DoveLewis Unveils Oregon’s Only Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Residency Program

PORTLAND, Ore. – DoveLewis, the region’s only nonprofit, 24-hour veterinary hospital, is thrilled to launch Oregon’s only Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) Residency Program. Beginning in July 2025, this three-year program will provide advanced training to two resident veterinarians annually, with the goal of shaping the next generation of specialists in veterinary critical care.

Residents will gain extensive experience managing a wide range of emergent and critical cases at one of the busiest emergency animal hospitals in the country, which is also a VECCS Level 1 facility—one of fewer than 20 in the nation. The program utilizes DoveLewis' state-of-the-art technology and expert specialists, including five Critical Care Specialists (Criticalists). These resources provide residents with invaluable learning opportunities as they work toward becoming board-certified Criticalists, preparing them to handle complex cases and deliver the highest standard of care.

“DoveLewis is dedicated to elevating the standard of veterinary care, not only in Oregon but across the country,” said Dr. Hannah Marshall, DoveLewis Criticalist and Residency Program Director. “Our residency is designed to develop highly skilled and compassionate Criticalists who will lead their hospitals and provide the highest quality care for pets and their families.”

Comprehensive Training in a Premier Environment

The DoveLewis ECC Residency Program offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience in a high-volume emergency setting. Key aspects of the program include:

• Mentorship: Residents work closely with experienced Criticalists and emergency doctors, receiving guidance and mentorship in real-world clinical scenarios.
• Advanced Technology: Residents train with cutting-edge equipment and technology, including Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), a 64-slice CT, and more, enhancing their expertise.
• Supportive Culture: The program fosters teamwork, professional development, and strong communication skills, supporting residents as both clinicians and future leaders. It also offers emotional well-being resources, including guidance from DoveLewis’ veterinary well-being program director and a dedicated resident support group.

“At DoveLewis, our residency creates a collaborative and structured journey toward becoming a board-certified Criticalist,” said Dr. Marshall. “With a strong focus on the standards of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC), residents gain invaluable experience in a fast-paced hospital alongside experts in the field while also developing essential well-being skills for lasting success in their veterinary careers.”

Shaping the Future of Veterinary Critical Care

Managing over 26,000 emergency cases annually, DoveLewis gives residents a comprehensive education, from routine emergencies to complex critical care. Residents will rotate through the ER, ICU, and various specialty departments, including neurology and cardiology, honing their diagnostic, treatment, and leadership skills.

“The breadth of experience our residents gain is unmatched,” said Dr. Marshall. They’ll receive training in critical areas such as case management, diagnostics, client communication, leadership, and self-care, equipping them to thrive in this demanding field.”

Through the ECC Residency Program, DoveLewis continues its commitment to innovation in veterinary care, offering advanced training and leadership development to shape the future of veterinary medicine.

Applications open November 1, 2024, on Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program’s website and close January 6, 2025, with match results announced on March 3, 2025.

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