Small Animal Rotating Internship

The VSH Internship program started in 1995-1996, and in that time has trained over 170 Rotating Interns and over 80 Specialty Interns. Interns are expected to be highly motivated, committed, energetic, and hardworking individuals who desire to strengthen their education. Our programs are challenging, however interns are well prepared for any aspect of practice that they choose to enter. Approximately half of our past interns have gone on to specialize, while half have elected to go on in general or emergency practice. Many of our current specialists are former interns or residents themselves! We have an excellent match rate for residencies and specialty internships. Our match rate for our Rotating Interns matching into residencies and Specialty Internships combined is roughly 90%. Past interns have done residencies in virtually all specialties of small animal (including zoo/wildlife/aquatic) medicine, at many academic and private practices throughout the country. The Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego is a state of the art multi-specialty hospital where practicing the highest caliber of evidence-based patient care is of the utmost importance. As a teaching hospital, we value the opportunity to train doctors and to help them get started in their careers. We are proud to be part of Ethos Veterinary Health, a group of hospitals focusing on advancing veterinary science and in continuous development for our people. The VSH Specialty staff is composed of five board certified internists (plus one residency trained), five board certified Surgeons, one board certified Neurologist, two board certified Medical Oncologists, three board certified Radiologists, four board certified Emergency and Critical Care specialists, two board certified Radiation Oncologists, two board certified Dermatologists, and a board certified Ophthalmologist. Additionally we have a full time staff Veterinary Pharmacist, and a Social Worker available for staff and clients. We have a close relationship with the UCVMCSD (the UC Davis Southern California satellite), including a Nephrology/ Urology/ Advanced Extracorporeal (hemodialysis) service, and two board certified Cardiologists. We work closely with the team who runs these programs. A Dental Specialty group is on site part time. VSH has a strong house officer program with Residency programs in Internal Medicine, Emergency and Critical Care, and Medical Oncology. We currently have specialty interns in surgery, neurology, and radiation oncology, and have had a specialty internships in internal medicine, oncology and dermatology in past years. Internship trained emergency clinicians as well as the Emergency and Critical Care residents and ECC specialists support the interns in their coverage of the emergency service. Rotating interns are NEVER alone in the hospital. They are supported by a strong team of ER doctors and ECC residents when on overnight and ER rotations. Residents and specialists are on call 24/7 for emergency procedures and advice. Intern core rotations will include internal medicine (care of and procedures on hospitalized cases assisting staff internists and residents), surgery (assisting staff surgeons in examinations/procedures, care of inpatient cases), emergency medicine (day emergency as well as evenings and weekends), and neurology (assisting our neurologists in examinations/procedures, surgeries, and care of inpatient cases). The majority of the emergency shifts are receiving walk in emergencies and referral specialty cases. Overnight rotations are primarily care of ICU and other hospitalized patients. Elective rotations through ophthalmology (assisting ophthalmologist in exams, procedures, care of inpatient cases), medical and radiation oncology (examination and care of cancer patients, assisting staff oncologists with treatment plans), and dermatology (examination and care of dermatologic patients and client communication) are available in house. There is also the possibility of electives with Dentistry (seeing appointments and participating in care of dental patients), and Nephrology/ Extracorporeal services, and Cardiology (seeing appointments and procedures with the UCVMCSD teams). There is an opportunity to rotate with the San Diego Humane Society as well. The interns’ schedule allows for a reasonable quality of life. Interns are scheduled for 2 consecutive days off every week (with rare exceptions). Interns are on call only during their surgery and neurology rotations for emergency surgery/anesthesia coverage (along with the surgeons, neurologist and surgical/neurology interns). A detailed description of rotations and sample schedules can be provided upon request by e-mail. Didactic teaching will include a formal two hours per week lecture series which includes every other week radiology rounds. Additionally we have daily service rounds, Grand rounds (presented by interns and attended by all staff doctors), and Specialty service specific Journal Club (IM, Surgery, ECC). Interns are expected to prepare and give one lecture to technicians at monthly CE meetings. Employment with Ethos is contingent upon successfully completing a background check and showing proof of eligibility to work in the United States on your first day. Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.