Residency in Herpetological Medicine & Surgery

Start of the program: October 1st, 2025
Duration: 3 years

Minimum qualifications:

The candidate should hold a veterinary degree.
and have preferably graduated from an EAEVA-approved veterinary school.  A minimum of a one-year rotating internship or a 2 years full time equivalent clinical
experience in general practice (as approved by the Credentials Committee of the ECZM).
The candidate should have a profound interest in practicing clinical medicine of reptiles
and amphibians, and having previous experience in clinical and pathological medicine with
reptile and amphibian species prior to commencing a Herpetology residency will be valued.  Working knowledge of English is essential.
For more information, please contact: Dr. Tom Hellebuyck, Division of Poultry, Exotic Companion, Wildlife and Laboratory Animals
Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary
Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820-Merelbeke, Belgium
Tel: 003292647441
E-mail: Tom.Hellebuyck@UGent.be
Applications: all applications should be electronic and should be mailed to
Tom.Hellebuyck@UGent.be before June 29, 2025 at 23h59. Candidates should be available for
an (online/teleconference) interview within the first few weeks after the application deadline.

Content of the application:  A CV, outlining a summary of qualifications, publications, and work experience,
together with certified copies of qualifications (including the veterinary medicine
diploma, proof of a completed 1 year rotating internship program or
equivalent).  Two reference letters.  A motivation letter for participation to the program.

Selection process: An evaluation committee will be formed to assess the applications and to conduct the selection
process. The selection techniques to assess the candidates will include an evaluation of the written application and a structured interview. If required, the evaluation committee will reduce the applicant pool to a short-list of candidates prior to the beginning of interviews based on the
qualifications of the candidates.
Selected candidates are encouraged to take an active part in the clinical activities at the clinic
(during a minimum 3 to 5 working days period) shortly after the application deadline. This may
allow the evaluation committee to appreciate the selected candidates’ clinical and working skills.
What we offer:
Following the successful completion of two prior standard residencies in herpetological
medicine—during which both candidates credentialed within the expected timeframe and passed
the diplomate examination—we are pleased to reopen this position.
We offer a three year (subject to regular evaluation) in-depth residency training (standard program)
in herpetological medicine in a vivid clinical working and learning environment with a large
enough caseload which will enable the residents to gain knowledge and experience in medicine
and surgery of reptiles and amphibians. The resident will also carry out a research project with
regard to herpetological medicine and participate in veterinary student training. The resident will
prepare for the ECZM Herpetology examination. Residents are offered a student scholarship of
1932 euro (tax free) per month.
More information about the Herpetology residency:
https://www.eczm.eu/herpetology (ECZM Policies and Procedures Part II - Herpetology)