Excellent private practice Veterinary Dermatology Residency available starting July 2026 at Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic in Livonia, Michigan. The hospital is part of Thrive Pet Healthcare veterinary group, and a close collaborator with Dermatology for Animals (also part of Thrive). Applications welcome now, the opportunity is open for a pre-Match decision.

Program Overview: The residency program will be a three-year program starting July 13, 2026 and being completed July 12, 2029 The resident is expected to qualify for and take the ACVD board examination in November 2029. A 3-year employment commitment with Thrive Pet Healthcare after residency completion is required. Longer-term employment is expected to be offered.

Facilities:
Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic is a referral dermatology practice serving southeast Michigan. It is a single specialty hospital where the staff and the facilities are focused on veterinary dermatology. As one of only 3 full-time veterinary dermatologists in the entire state of Michigan, this hospital will allow the resident to see a wide range of dermatology cases. We are closely associated with Dermatology for Animals, a group of dermatology-only hospitals scattered throughout the nation. Because of this close association, the resident will have the opportunity to interact with the group of 15+ board-certified dermatologists and 5 dermatology residents (with new residents taken yearly). This unique opportunity allows for a close one-on-one mentorship with the backing of a larger group. Once weekly the group meets virtually to review journal articles. These meetings allow the resident the opportunity to hear and participate in discussions regarding the most cutting-edge dermatology research, as well as learn from cases presented by the residents. The resident will also be expected to attend monthly resident book reviews of one of the fundamental veterinary dermatology textbooks. Reading assignments may additionally be assigned when important for or relevant to a particular case seen in clinics. In addition, once a month the group will meet to learn about structure and function of the skin. The resident is encouraged to participate in these sessions.

Locally, the resident will meet twice monthly with the mentor, the dermatologist from MSU, a dermatologist from Idexx laboratories, and a dermatopathologist from MSU to review journal articles and review dermatopathology.

Once monthly a national group of dermatology residents and mentors will meet virtually for structure and function review. This is a much wider group of veterinarians than the other meetings.

Once every 2-3 months a national group of dermatology residents and interns will meet virtually for dermatopathology rounds led by Dr David Gardiner (pathologist).

Clinical pathology is available utilizing Idexx, Antech, and Michigan State University laboratories. Dermatopathology service currently is provided by Dr. Erica Noland DVM, DACVP and David Gardiner DVM, DACVP. Dr. Loeffler meets with the residents on a regular basis to review clinical cases and illustrative histopathology specimens from teaching sets.

The hospital contains examination and treatment rooms dedicated to dermatology practice. Facilities are well-equipped to provide all routine dermatologic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including binocular microscope (3), gas anesthesia delivery and monitoring equipment (3), intradermal allergy testing kits, etc. Additional specialty equipment includes a 30-watt diode surgical laser, Storz video-otoscope, ultrasonography and digital radiology. The practice is fully computerized. Internet access is available.
On site, CT scans are available with prior arrangement.

Caseload:
This is a busy practice with a high caseload, and the resident will have exposure to a wide variety of dermatology cases. The resident will gain experience in the most up-to-date technologies and procedures in veterinary dermatology, including video otoscopy, myringotomy, diode laser techniques, cold laser, intradermal skin testing, skin biopsies, mass removals, electrocautery, cytology, CT scan interpretation of otitis, and case management of a wide variety of dermatologic diseases.

The resident will work an average of 40 hours weekly. Appointments are currently seen Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:00 am to 5 pm (alternating with every other Friday off clinics to allow for journal club and histopath). Weekend appointments may be seen in the future; if so, the resident may be asked to work one Saturday/month. The resident will work closely with the technicians and Dr Bloom.

Initially, all cases will be seen by Dr Bloom, and the resident will shadow Dr Bloom for all appointments. As the resident becomes more comfortable with case management, the resident will have primary case responsibility. The resident will share responsibility for obtaining proper dermatology histories, performing and documenting dermatologic exams, writing records +/- discharges (usually performed by the technicians), and helping to call back clients and referring clinicians. Many procedures (e.g., biopsies, ear flushes, skin testing, obtaining and interpreting cytologies) will be initially performed by Dr Bloom with the resident observing, then co-performed with Dr Bloom, and then independently. Initially, Dr Bloom will review dermatopathology and cytology results along with any other laboratory results received from the resident. With more experience, the resident will be expected to present these results and interpretations to Dr Bloom to enable the resident to improve on their diagnostic skills. Daily/weekly case reviews will be performed with Dr Bloom as much as possible.

