Zoological Companion Animal Medicine Internships
Program Overview
The Zoological Companion Animal Medicine Specialty Internship at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is designed to provide advanced clinical training in avian, reptile, and exotic companion mammal medicine and surgery while establishing a strong foundation for future residency training through the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM).
Interns receive mentorship from board-certified specialists in zoological medicine and collaborate closely with experts in emergency and critical care, ophthalmology, gross and clinical pathology, radiology, cardiology, dermatology, small animal surgery, and internal medicine.
Clinical Experience
This 12-month program provides comprehensive training in all aspects of zoological companion animal medicine, surgery, and emergency care. The service manages approximately 1,500 client-owned zoological companion animal cases annually, providing extensive exposure to a diverse caseload.
The approximate case distribution includes:
- 60% exotic companion mammals
- 30% avian patients
- 10% reptiles, amphibians, fish, and zoological species
Interns evaluate and manage primary care, referral, and emergency cases under faculty supervision. Through progressive clinical responsibility, interns develop advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical skills while gaining experience in patient management and client communication.
Responsibilities
- Managing hospitalized patients and participating in daily inpatient rounds
- Providing emergency and critical care coverage
- Communicating with clients and referring veterinarians
- Assisting with case management and treatment planning
- Supervising and teaching fourth-year D.V.M. students during clinical rotations
- Participating in weekly journal club discussions
- Completing a scholarly project and preparing a manuscript for publication
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has:
- At least one year of clinical experience in small animal medicine and surgery
- Strong knowledge of exotic animal handling, anatomy, and physiology
- A demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced training and a career in zoological medicine
Program Benefits
Upon successful completion of the program, interns are awarded a Certificate of Internship.
Interns are eligible for Tufts University employee benefits, including:
- Health insurance
- Professional disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional liability insurance
- Annual vacation time
This internship offers intensive clinical, surgical, teaching, and scholarly experiences for veterinarians seeking advanced training and future specialization in zoological companion animal medicine.
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Application Information
Applications are submitted through the AAVC Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
For additional information, please contact Dr. Trinita Barboza, Program Director.
Tufts University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.