Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Large Animal Surgery Residency

The Large Animal Surgery with Involvement in Sports Medicine Residency Program at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides advanced clinical and surgical training designed to prepare residents for a career in large animal surgery and eligibility for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) certifying examination.

Residents train in a full-service large-animal hospital staffed by four board-certified surgeons representing all major surgical subdisciplines. The hospital manages both routine and emergency cases year-round, with a caseload that is predominantly equine.

Clinical Training

Residents gain extensive hands-on experience in:

  • Soft tissue surgery
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Emergency and critical surgical care
  • Diagnostic and minimally invasive procedures
  • Perioperative patient management

Training occurs under the direct supervision of the Large Animal Surgery faculty through a rotating clinical service schedule that includes both inpatient and outpatient care.

Advanced Diagnostic & Imaging Resources

Residents have access to sophisticated diagnostic and imaging technologies, including:

  • Nuclear imaging
  • Ultrasonography
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Computerized radiography
  • High-field MRI
  • High-speed treadmill evaluation
  • Resting video endoscopy
  • Overground dynamic endoscopy

Research and Professional Development

Approximately 25% of each residency year is dedicated to professional development and scholarly activity.

Residents are required to complete a research project related to veterinary surgery, with findings submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal for publication. The program also supports the development of scientific presentations and academic publication experience.

ACVS-Approved Training

The residency provides the clinical caseload, faculty mentorship, and academic environment necessary to support ACVS-approved training. In addition to surgical training, residents complete required nonsurgical rotations (80 hours each) in:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Radiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pathology

Residents are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism, organization, and commitment throughout the program.

Location & Facilities

The Hospital for Large Animals is located on Tufts University’s 594-acre rural campus in North Grafton, Massachusetts, approximately:

  • 13 miles from Worcester
  • 47 miles from Boston

The program also benefits from strong affiliations with regional medical and biotechnology centers throughout Massachusetts.

Appointments & Benefits

Appointments are made for 12-month terms with annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory progress. Upon successful completion of the program, residents receive a certificate of residency training.

Residents are eligible for Tufts University employee benefits, including:

  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Annual vacation
  • Travel/professional development allotment
  • Access to the NIH-supported REVEAL academic enrichment program

Application Information

Applications are submitted through the AAVC Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP).

For more information, contact Dr. Kirstin Bubeck, Program Director

Tufts University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.