Specialty Internship (ZEMS)

Description

Specialty Internship- Zoological Companion Animal 

Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists | Buzzards Bay & Dennis, MA

Program Dates: July 12, 2027 – July 9, 2028
Annual Salary: $80,000
Positions Available: 1

Are you a veterinarian who enjoys working with exotic animals and wants to continue developing your clinical skills in zoological companion animal medicine?

Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists (CCVS) is accepting applications for our new Zoological Companion Animal Specialty Internship set to begin in July 2027.

This one-year program offers hands-on experience in exotic animal medicine, surgery, anesthesia, and emergency care, with mentorship from our board-certified Zoological Medicine Specialist, Dr. Kyra Berg, DACZM, and support from our emergency and specialty teams.

Our Zoo Exotics Medicine Service (ZEMS) treats a variety of species, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, with small mammals and birds making up the majority of our current caseload.

About the Internship

This program is designed for veterinarians who have completed a rotating internship and want to further develop their knowledge, clinical judgment, and confidence in zoological companion animal medicine.

Throughout the year, you will have opportunities to:

• Manage zoological companion animal cases, including emergency presentations, diagnostics, treatment, and hospitalization.
• Develop skills in exotic animal anesthesia, sedation protocols, and surgical procedures.
• Gain experience with endoscopy, stomatoscopy, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory interpretation.
• Progress toward primary case management and surgical responsibilities with specialist guidance.
• Participate in daily case rounds, weekly teaching rounds, and continuing education.
• Work alongside specialists in emergency and critical care, surgery, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, and other specialties.
• Work in both the Buzzards Bay and Dennis locations as needed by the department.

• The internship focuses primarily on zoological companion animals, with up to 30% of your shifts rotating specifically with the emergency and critical care department and will include canine and feline emergency cases in addition to ZEMS cases.
• • Emergency, weekend, holiday, and on-call responsibilities are part of the program, with specialist support available.

Mentorship and Clinical Development

At CCVS, we recognize that a specialty internship is an important step in developing your career.

You'll receive structured mentorship, regular feedback, and increasing clinical responsibility as your skills develop. Our program includes formal evaluations, educational rounds, and opportunities to strengthen your medical and surgical decision-making.

You'll also have access to advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment, including CT, ultrasound, digital radiography, endoscopy, and comprehensive in-house laboratory services.

Compensation and Benefits

• $80,000 annual salary, with a moving allowance
• Continuing education allowance
• Vacation, sick, and continuing education days
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Reimbursement for Massachusetts veterinary and controlled substance licensing and DEA registration
• Professional memberships and liability insurance coverage
• Scrub allowance and access to veterinary social work support

Qualifications

• Applicants must have completed, or be on track to complete, a one-year rotating veterinary internship before the program begins.
• Candidates must meet all Massachusetts veterinary licensure requirements and hold an active Massachusetts veterinary license prior to the July 12, 2027, start date. Required controlled substance and DEA registrations must also be obtained before beginning the program.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the internship. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• For more information, please view the Program at the VIRMP

How to Apply

• Applications will only be accepted through the Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP), beginning November 1, 2026 and ending January 4, 2027.
• In-person interviews will be scheduled with selected candidates.

For questions about the program, please contact: Chelly Smith, MS, MBA (HRM), SHRM-CP, CVT,  at

recruiting@capecodvetspecialists.com