Vets from around the globe choose the Dick Vet to further their clinical training. The Hospital for Small Animals recently welcomed its largest cohort of residents to begin their Professional Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVetMed) training.Eleven vets, some of whom have travelled from as far away as New Zealand, arrived in Scotland’s capital to begin their four-year residencies at the world-class hospital.Global reputationThe Hospital for Small Animals, part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, has an outstanding record for resident training. It attracts qualified vets from around the globe keen to further their professional clinical training under the supervision of its more than 40 European and American Diplomates and RCVS Specialists.Residents are drawn to the Hospital’s international reputation for training excellence, clinical expertise, cutting-edge facilities and world-class research. I was keen to apply for a residency with the Oncology Service after visiting the Hospital in 2023. I was impressed by the lovely team, busy caseload and relevant research. Studying in Edinburgh was a huge attraction too, and I am looking forward to lots of hiking and camping trips in the Highlands over the next few years. Dr Isabelle Ng MRCVS Resident in Veterinary Oncology, Hospital for Small Animals I wanted to study at The Hospital for Small Animals due to its reputation for excellence in clinical training and research, particularly in diagnostic imaging. I appreciate the wide range of imaging modalities and case variety, including exotics, that is available here. My interactions with the team prior to applying gave me a strong sense that this was a professional yet friendly and welcoming environment - an ideal place to continue my training. Dr Paulina Ziobro MRCVS Resident in Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Small Animals Professional trainingThe Hospital has trained around 100 vets since it began offering clinical residencies in 2010. Its residents, in addition to studying towards a DVetMed, work towards European Board Certification, giving them the opportunity to achieve the highest clinical qualification in veterinary medicine - Diplomate status - in their chosen speciality.As one of the largest European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS)-approved training centres, the Hospital is able to offer well-supported residency programmes in 13 subjects, ranging from behavioural medicine to exotic medicine and ophthalmology.The Hospital was the first approved training centre in Europe to offer a residency programme in Radiation Oncology, accepting its inaugural resident in this subject in 2023. All residents spend four years gaining extensive clinical experience and undertake related training, as well as completing a research project in their chosen specialism. Following successful examination, they join an elite community of fellow DVetMeds and European Diplomates working around the world. We are extremely proud of all of our HfSA resident alumni, working as Specialists in different roles across the globe, contributing to patient care, education and research. The Hospital is a great environment to train in, with great learning opportunities and a strong community. Professor Laura Blackwood Co-Director of Clinics, Hospital for Small Animals The Hospital opens applications for residency programmes twice a year. Rotating and service specific internships are also available as well as online postgraduate study through the fully taught MVetSci Advanced Clinical Practice. For more information about professional clinical training visit https://vet.ed.ac.uk/education/clinical About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags HfSA Vet Small Animals Publication date 01 Jul, 2025
