Internship - Rotating – Small Animal

Rotating Small Animal Internship

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency

NVS is an ever-growing, high-volume emergency and secondary-tier referral hospital located minutes from downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Since its creation in 2010, NVS has grown to include 7 specialties, a 24-hour emergency department + ICU, and an urgent care department. Interns rotate through Surgery, Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Cardiology, ER, and Critical Care. We pride ourselves on fostering one-on-one teaching opportunities in a fast-paced private practice setting. Our goal is to grow confident, clinically competent veterinarians ready to tackle the next step in their career, whether that be advancement to specialty, entry into general practice, or anything in between.

  • Program Dates: 06/3/2024 - 06/13/2025
  • Application Deadline: January 8, 2024 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
  • Program Dates: 06/3/2024 - 06/13/2025
  • Application Deadline: January 8, 2024 9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
Policies
Employment Requirements
  • Contract Required
  • Pre-Employment Background Check Required
  • State License Required
    More Information
Who can this program hire?
  • US Citizens
  • US Permanent Residents
  • Canadian Citizens
  • Canadian Permanent Residents
  • Mexican Citizens
  • Mexican Permanent Residents
  • Applicants who require Visa Sponsorship

Please note: Most visas require sponsorship from a program. If you are unsure about which work authorization is required or if you qualify, please contact the program before you apply.

