Finding Your Path: What Three Rotating Interns Want Veterinary Students to Know
October 28, 2026
Every veterinarian follows a different career path, but the right training and guidance can make all the difference in what comes next.
Across Ethos, internship and residency programs provide hands-on clinical experience, competency-based learning, and mentorship from experienced veterinarians. Within our network of 140+ specialty and emergency hospitals, interns and residents gain exposure to diverse caseloads and disciplines while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch their careers.
To offer a firsthand look at these opportunities, we caught up with the 2026–2027 rotating intern class at Bulger Veterinary Hospital in Lawrence, MA, to hear what drew them to a rotating internship, what they’ve learned so far, and what they would tell veterinary students considering a similar path.
Shayla C., DVM | Associate Veterinarian – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2026
Interested in specializing in surgery or oncology, Shayla pursued a rotating internship for additional clinical training before entering practice. Bulger stood out for its combination of surgical and general practice experience. One highlight of her internship has been working with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA):
“The opportunity to practice shelter medicine while gaining additional surgical experience has allowed me to expand my clinical skills and explore different aspects of veterinary medicine,” Shayla shared.
For students considering internships, Shayla emphasizes looking for programs that provide primary case responsibility and active involvement in clinical decisions.
“It’s important to find a program that allows interns to take an active role in clinical decision making and case management,” she said. “Without this level of responsibility, it can be easy to remain in an observational or assisting role, rather than developing the confidence needed for clinical practice.”
Sarah G., DVM | Associate Veterinarian – Tufts University, Class of 2026
After a career in the military, Sarah entered veterinary medicine at age 29. Coming from a different professional background, she sought a rotating internship to build a strong clinical foundation and develop the skills needed to become a confident veterinarian.
“I truly feel as if I am not only learning medicine in a clinical environment, but I am also learning how to be a good doctor,” she shared. “Most everyone at Bulger has a strong desire to teach and share knowledge.”
Sarah plans to pursue general practice, with interests in surgery, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, and rural outreach.
She encourages students to consider rotating internships even if they do not plan to specialize.
“The structured teaching program and built-in mentorship are invaluable for learning… and the team makes the experience.”
Sydney S., DVM | Associate Veterinarian – Washington State University, Class of 2026
Sydney chose Bulger for its unique general practice component, exposure to multiple specialties, and emphasis on work-life balance. So far, the support and mentorship she has received from the Bulger team have been highlights of her experience.
“Every doctor at Bulger has been nothing but wonderful and eager to help us learn,” she said. “Doctors are always grabbing us to look at an interesting case with them, so it’s nice to know they’re thinking of us.”
Following her internship, Sydney hopes to pursue general practice with a focus on soft tissue surgery, potentially incorporating emergency and shelter medicine. She encourages students to consider the value of added training, regardless of their career goals.
“You will learn things you didn’t even know you were missing, and I think your overall patient care will improve tremendously,” Sydney shared.
Whether pursuing specialization or preparing for general practice, a rotating internship can be a defining step in a veterinarian’s career. Shayla, Sarah, and Sydney each entered Bulger with different backgrounds and goals, but their experiences highlight the value of hands-on responsibility, dedicated mentorship, and continued clinical learning early in a veterinary career.
Ready to explore what could be next? Applications through VIRMP open November 1st and close January 4th. Explore 2027 internship and residency programs available across Ethos Veterinary Health, NVA’s premier network of specialty and emergency care.