Large Animal Surgery Internship
Program Overview
The Hospital for Large Animals is a full-service veterinary teaching hospital serving a diverse caseload. Approximately 80–85% of patients are competition and pleasure horses, with the remaining caseload comprising food animals and exotic species.
Interns benefit from access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including:
- Standing computed tomography (CT)
- 3T high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Nuclear imaging
- Ultrasonography
- Computed tomography
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
- Overground endoscopy
- Pulmonary function laboratory
- Comprehensive veterinary diagnostic laboratory services
The hospital's surgical facilities include:
- Two fully equipped surgical suites
- Dedicated standing surgery facilities
- Fluoroscopic imaging equipment
- Arthroscopic instrumentation
- Laparoscopic instrumentation
- Surgical laser technology
- Additional state-of-the-art surgical equipment
Clinical Training
The Surgical Intern works closely with faculty surgeons and residents in all aspects of patient care. Primary responsibilities include:
- Assisting faculty surgeons and residents with surgical cases
- Receiving and evaluating outpatient referrals
- Assessing prospective surgical patients
- Developing diagnostic and treatment plans
- Participating in surgical procedures
- Assisting with perioperative and postoperative patient management
Interns are expected to actively participate in patient care while developing their clinical decision-making and surgical skills under the supervision of board-certified faculty and residents.
Emergency and After-Hours Duties
Interns participate in a rotating emergency duty schedule shared with large animal medicine and surgery residents.
Responsibilities include:
- Evaluation and management of emergency cases
- After-hours patient care
- Emergency surgical support as needed
An additional emergency fee applies to all after-hours cases.
Teaching and Professional Development
As members of a veterinary teaching hospital, interns play an important role in the education of veterinary students. Teaching responsibilities include:
- Mentoring students on clinical rotations
- Assessing student performance
- Contributing to clinical competency evaluations
- Instructing clinical skills laboratories
Interns also participate in a variety of educational activities, including:
- Clinical rounds
- Seminars
- Case discussions
- Didactic training sessions
These experiences are designed to strengthen both clinical expertise and teaching skills while preparing interns for advanced training and future specialty careers.
Application Information
Applications are submitted through the AAVC Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).
For additional information, please contact Dr. Thomas Jenei, Program Director.
Tufts University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.