Position Summary

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.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Minimum Requirements

• Completion of a one-year internship or equivalent clinical experience is required.
• Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or those eligible for a TN visa from Mexico or Canada.

Applicants may but are not required to visit MSU as part of the application. For selected candidates, a Zoom interview may be a part of the application/selection process.

Required Application Materials

Application materials:

1) Personal statement

Submit a one-page personal statement in PDF format addressing your residency expectations and future professional goals. Include your anticipated contributions to the MSU ophthalmology service, highlighting relevant life experiences, background, activities, or unique characteristics that would meaningfully enhance the program.

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Three letters of reference sent directly from reference.

4) Proof of passing NAVLE score required to start the program.

5) Transcripts

For each veterinary school attended - including any separate clinical year school - enter the following information in your application packet.

• School name, location
• Degree
• GPA (If your school does not provide GPA, enter NA)
• Class Rank (If your school does not provide class rank, enter NA)
• Academic honors
• PDF of your official transcript
•  

Information needed to apply:

• Your Contact Information
• School Granting your Veterinary Degree
• Special Disciplinary Interest
• Your Current Position
• Publications, research or other pertinent experience
• Post-DVM Training Programs Completed
• Work Authorization

 

Applicants must submit transcripts via email as scanned copies of official transcripts or official electronic PDFs. Web-based academic records or unofficial documents are not accepted. All identifying details—including institution name, applicant name, course titles, and grades—must be clear and legible, with both sides of each transcript scanned. Transcripts not in English must include a certified English translation. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all submissions meet these requirements.

 

The selected candidate will be appointed as an Instructor/Resident in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. The program does not include formal coursework. Full faculty benefits are provided, including medical and dental coverage, with optional retirement eligibility after 24 months of continuous employment at 50% time or more. Professional liability insurance and vacation days are included. Weekly duties typically require 40 hours with additional hours as needed for patient care.

 

Clinical practice at the MSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital requires Michigan Clinical Academic Limited and Controlled Substance licenses. The Clinical Academic Limited license meets this requirement and does not require testing beyond the NAVLE. Application fees are reimbursable, while other costs such as transcripts, background checks, or license verifications may be the resident’s responsibility. Detailed guidance will be provided to assist with licensure, and proof of a passing NAVLE score is required before the program begins.

Review of Applications Begins On

11/16/2026

Summary of Health Risks

Works with animals and unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/scs

Department Statement

We believe veterinarians make the world a better place. The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (SCS) is committed to educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and bringing our skills and knowledge together to provide the best clinical services available.

The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences offers graduate programs through the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology program, a residency program, a DVM degree, a veterinary nursing program, and specialty continuing education for practicing veterinarians.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.