Dear readers,
Did you know that Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell (MSMP at Cornell) has trained 14 Interns in Shelter Medicine since 2010, with 2 more currently in training? Early in 2018, we sent out a survey to our graduated interns to learn about their work post-internship. We finally have the results in and want to share what we found with you. We had a 73% response rate. Here are the results from the information we collected from those respondents. 
- 100% of respondents are currently employed
- 100% their work includes shelter medicine practice
- The areas of shelter medicine they work in are varied
- 87% are paid full-time
- 100% have training responsibility
- 100% of our shelter medicine intern alumni agree that MSMP at Cornell prepared them for their career
- Suggested areas for increased exposure include high-volume animal control shelters, forensics/cruelty, and non-routine surgery
Here are some testimonials from our Internship in Shelter Medicine Program:
Having an opportunity to learn through the internship program was life changing. It wasn’t until later in vet school when I realized I could have a career as a shelter veterinarian and became very excited about that prospect. However, in vet school we received little to no shelter medicine training. While that is slowly improving since I’ve graduated, the internship provided me with the tools and knowledge to feel confident and component to work in a shelter. It’s extremely fulfilling knowing that I am able to use what I learned to help so many animals that may otherwise not have a chance. In my opinion, shelter medicine internships are invaluable in improving the welfare for shelter animals. – Dr. D. Boes
The internship at MSMP was life-changing and without it, it is unlikely I would have pursued a career in shelter medicine. The internship set me up to think about the big picture and problem solve to be able to provide the best possible care for shelter animals – individually and as a population. It gave me the background to feel confident and comfortable to push for changes in policy and protocol to improve the wellbeing, care, and operations at our organization. – Dr. J. Boyd
My internship gave me the confidence to jump right into the organization I currently work for and make contributions. While I still had things to learn (and still do!) I had a strong enough basis to makes changes immediately. – Dr. K. Gollon
To learn more about the Internship in Shelter Medicine Program offered by Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell, visit our website at or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
