Postgraduate Education
AMC’s Emergency-Focused Internship Program
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) is proud to offer a specialized Emergency-Focused Internship Program designed to provide unparalleled training and mentorship to aspiring private practice ER doctors. Working in New York City’s only Level 1 Trauma Center under the tutelage of AMC’s renowned Emergency & Critical Care staff, interns can expect to drastically expand their clinical skillset and emergency medicine experience by the end of this program.
Please note: This program does NOT replace and is not comparable to a 12-month rotating internship, nor is a rotating internship a requirement for this program.
For more information on AMC’s rotating internship program, click here.
Program Description
The 10-month Emergency-Focused Internship Program emphasizes advanced training and diverse clinical experience in emergency medicine, preparing interns to become highly skilled and well-rounded emergency medicine veterinarians. Interns work closely with AMC’s Emergency & Critical Care team, which includes criticalists, experienced ER doctors, and ECC residents, as well as other specialty services at AMC that support emergent and critically ill patients.
Goals of the Program:
- Strengthen the intern’s knowledge and skills in small animal emergency medicine
- Improve efficiency and confidence in managing critical cases
- Prepare interns for successful careers as private practice ER clinicians or complement an ECC residency application
These goals are accomplished through on-the-floor training with direct mentorship from board-certified criticalists and ER doctors and a robust didactic schedule designed to expose doctors to all facets of management/stabilization of emergency cases.
Applicant Profile & Requirements
AMC’s Emergency-Focused Internship Program is designed for:
- New or recent veterinary school graduates interested in emergency medicine
- Current emergency doctors or general practitioners seeking to refine their skills and expand their expertise
Applicant Requirements:
- Graduation from an accredited veterinary school
- Ability to obtain a New York State License
- Completion of a rotating internship is NOT required for this position
This program does NOT replace and is not comparable to a 12-month rotating internship.
Program Structure
This program is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge of emergency medicine, from case management and stabilization to prognosis and referral decision-making. The rotation schedule includes 21 weeks in the Emergency Room, 10 weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 12 weeks rotating through other specialty services at AMC based on the intern’s specific interests.
| Rotation | Duration |
|---|---|
| Emergency Room Interns will have primary case responsibility under the direct supervision of criticalists or experienced ER doctors. | 21 Weeks |
| Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Interns will co-manage critical cases alongside criticalists, ECC residents, and other specialists. | 10 Weeks |
| Elective Rotations Based on the intern’s interests rotations can include Surgery, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Anesthesia, and more. | 12 Weeks |
| Vacation | 1 Week |
Program Duration: The program is approximately 10 months, with start and end dates flexible based on graduation date or dates of candidate’s interest.
Shift Schedule: Shifts will be 5 days/week, and include day, swing, and overnight duties (always with a supervising/senior doctor).
Didactics Schedule: The didactic schedule is designed to expose interns to a breadth of ER/specialty emergency topics. Protected teaching time off the clinic floor is provided for rounds. Additionally, ER interns are expected to attend rotating intern lectures 3 mornings weekly as schedule permits.
About Emergency & Critical Care at the Animal Medical Center
As the only Level 1 Veterinary Trauma Center in New York City, AMC’s Emergency Room cares for a large, diverse, and critically ill caseload. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of care for companion animals, combining compassionate treatment with cutting-edge medical expertise.
Our world-renowned ECC team includes board-certified criticalists, experienced ER doctors, residents in training, skilled veterinary technicians, and dedicated veterinary assistants. The ECC team collaborates closely with in-house specialists across disciplines, such as Surgery, Anesthesiology, Radiology, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Pathology, and more. This integrated approach fosters a dynamic environment of knowledge sharing and clinical excellence, enabling us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.
How to Apply
Applications for AMC’s Emergency-Focused Internship Program are now open. Submit your application via the Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) by January 6, 2025.
An interview—conducted either in-person or virtually—is required for consideration.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need additional information about the program, please contact Dr. Alicia Mastrocco, DVM, DACVECC, Program Director, Emergency & Critical Care Internship Program at Alicia.mastrocco@amcny.org.
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