During the first year, the residents are assigned to the orthopedic or soft tissue service, each for five months. The option exists to tailor training to emphasize either soft tissue or orthopedics in the second and third years. Two-week rotations in anesthesia and pathology are scheduled. Residents conduct daily surgical ward rounds with the intern and senior students assigned to the service. Residents assist in teaching the student small animal surgical laboratories and may present lectures to veterinary and nursing students.
Residents are responsible for surgical emergencies at night during the week and on weekends.
Each second and third year resident has one day per week for professional development. Performance of the resident will be evaluated twice annually by the surgery faculty. These meetings will give the resident a formal opportunity for critique of the surgery program. There is no licensure requirement. Health and Professional liability insurance and a two week vacation annually are provided.