Residencies

The Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) offers a range of structured residency programmes for veterinarians seeking to pursue advanced training and specialisation in small animal disciplines. These programmes provide internationally recognised, first-class training designed to prepare candidates for board certification. All residents are enrolled in the appropriate European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) affiliated programme (ECVIM-CA, ECVDI, ECVAA, ECVS, ECVN, or ECVD) and are expected to undertake the examinations required to achieve diplomate status within their chosen speciality. Residencies are normally of three years duration.

Programme outline

Residencies are intended for highly motivated veterinary professionals who wish to enhance their clinical skills, knowledge, and experience through supervised practice within a multi-disciplinary referral hospital. Training encompasses clinical service, preparation for specialist diploma examinations, and the development of clinical research expertise. While programme requirements vary between disciplines all residencies are primarily clinically focused. Each resident is required to complete at least one research project and prepare a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

Available programmes

Entry requirements

In most disciplines, the relevant European College requires applicants to have completed a rotating internship at an accredited training centre, or to have undertaken an equivalent period in a high-quality small animal practice (typically two years). Specific entry requirements vary between colleges, and applicants are advised to consult the website of the relevant specialist college (linked to above) for detailed criteria.

Assessment and Appraisal

Residents are subject to continuous assessment, with constructive feedback provided both formally and informally. A formal appraisal is conducted at least annually to monitor progress, ensure learning objectives are being met, and confirm that all necessary tasks are completed within the residency period. In addition to their supervisor, residents are also assigned a mentor for pastoral support and are represented at heads-of-service meetings.

Out of hours duties and holidays

In addition to their clinical and academic commitments residents should expect to undertake out-of-hours duties, including approximately eight weekends per year and 20–22 weeknights per year. As University of Liverpool employees residents are entitled to thirty days of annual leave not including bank holidays or additional leave granted over the Christmas period. 

Application process

Posts are advertised via the University vacancies website,  Veterinary Record and often through the website of the relevant European College. As demand for residencies is extremely high, it is regrettably not possible to accommodate all strong applicants. Unsolicited CVs are not accepted and will not be retained on file.

Interviews generally last 20–30 minutes and assess the applicant’s knowledge of the role and their motivation for applying. For some programmes, additional selection methods may be employed (e.g. written clinical assessments).

Selection Criteria

Further particulars for each position, including a detailed person specification, are published on the University’s website. Applicants must hold a veterinary degree and be Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS). In certain cases, candidates eligible for RCVS membership will also be considered. Strong proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. Applicants who do not meet these minimum requirements cannot be considered. Those whose first language is not English are strongly encouraged to undertake at least one year of practice as a veterinary surgeon in the UK prior to applying for SATH programmes.

Visiting the SATH prior to interview

Shortlisted candidates may be offered a short visit (typically for a day) at the discretion of the head of the service concerned.

Terms and conditions

Residents in the SATH are employed by the University of Liverpool and are staff members, not students. They are eligible for the USS pensions scheme and other staff benefits. As these are training programmes, residents are appointed to a fixed term contract.