The resident is expected to be highly motivated and to work well with our experienced technicians, our well-trained hospital support staff, and the doctors, technicians, and support staff of the Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets. Expectations include:
- Initially, assist Dr Bloom in the daily outpatient dermatology appointments. Primary case responsibility will be expected, the paced based on the individual's progress and performance.
-Maintain medical records including communications in accordance with the standards of Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets
-Participate in procedures (e.g., skin biopsies, intradermal allergy testing, video otoscopy, etc.)
-Assist technicians with patient care
-Respond to client phone calls
-Perform physical examinations of patients that are to be sedated or placed under anesthesia, and be comfortable with established anesthetic protocols

-Be proficient in phlebotomy and obtaining urine for laboratory testing, as well as in animal restraint for physical examination and procedures (e.g., phlebotomy, biopsies, otic exams)
-Answer clients' and referral veterinarians' questions
-Participate in teaching senior veterinary students if they perform an externship with Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets
-Develop or review client education materials for common conditions, procedures, and treatments
-Participation in dermatology journal club and book review, and daily/weekly case review with the Dr Bloom

Give a virtual presentation of two cases and one review paper summary to Dr Bloom, dermatology residents, and board-eligible dermatologists from Dermatology for Animals.

The resident will be reviewed by Dr Bloom and team members twice yearly. This review will address clinical competency, progress in performing required duties, and progress in learning basic clinical-related sciences as they relate to veterinary dermatology. Constructive direction will be provided in addressing/correcting any obvious deficiencies. If there is a problem, this will be corrected, or the resident is subject to termination of the position with a one month's notice.

Residency format:
1. A full-time 3-year program.
2. Time is divided between
a. Observational training: During year one only- typically the first 2-3 months depending on the resident
b. Clinical training
c. Off-clinics time: reading, research, case reports, presentation, etc.
d. Continuing education: North American Dermatology Forum yearly, preceptor-approved programs

e. Annual attendance to the Thrive House Officer Symposium

3. Division of time is designed to meet or exceed ACVD residency requirements for clinical training (300-day minimum, 390 anticipated), histopathology competency, and instruction in foundations in dermatology, while providing adequate study time to complete research, case reports, presentations, directed study and independent reading.
4. Formal instruction will be provided by the preceptor and approved mentors of sufficient breadth and depth to develop a firm foundation in basic science, clinical science, and histopathology.
Additional information about Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets can be found at our website:http://www.vetdermdoc.com
Additional information about Livonia, Michigan can be found at: Community Profile | Livonia, MI

Also Ann Arbor Michigan is a 20-minute drive from Livonia -more information about the area can be found by visiting Living in Ann Arbor, MI | U.S. News Best Places (usnews.com)=

As part of Thrive Pet Healthcare's community of 350+ hospitals in 37 states, Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets supports our house officers in numerous ways. Like you, for Thrive care' isn't just a word. It's present in everything we do, driven by a dedication to the animals and families we help. We believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice your well-being, goals, or individuality to do this. We take actions to empower you to provide the best care for pets, the people who love them, and yourself through progressive career & learning options, benefits, and support. You will be surrounded by those who understand you, your work, and what you're experiencing day in and day-out. Throughout our hospitals across the country and with our university partners, Thrive is committed to supporting the education of veterinarians through externships, internships, and residencies that further what we can do for Animals and for one another. Feel free to contact Jennifer Hall at jennifer.hall@thrivepet.com with any questions.

You can learn more about all our Medical Excellence & Education programs at -https://careers.thrivepetcare.com/us/en/home#medical-exc
At Thrive Pet Healthcare, we celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and diversity of all our team members, pet parents, and pets. We strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where all team members belong and feel empowered.

Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets is an Equal Opportunity Employer - No employee will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or disability.