Neurology Specialty Internship

The Neurology Specialty Internship at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals is designed to provide advanced training in small animal medical and surgical neurology. The program prepares candidates for residency training in neurology and neurosurgery through intensive clinical experience, mentorship, and teaching opportunities.

Program Overview

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Dominik Faissler, Dr. med. vet., Dipl. ECVN, and collaborate with board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines, including:

  • Surgery
  • Internal Medicine
  • Emergency and Critical Care
  • Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Radiology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Clinical Pathology
  • Nutrition

Training takes place at the Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals in North Grafton, Massachusetts, approximately 40 miles west of Boston.

Clinical Training

Approximately 75% of the internship is dedicated to neurology and neurosurgery. The remaining 25% consists of rotations through:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Emergency and Critical Care
  • Radiology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Oncology
  • Clinical Pathology

Emergency service responsibilities are shared with other house officers.

Facilities and Resources

The Neurology and Neurosurgery Service is supported by advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including:

  • Complete electrodiagnostic laboratory
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • ICP Express monitoring
  • Linear accelerator

Academic and Professional Development

In addition to daily clinical responsibilities, interns participate in:

  • Faculty- and student-centered clinical rounds
  • Weekly journal clubs
  • Educational seminars

The program also offers opportunities to attend lectures and rounds at affiliated human medical centers in Boston and Worcester.

A small research project is encouraged, though not required.

Teaching Opportunities

As part of the internship experience, interns contribute to the clinical education of fourth-year veterinary students, developing valuable teaching and mentorship skills.

Application Information

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

For additional information, please contact Dr. Dominik Faissler.

Tufts University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.