Instructor/Resident-Fixed Term
About The Position
The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine is offering a four-year residency in Comparative Ophthalmology. The residency provides advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing ophthalmic diseases in small and large animals. It prepares residents for ABVO board certification while strengthening clinical, teaching, and research skills. Residents gain broad experience in patient care, student instruction, and conducting publishable research. The goal of the program is to develop evidence-based clinicians ready for careers in academic or private ophthalmology practice. No additional degree is awarded. The successful candidate will contribute to the clinical, teaching, and research missions of the Ophthalmology service at MSU under the supervision of five faculty ophthalmologists, alongside two residents and two VOTS nurses. The service handles a diverse small and large animal caseload, with opportunities to work with exotic and zoo species. Equipped with a state-of-the-art diagnostic suite featuring advanced imaging and diagnostic modalities, the Ophthalmology service operates within the modern MSU Veterinary Medical Center facilities, including dedicated technical support and specialized examination and surgical suites. Residents participate in regular house officer seminars, journal and book clubs, and case rounds. They present seminars annually on topics of their choice. While on clinical service, residents take an active role in student teaching and assessment and may assist in pre-clinical laboratories. Additional opportunities for didactic teaching are available. Research productivity is supported and expected throughout the residency. Residents must complete at least two first-author manuscript to fulfill program requirements, promoting literature engagement and writing experience. Each resident is assigned a faculty mentor who provides guidance on clinical, research, and seminar activities for the duration of the program. Appointments are annual and renewed based on satisfactory progress until program completion. Residents receive performance evaluations at least twice yearly, with additional reviews as needed. Assessments cover clinical and teaching performance, research productivity, professionalism, interpersonal skills, and adherence to hospital policies.
Requirements
- Completion of a one-year internship or equivalent clinical experience.
- Eligibility for employment in the U.S. (U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or those eligible for a TN visa from Mexico or Canada).
- Proof of passing NAVLE score required to start the program.
- Personal statement (one-page PDF) addressing residency expectations, future professional goals, and anticipated contributions to the MSU ophthalmology service.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Three letters of reference sent directly from reference.
- Transcripts for each veterinary school attended (including separate clinical year school) with school name, location, degree, GPA, class rank, academic honors, and official PDF.
- Michigan Clinical Academic Limited and Controlled Substance licenses.
- Ability to obtain necessary licenses.
Nice To Haves
- Visit MSU as part of the application process (optional).
Responsibilities
- Diagnosing, treating, and preventing ophthalmic diseases in small and large animals.
- Strengthening clinical, teaching, and research skills.
- Gaining broad experience in patient care, student instruction, and conducting publishable research.
- Contributing to the clinical, teaching, and research missions of the Ophthalmology service.
- Participating in regular house officer seminars, journal and book clubs, and case rounds.
- Presenting seminars annually on topics of their choice.
- Taking an active role in student teaching and assessment while on clinical service.
- Assisting in pre-clinical laboratories.
- Completing at least two first-author manuscripts.
- Working with exotic and zoo species.
Benefits
- Full faculty benefits.
- Medical and dental coverage.
- Optional retirement eligibility after 24 months of continuous employment at 50% time or more.
- Professional liability insurance.
- Vacation days.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