Is the intern required to live a specific distance from the hospital?
Yes
Due to on-call responsibilities, interns should be able to arrive at the hospital within 1 hour of being called in.
Previous Experience Required
  • None - Suitable for New Graduates
NAVLE Required for Licensure or to Start the Program
No
Do you accept graduates of non-AVMA Accredited/Recognized Colleges/Schools?
No
A list of the AVMA-accredited/recognized colleges/schools can be found here.
Is a formal orientation program required?
Yes
Orientation takes place during the first 2 weeks of the internship (6/3/2024 - 6/14/2024).
Is attendance at orientation required?
Yes
Is an orientation manual provided?
Yes
Position Classification for Purpose of Salary & Benefits
Other
Intern
Annual Salary
$50,000 See Cost of Living Information
Additional Salary Details
Paychecks are distributed biweekly.
Moonlighting Allowed?
Yes, with approval
Retirement Plan
Not Available
Opportunity to earn additional cash compensation in this position?
Yes
Interns at the end of the program may have the opportunity to work ER relief shifts at our Nashville or Clarksville locations.
Is this Position Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness?
Uncertain
Is the intern required to pay costs (e.g. tuition, fees, licenses, etc) upfront that will be reimbursed by the program?
Yes
Reimbursement is available for state licensure, liability insurance, and professional license state tax.
Required Tuition & Fees
No
Vacation Leave Days Per Year
5
Sick Leave Days Per Year
5
Professional Leave Days Per Year
0
Maximum number of paid days for family/medical leave
0
Maximum number of unpaid days for family/medical leave
0
Vacation Request Process
Interns are allotted 5 vacation days per program year to be taken consecutively. If the vacation is taken on a Monday-Friday, the intern is given the subsequent weekend off as well (for a total of 7 consecutive days off). Interns must request and receive approval for their vacation time from both the intern coordinator and the attending doctor from the service that they will be missing. Requests should be submitted at least 1 month in advance, although exceptions can be made on a case by case basis. The intern is responsible for getting any anesthesia or on-call responsibilities that they may be missing covered by an intern-mate. Interns are also given 5 additional "personal" days per program year to be used for sick leave or professional days. Sick days should be submitted to the intern coordinator. A doctor's note may be requested if the intern misses > 5 days total per program year for illness. Professional days must be requested and approved by both the intern coordinator and the attending doctor from the service that they will be missing. The intern is responsible for getting any anesthesia or on-call responsibilities that they may be missing covered by an intern-mate.
Detailed Benefits Information
The program has provided a PDF document or link to detailed explanation of the provided benefits. You should consider the position classification listed in the section above as you review the benefit information.
Major medical insurance for intern
Intern Pays Some or All
Three plans are available: Base PPO, Buy Up PPO and HSA. The monthly costs vary between approximately $80 and $315, depending on the plan selected.
Not Immediately
The first of the month following 60 days of employment. For these Internship dates, it would be September 1, 2024.
Major medical insurance for dependents
Intern Pays Some or All
Depending on the plan selected, between approximately $555 and $785 per month.
Major medical insurance for domestic partners
Intern Pays Some or All
Depending on the plan selected, between approximately $832 and $1,125 per month.
Outpatient mental health insurance
Available
Inpatient mental health insurance
Available
Group life insurance
Available
Dental insurance
Available
Vision insurance
Available
Disability insurance
Available
Does the program provide an on-site mental health counselor?
No
Is suicide prevention training available?
Yes
Other Support Services Available
Tele-health appointments through TalkSpace, mental health services; Employee Assistance Program.
Onsite Child Care
No
Subsidized Child Care
No
Moving Allowance
No
Housing Stipend
No
Parking
No Charge
Uniform/Scrubs
Not Required
Additional Benefits
Nashville Vet Specialists is an NVA Compassion-First / Ethos Veterinary Health affiliated hospital. As such, we have support from their Internship and Residency Program as well as access to corporate recruiters who can help new graduates in their job search. Interns have access to journal clubs and other learning resources provided by Ethos in addition to what is provided directly by NVS. Ethos also regularly sponsors intern events / outings throughout the program year.
About this Internship
Type
Rotating – Small Animal
No
Average number of interns who started this program per year for the past 5 years
5
Average number of interns who completed this program per year for the past 5 years
5
Number of interns from this program who applied for a residency in the past 5 years
5
Number of interns from this program who accepted a residency in the past 5 years
5
Number of interns from this program who applied for a specialty internship in the past 5 years
6
Number of interns from this program who accepted a specialty internship in the past 5 years
5
Caseload in Direct Support of Program
Annual Hospital Caseload
22,769
Average Daily Number of Outpatients
34
Average Daily Number of Inpatients
20
Average Daily Number of Surgical Procedures Performed
6
Average Daily Number of Patients Presented to the Emergency Service
26
Additional Details about Caseload
These averages reflect the numbers for the hospital as a whole in 2023.
Direct Support - Personnel are in the building and available to the intern.
Diplomates
Diplomates may be full-time or part-time/consultant
Diplomate
Full Time
Part Time
Diplomate
Full Time
Part Time
ACVAA
1
0
ACVECC
1
0
ACVIM/CARD
1
0
ACVIM/INTMED
3
0
ACVIM/NEUR
1
0
ACVIM/ONC
1
0
ACVR/ONC
1
0
ACVS
2
1
Number of Clinicians in Direct Support
15
Number of Residents in Direct Support
0
Number of Veterinary Technicians in Direct Support
35
Number of Intern in this Program
7
Number of Interns at this Hospital (Primary Work Site)
10
Number of Residents at this Hospital (Primary Work Site)
0
Number of Veterinary Technicians at this Hospital
90
Number of Veterinary Technicians Assigned to the Emergency Service per Shift
2
Number of Veterinary Technicians Assigned to the Intensive Care Unit per Shift
3
Other Personnel of Note
In addition to the aforementioned diplomates, current resident-trained doctors employed at NVS who are awaiting boards include: 1 oncologist, 1 surgeon, and 1 internist.
Average hours per week on duty
60
Maximum consecutive hours on duty
15
Number of days per month assigned to daytime primary emergency
3
Number of days per month assigned to overnight primary emergency
3
Number of days per month assigned to on-call
3
Number of days per month assigned to first opinion (primary care) clinics
0
Number of days per month required to work at a secondary (satellite) clinic
0
Average number of 24-hour off-duty periods per week
1
Additional Information About Work Schedule
Interns rotate in 2-week blocks through the services. Interns on Specialty Service are scheduled to work 5 days per week. Interns are responsible for inpatient care over the weekends if any of their specialty patients remain hospitalized. If there are no hospitalized specialty inpatients, the intern is off duty. Interns are on anesthesia/surgery call when on the Surgery Service. Interns are on anesthesia call when on the IM Service (in the event of an emergent scope, etc. -- rarely utilized). We do not perform after-hours or weekend neuro workups or surgeries. These duties are shared with any specialty interns. In the event that we do not have a full class, interns may be required to pick up additional on-call shifts when not on the Surgery Service. Interns on ER and ECC are scheduled to work 5 days per week. Interns are always supervised by an attending doctor while on ER / ECC. Interns on these services have 2 consecutive days off each week. While on ER, interns will rotate through day, swing, and night shifts over the course of the year.
Required Rotations
Rotation
Required
Weeks
Rotation
Required
Weeks
Ambulatory
0
Anesthesia
3
Avian/Exotics/Zoo
0
Cardiology
3
Clinical Pathology
0
Day Emergency
8
Dentistry
0
Dermatology
0
General Surgery
8
Intensive/Critical Care
8
Internal Medicine
8
Neurology
3
Oncology
3
Ophthalmology
0
Orthopedic
0
Overnight Emergency
0
Radiology
0
Soft Tissue
0
Urgent Care
0
Total Number of Elective Weeks Available per Year
3
Elective Rotations
Are elective rotations outside the hospital allowed?
Yes
Additional Information About Rotations
Interns can choose to rotate through any of the on-site Specialty Services for their elective weeks. Interns are never scheduled to work ER solo / without an attending doctor.
Clinical Experience and Responsibilities
Does the intern have primary case care responsibility for first-opinion and emergency/critical care cases?
Yes
Is the intern the primary surgeon on a broad range of elective and entry-level procedures?
No
Does the intern have primary case care responsibility for complex cases with supervision by a boarded specialist?
No
Are patient rounds held daily with a boarded specialist in attendance?
Yes
What is the percentage of time the intern will be directly supervised by a veterinarian during regular office hours?
90%
What is the percentage of time the intern will be directly supervised by a veterinarian during after-hours?
90%
Are teaching rounds held weekly?
Yes
Is the intern required to deliver a professional presentation or seminar to senior clinicians and peers?
Yes
Does the intern have an opportunity to attend a professional meeting?
Yes
Is financial support provided to attend a professional meeting?
Uncertain
Is the intern required to submit a manuscript for publication?
No
Are written performance evaluations provided?
Yes
Twice yearly (there are mid-year and exit evaluations)
Does the program have a formal mentoring program?
Yes
Will a mentor who is a veterinarian in the hospital be assigned?
Yes
Is a formal program to develop teaching skills provided?
No
Does the program have a formal program to foster interprofessional teamwork?
No
Does the program provide debt management/financial counseling?
No
Facility
Does the intern have access to search engines for scientific literature and online journals?
Yes
Does the primary hospital have an intensive care unit?
Yes
Equipment/Technology
  • Basic clinical laboratory equipment
  • Blood Bank
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Blood Pressure Monitoring
  • Bone Plating Equipment
  • CT Scan
  • Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Digital Radiography
  • Echocardiography
  • Endoscopy
  • Laparoscopy
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery Equipment
  • MRI
  • Paperless Medical Record
  • Point of care clinical laboratory equipment
  • Ultrasonography
Other Equipment/Technology of Note
(1) High flow oxygen; (2) In addition to IM ultrasound, both the ER and ICU have portable ultrasounds
Primary Work Site

