Dermatology Residency
The Dermatology Residency Program at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is a supervised, three-year program designed to provide advanced clinical training in veterinary dermatology and related disciplines. The program prepares residents for certification by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD).
Clinical and Academic Training
Residents participate in a comprehensive clinical and academic program that includes:
- Primary responsibility for dermatology patient care under the direct supervision of board-certified veterinary dermatologists
- Daily rounds, seminars, and clinical conferences
- Regular dermatopathology rounds
- Book and journal clubs
- Professional development activities
- Teaching veterinary students and interns during clinical rotations
- Assessment of student performance through grading and clinical competency tracking
- Participation in hospital and house officer activities, as well as internal medicine rounds and seminars
- Access to the NIH-supported REVEAL academic enrichment program
Residents are also expected to provide telephone and email consultations for referring veterinarians and clients and to maintain detailed medical records and documentation of client and referring veterinarian communications.
Clinical Experience
Training takes place at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals (FHSA) at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts, approximately 40 miles west of Boston.
The Dermatology Service sees patients Monday through Friday and offers approximately five appointment slots per day. In addition to scheduled dermatology appointments, residents regularly provide consultations for patients being managed by other hospital services, averaging approximately two to six consultations per week. Collaboration among services is encouraged when patients have multiple or complex medical conditions.
The Dermatology Service is expected to manage approximately 1,100 cases annually, including predominantly small animals (dogs and cats), and to a lesser extent horses and farm animals cases. The service also anticipates approximately three to four equine cases and six to eight farm animal cases each year.
Residents assume primary responsibility for all cases assigned to the service and for dermatology consultations requested by other hospital services. All clinical activities are conducted under the direct supervision of one or more board-certified veterinary dermatologists.
Specialized Training
Residents receive extensive hands-on training and clinical experience in a range of advanced dermatologic procedures and diagnostic techniques, including:
- Dermatopathology
- Skin biopsy techniques
- Advanced ear procedures, including video-otoscopy and myringotomy
- Cold atmospheric plasma treatments
- CO₂ laser treatments
- Intradermal allergen testing
Residents also spend a portion of the program completing clinical rotations with specialists in other disciplines, such as internal medicine and clinical pathology, and/or participating in specialty externships. Rotations are determined based on the resident's educational needs and program requirements.
Teaching & Education
As members of the Department of Clinical Sciences, residents play an active role in veterinary education. Residents teach veterinary students and interns during clinical rotations and contribute to the assessment of student clinical performance through grading and competency tracking.
Research Opportunities
Research is an integral component of the residency. Each resident is expected to develop and complete a research project during the program.
The research project will be presented as a short communication at the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum (NAVDF), with the goal of subsequent publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal.
In accordance with ACVD credentialing requirements, residents must also complete and submit a traditional case report to the ACVD Credentials Committee. The resident must serve as the primary clinician responsible for the diagnosis and management of the case and as the primary author of the report.
Residents are expected to submit a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal before completing the residency program.
Application Information
Applications are submitted through the AAVC Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
- Strong academic performance, often ranking within the top 25–50% of their veterinary class
- Completion of, or plans to complete, a one-year rotating internship or equivalent clinical training
- At least one year of clinical experience. Candidates with a minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience will also be considered
- Strong interest in advancing veterinary dermatology
- Strong interest in advancing scientific writing and didactic skills
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills
Preference is generally given to candidates who provide at least one letter of reference and a letter of intent. Letters of reference from veterinarians who have direct knowledge of your personality, skills, and experience. At least one letter should be from a board-certified veterinary dermatologist (American /European/Asian/Latin-American College of Veterinary Dermatology). Letters from specialists in other clinical disciplines (e.g., internal medicine, surgery, emergency/critical care) are strongly encouraged. Letter of intent, in which you explain why you want a radiology residency, what you will contribute to our program, and what you want to do once you become a radiologist.
Tufts University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.