular interventions: Interventions for congenital heart disease (cardiac shunt occlusion, balloon valvuloplasty, cardiovascular stents), transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of the mitral valve, pacemaker implantation, and other endovascular therapies.
- Advanced cardiac imaging: Transesophageal echocardiographic exam and cardiac computed tomography for patients with congenital or acquired heart diseases
- Didactic resident education: Structured year-round to prepare residents for cardiology specialty exam. Weekly review of book chapters, journal articles, and topic- or case-based discussions organized by cardiology faculties
- Clinical research and seminars: Resident will drive research projects under direct supervision by the cardiology faculties
- Clinical teaching and mentorship of veterinary students: Residents will have opportunities to lead clinical and classroom teaching with veterinary students
- Professional development opportunities: Veterinary conference attendance is encouraged with collaborative opportunities at major medical centers in Massachusetts (UMass Chan Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital)
- Access to the NIH-supported REVEAL academic enrichment program
Clinical Training
Training is based at the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals, a high-volume tertiary referral and emergency care hospital that provides residents with extensive experience managing complex cardiovascular disease.
Residents gain advanced clinical exposure in:
- Congestive heart failure
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Congenital heart disease
- Emergency cardiac care
The program emphasizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic training, including:
- 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography
- Transesophageal echocardiography
- Cardiac computed tomography (CT)
- Basic and advanced techniques in interventional cardiology
Cardiovascular interventions and advanced imaging are integral to the cardiology residency program. The program is among the few veterinary institutions in the United States performing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) procedures for canine myxomatous mitral valve disease. Residents are heavily involved in the peri-procedural management of TEER.
Direct participation in interventional procedures is expected for residents when managing dogs and cats with congenital heart disease or other conditions that indicate endovascular therapy. These procedures generally include (but not limited to) transarterial/transvenous occlusion of patent arterial duct, balloon valvuloplasty/angioplasty, transvenous pacemaker implantation, and cardiovascular stenting.
Over the course of the residency:
- A minimum of 24 months is dedicated to clinical rotations with board-certified cardiologists
- Additional specialty rotations supplement the training experience
- Residents participate in consultations involving large animal and exotic species
- Dedicated time is provided for clinical research and professional development
Teaching & Academic Development
Residents play an active role in the clinical and laboratory instruction of veterinary students, strengthening:
- Teaching and communication skills
- Clinical mentorship experience
- Academic leadership development
The program supports residents pursuing careers in:
- Academic veterinary medicine
- Specialty referral practice
- Clinical research
- Interventional cardiology and cardiac imaging
Appointment & Benefits
Residency appointments are offered in 12-month increments, with annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance.
Upon successful completion of the program, residents receive:
- A certificate of residency completion
- Eligibility for university benefits, including health and life insurance
- Annual vacation time
- Professional liability insurance
- A travel stipend for conferences and continuing education
Applicants should be aware that the hospital maintains a professional dress code.
Application Information
Applications are submitted through the AAVC Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
Successful applicants typically demonstrate:
- Strong academic performance, often ranking within the top 25–50% of their veterinary class
- A GPA of approximately 3.5 or higher
- Demonstrated interest in research and scholarly publication
- Prior scientific writing or research experience
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Preference is generally given to candidates who provide at least one letter of recommendation from an American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Diplomate in Cardiology. Letters emphasizing collaboration, professionalism, and interpersonal strengths are particularly influential in the selection process.
Tufts University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.