2971 Sidco Dr, Nashville, TN 37204, USA

About the Area
Nashville, Tennessee continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in America and boasts a long list of things to see and do. People often associate Nashville with country music -- and while you can't go wrong with catching live music on Broadway or seeing a show at the Ryman or Opry, there is so much more to our city and its surrounding areas. Cheer on the Preds, Sounds, Titans, or Nashville Soccer Club. Wander the halls at the Frist Art Museum. Explore our version of the Parthenon. Attend one of our many festivals. Eat ALL the food. Enjoy the outdoors at our many parks and waterways. And more! Nashville is also a wonderful central location with its own international airport and is within 2-3 hours of cities like Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Louisville. There is something for everyone in Nashville!
Total Monthly Expected Spending for Nashville-Franklin, TN Area
Household Type Monthly Spending National Average
Married Couple with Children Under 6 $6,492 $6,596
Married Couple with Children 6-17 $7,623 $7,749
Home Owner $7,179 $7,286
Renter $4,123 $4,146
Cost of Living Index
98.6
Nashville-Franklin, TN
What is this?
Average Prices for Nashville-Franklin, TN Area
Item Price National Average

Index and average prices are based on data gathered between Q22022 - Q22023. For more information on the methodology, please visit the C2ER Cost of Living Index website (www.coli.org).

Interviews
Is an interview required?
No, but encouraged
Who will be interviewed?
All Interested Applicants
Informal zoom "meet-and-greets" are often scheduled on a person-to-person basis as soon as an applicant applies to our program. Formal zoom interviews are scheduled once the VIRMP application submission window has closed. Dates for formal interviews are TBD, but there are always multiple dates and times available to choose from. We can also work with individuals to schedule an interview time outside of the offered dates if needed. In-person visits and interviews are also available if desired.
Yes
Yes
Applicants will be contacted via email by an intern coordinator regarding their interest in scheduling an interview. Should an applicant not reply to the email, a follow-up email will be sent. If there is still no response, an intern coordinator will attempt to call the applicant. Failure to respond to the aforementioned modes of contact will result in the applicant forfeiting their opportunity to interview. While interviews are not required, they are strongly encouraged. Applicants who do not interview are unlikely to be ranked. Formal interviews are typically done via Zoom but can be scheduled for in-person if desired. Zoom interviews are approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour long and include one or both intern coordinators as well as 1 to 3 additional doctors (either specialists or ER doctors). If the applicant has a specialty interest, we try to schedule a specialist from that area of interest to be present. In-person interviews are generally more in-depth and include a tour of the hospital as well as opportunities to shadow current interns if desired.
Apply
Prerequisites

All prerequisites must be met by 06/3/2024 unless stated otherwise by the program.

  • Graduate of AVMA accredited/recognized college/school of veterinary medicine
  • State License Required
    More Information
Work Authorization

This program will consider qualified applicants with the following work authorization

  • US Citizens
  • US Permanent Residents
  • Canadian Citizens
  • Canadian Permanent Residents
  • Mexican Citizens
  • Mexican Permanent Residents

If you have questions regarding your eligibility for this program, contact [email protected] before you apply.

Standard VIRMP Application Packet

This program will receive your Standard VIRMP Application Packet when you apply. For more information about the application packet, please click here.

Program Director

Dr. Raley Lewis
[email protected]

Contact Person for More Information

Dr. Raley Lewis
[email protected]

Contact a Current Intern in this Program
Current and former intern contact information is available by request. Please contact Dr. Raley Lewis at [email protected] to request contact information. Please be sure to include the subject of your email (i.e. "requesting current intern contact information" or "requesting more information about your rotating internship").
Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency
2971 Sidco Dr.
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Phone: 615-386-0107
http://www.nashvillevetspecialists.com