No. EBVS does not formally approve or accredit internship programmes, so when you are evaluating options you are largely on your own. That makes choosing well more important, not less. Here is what to look for.

Supervision versus service delivery

The most important question to ask about any internship is whether it is structured around your learning or around the hospital's staffing needs. A good internship gives you protected time with experienced clinicians who are genuinely invested in your development. A poor one uses interns as cheap labour to cover gaps in the rota. Ask directly: what proportion of your time will be spent in supervised clinical work versus on-call and out-of-hours cover?

Track record into residency

Find out how many previous interns from that programme have gone on to secure residency positions, and where. A programme with a strong pipeline into recognised residencies is a meaningful signal that the training is substantive and that the supervising clinicians have the networks and credibility to support your next step.

Caseload and variety

Volume matters, but so does diversity. Ask about the typical caseload, which species and disciplines you will rotate through, and whether you will have genuine hands-on involvement in cases or mainly observe. Breadth of exposure during an internship makes you a stronger residency candidate.

Who supervises you

Check whether the clinicians supervising you hold Diplomate status or equivalent specialist qualifications. Supervision from practising specialists significantly increases the quality of feedback you will receive and the calibre of the reference letters you will leave with.

Reputation in your target speciality

Ask around. Speak to recent graduates, post on specialist forums, and contact the College you are hoping to apply to for a residency. Some programmes are well regarded within specific specialities; others are not. This intelligence is freely available if you seek it out.

Information for prospective residents

Information for prospective residents