Postgraduate Education

Residency in Surgery

The Surgical Residency program at the Animal Medical Center is a comprehensive training experience with direct guidance in the surgical management of diseases. The surgical residency is a three-year program designed to meet the guidelines of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. The program consists of rotations through soft tissue, orthopedic, neurosurgical and interventional radiology services ensuring the widest possible exposure. Continuation to the second and third year depends upon successful completion of the first year and approval of the staff.

The completion of a research project and publication of a scientific paper under the guidance and supervision of the surgical staff is required for satisfactory completion of the program. The intense surgical training under board certified surgeons and appropriate publications qualifies the resident to make application to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Program Highlights

An active caseload (7,000-7,500 procedures per annum) is one of the prime attractions of this residency program. This feature allows a resident to perform many difficult and complicated procedures repeatedly so that experience and confidence increases along with knowledge and exposure. The residents are expected to teach interns and other residents both in the operating room and on rounds.

The surgical residency is supported by ACVS-certified surgical staff members who are directly responsible for resident training. In addition, other staff members in the Departments of Medicine and Pathology indirectly support the training program.

The Animal Medical Center is a full service hospital with nearly 100 medical, surgical, and research veterinarians, and board certified specialists in the areas of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Emergency Medicine/Critical Care, Anesthesiology, Pathology, Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine and Radiology.

The wide variety of case material, the close interaction among the departments of Surgery, Medicine, Radiology and Pathology, and the comprehensive lecture and seminar program create an atmosphere of dynamic surgical training and experience.

Besides daily clinical rounds, weekly resident-led case discussions and department-run journal clubs are conducted. A three-year cycle of reading assignments and quarterly “mock” written, practical and oral examinations are part of the program.

All applicants must have completed a rotating internship program and must be eligible for New York State licensure in accordance with the guidelines of the State Education Office of Professions.

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