GROW YOUR CAREER WITH VSA
WANT TO TAKE YOUR VET CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
VSA CAN HELP
VSA Rotating Internship
The VSA Internship programme was established in 2002 in association with Zoetis (previously Pfizer). Our programme has proven to be very successful in achieving its primary goal of providing a pathway for veterinarians to progress to specialisation.
Since 2002, over 20 interns have completed our programme with more than half earning specialist status in their chosen fields of surgery, internal medicine, radiology, dermatology and cardiology after completing residency programmes in North America, the UK and Australia.
LEARN FROM LEADING SPECIALISTS IN THE VETERINARY INDUSTRY
World-Class Internship Structure
Our programme is well structured with the support of 6 specialist surgeons, 2 specialists in radiology, 3 internal medicine specialists, 1 specialist in anaesthesia and 1 specialist in cardiology.
VSA also has a supportive group of residents in both surgery and internal medicine that are also integral in the growth and development of our interns.
With over 130 clinical and support staff spread over our 3 hospitals in Auckland and Christchurch there is always someone to help and guide our interns through any task.
Being a valued member of the VSA whanau means that everyone within the team wants to see our interns succeed on their chosen career path.
WHAT DOES THE VSA INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME LOOK LIKE?
Over 12 months our interns rotate through all of the departments in our hospitals
Surgery
Learning from our team of specialist surgeons, registrars and residents, our interns see the most up to date and innovative procedures and techniques.
Our comprehensive range of specialist veterinary surgery services include but are not limited to:
- Brain surgery
- Spinal stabilization
- Orthopaedic, neuro, soft tissue and urogenital surgery
- Skin reconstruction
- Total hip replacement
- Arthroscopy
Diagnostic Imaging
Our interns work alongside our 2 specialist radiologists, resident and imaging nursing team.
Working with the radiology department at VSA provides constant challenges and learning opportunities which aids in the growth of our interns.
At VSA we have the following in-house diagnostic tools:
- digital radiography
- CT
- multiple dual-purpose trolley-based ultrasound systems
- C-arm fluoroscopy
We also have access to off-site high-field MRI, PET-CT, and radiation therapy.
Internal Medicine
Our VSA Internal Medicine service is made up of a team of specialists and residents.
Our interns will see how these clinicians provide a personalised and detailed diagnostic and treatment plan for a wide range of medical conditions in our patients. During rotations interns will be involved in providing medicine services in the following areas:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- VSA Cancer Care
Cardiology
The newest rotation in our intern programme is VSA Cardiology, launched in 2022.
Following Dr Keaton Morgan, interns experience all parts of a cardiology case from the initial consult, the work-up, right through to treatment.
We also specialise in minimally invasive interventional procedures which our interns get to be involved in during their cardiology rotations.
- Patent ductus arterioles (PDA) occlusion
- Pulmonic stenosis balloon valvuloplasty and stent therapy
- Artificial pacemaker placement
- Subarotic stenosis cutting balloon valvuloplasty
- Intravascular stenting
Animal Emergency
Working alongside our incredible Animal Emergency team gives the interns an insight on how to deal with cases when they are yet to be stabilised.
During the AE rotation our interns have a great opportunity to develop their client communication and practical skills in a well supported environment.
Being part of VSA means that the AE team has full access to the specialist facilities of our hospitals.
WHERE ARE OUR INTERNS NOW?
Dr James Sutherland-Smith
(2003)
James is a specialist in diagnostic imaging and is working in North America.
Dr Wendy Archipow
(2004)
Wendy is a specialist in small animal surgery and is currently working in Australia
Dr Thurid Johnstone
(2005)
Thurid is a specialist internal medicine and is currently working in Australia
Dr Kyle Clark
(2007)
Kyle is a specialist in small animal surgery and is currently working at VSA.
Dr Debbie Simpson
(2008)
Debbie is a specialist veterinary dermatologist and is currently working in Auckland.
Dr Elyshia Hankin
(2009)
Elyshia is a specialist in diagnostic imaging and is currently working in North America.
