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What is a residency?

A residency is an intensive three-year training programme. The resident works under the supervision of specialists in their chosen discipline to become eligible to sit the certifying examination and achieve specialist status.

The European Board of Veterinary Specialisation EBVS is the umbrella organisation within Europe to which all speciality colleges belong. A similar structure operates in the USA (ABVS, part of AVMA), and Australia and New Zealand (ANZCVS), and some UK centres train residents under these systems.

 

What do residents do?

All residents develop their clinical skills and knowledge via case management throughout the programme. Initially working under close supervision, residents progress to working independently within a supportive environment by the end of the programme.

Undertaking clinical research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals is an integral part of residency training. Research is prioritised and supported across Linnaeus and is overseen by our Clinical Research and Excellence Director of Clinical Research and Excellence.

Our large network of referral practices allows residents to gain additional experience in other centres, including the largest dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery department in Europe at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals and access to radiation oncology at Southfields Veterinary Specialists.

Assessment and specialist exams

For some colleges, the assessment process includes a general or theory examination, usually taken in the second year.

In all colleges, the candidate applies to sit the final certifying exam by submitting credentials, which include the publication of research papers, presentations at international conferences, logs and, for some colleges, case summaries.

The certifying exam is composed of several parts over two or three days, and success in this examination confers specialist status.

Why should you choose a Linnaeus residency?

A hospital cannot offer a residency programme without approval from the appropriate college, which ensures that the resident has exposure to an appropriate caseload and specialist supervision. At Linnaeus, we believe that residency programmes should far exceed these fundamental requirements and we provide an environment where residents can thrive having the support and resources to excel both academically and clinically.

Our residency programmes include several professional skills training sessions each year delivered by Carolyne Crowe, Head of VDS Training, on topics pertinent to their year of study, including “Balancing clinical work, research, study and downtime” and “Setting yourself up for exam success”.

Clinical research is an important part of all residency programmes. There were over 500 active research projects within Linnaeus in 2020. Residents are well supported to undertake clinical research by our specialists. Clinical research leads in each of our hospitals and the Clinical Research and Excellence Director. From January 2022, our residency programme will also include a year-long taught clinical research course.

All residents are invited to an annual Residents’ Training Day, where residents from all specialisms across the group are brought together to network and connect for a day of professional skills and wellbeing sessions.

There are many shared journal clubs, book clubs and resident teaching rounds across the group facilitated by the state of the art “hub rooms” in our referral practices. Residents are also supported in their exam preparation and we provide mock exams in several disciplines.

The Linnaeus Internship and Residency Manager (I&RM) oversees residency programmes across the group. All resident teams meet with the I&RM twice a year for a check-in meeting and are supported throughout their programmes.

We are strongly focused on providing an environment that supports mental health and wellbeing. All our Residency Programme Directors and Supervisors are trained in mentoring and coaching and have the opportunity to be trained as mental health first aiders.

Career progression

Our Referral Talent Acquisition Specialist and the Internship and Residency Manager work closely with our residents to ensure that they can progress their careers within Linnaeus or the wider Mars Veterinary Health group and support them through the transition from resident to Specialist.

Working as a specialist

As a large network of specialist-led referral practices, we have plenty of opportunities for our clinicians to develop their careers as specialists when they are ready to move on from residency posts.

Linnaeus currently offers residency programmes in the following disciplines and practices:

EBVS Links:

 

How to apply

Residency programmes are available to veterinary clinicians with a passion for pursuing careers in specialist practice and the drive to work at the forefront of the profession. Candidates with a strong interest in clinical research and teaching, as well as clinical development, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates have typically spent at least one year in primary care practice and completed a rotating internship.

Applicants must be eligible for full membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). A high standard of written and spoken English is essential, as effective communication is a key part of working within a multidisciplinary referral practice and all examinations are conducted in English.

Residency programmes are advertised throughout the year, please visit our Careers section. Potential candidates are encouraged to arrange a visit (covid dependent) to see a practice prior to submitting an application.

To view our latest residency vacancies, click here.

Want to learn more?

If you have specific questions about Linnaeus residency programmes or want to discuss in further detail if the opportunities within Linnaeus would be right for you, please contact our Internship and Residency Manager Natasha Hetzel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

View our residency vacancies