Dr Tom McNaughton
(2010)
Tom is currently working in the UK as a GP.
Dr Dominique Sawyere
(2011)
Dominque is a specialist in small animal surgery and is currently working in North America.
Dr Kat Littlewood
(2013)
Kat completed a PhD and is currently working at Massey University.
Dr Philomena Tuohy
(2014)
Philomena is currently working in the UK as a veterinary anaesthetist.
Dr Brianna Dalbeth
(2015)
Brianna is a specialist in small animal surgery and is currently working in North America.
Dr Keaton Morgan
(2017)
Keaton is a specialist in cardiology and is currently working at VSA.
Dr Edward Hart
(2018)
Edward is currently completing his residency in small animal surgery at VSA
Dr Miriam Bates
(2018)
Miriam is specialist in small animal surgery currently working in North America.
Dr Huiyu Lu
(2019)
Huiyu is currently completing a surgical internship in North America.
Dr Hannah Cleary
(2020)
Hannah is currently working for Hills in Auckland.
Dr Laura Kelly
(2020)
Laura is currently working as an emergency veterinarian in the Waikato.
Dr Emily Ball
(2021)
Emily is currently completing a surgical residency in North America.
Dr Chantelle Wallbridge
(2021)
Chantelle is currently working as a GP in Auckland.
Dr Alex Walker
(2021)
Alex is currently completing an internal medicine residency in North America.
Dr Ryan Philips
(2022)
Ryan is currently completing his residency in small animal surgery at VSA.
Dr Isobel MacEwan
(2022)
Isobel is currently completing her residency in radiology at VSA.
Dr Katrina Tang
(2022)
Katrina is currently working in the UK as a GP veterinarian.
Dr Kayla Gardiner
(2022)
Kayla is currently working as a GP veterinarian in Australia.
Clear Expectations For Everyone
Our interns are expected to fully participate in case management and perioperative care of cases in the hospital. They are also required to attend regular journal clubs, case rounds and other CPD events.
A requirement of this programme is also to prepare a case report or review article suitable for publication and to present at seminar or conference. VSA holds an annual CPD event in Auckland which our interns are required to present at in both the vet and nurse streams.
It is the intention of this program to enable our interns to be competitive in applications for further postgrad training programs (internships or residencies) in university teaching hospitals anywhere in the world.
VSA Animal Emergency Mentorship
JOIN OUR TEAM AND WE'LL HELP YOU REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL!
APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 ARE NOW OPEN
Want to be part of an exciting and rewarding 12 month rotating internship programme and get started on your specialist path? Email us below with your cover letter and C.V.
VSA ANIMAL EMERGENCY MENTORSHIP
Our Mentorship Programme is new to VSA in 2022 and it falls on the spectrum between an internship and a full-time paid position.
This role is aimed at new graduates who want to pursue small animal clinical practice and are looking to develop their experience. It is equally suited for future general practice vets as those who are not sure which area of clinical practice interests them.
Our goal is to provide our mentees with a great opportunity to develop client communication and practical clinical skills in a well supported environment, as well as experience what referral private practice offers.
At the end of the 12 months with us our mentees will be well equipped to move forward into whatever area of veterinary medicine they enjoy most – whether it be general practice, an internship or further specialisation.
What Does the VSA AE Mentorship Look Like?
Working as an AE Vet
The mentorship programme is structured so that the Mentees always feel supported. There is no pressure to progress before you are ready, but the opportunity is there.
Rotations through the specialist departments
During the 12 month programme, 3 months are spent rotating through the referral services within the VSA hospitals.
Being part of a supportive team
When you join VSA you are joining a team that prides itself on being a supportive whanau. Whatever time of day you are in the hospitals there is always someone there to help and support you when needed.
Is the VSA Mentorship Programme for you?
Apply now for our 2025 intake!
Want to be part of an exciting and rewarding 12 month Mentorship Programme? Email us below with your cover letter and C.V
Applications for 2025 are now open.
