A veterinary clinical academic combines research, teaching and clinical practice.
While academic veterinarians historically needed specialist qualifications to work and teach in referral hospitals, there is now greater emphasis on strong clinical skills and primary care. Many universities now run first-opinion clinics, making academic roles accessible even without specialisation. This means there are multiple pathways into veterinary clinical academia.
Your journey can begin during veterinary school through teaching assistant roles, research projects or EMS placements at university hospitals. The Standard to Specialism pathway supports gradual progression, allowing you to pursue postgraduate qualifications and research as your interests and career develop.
Early exposure to research
Gaining research experience early in your veterinary career can provide a strong foundation for clinical academia. This can include summer research projects, internships, placements at university hospitals or an intercalated year—a dedicated year within your veterinary degree to focus on research or an additional qualification. An intercalated year allows you to explore scientific questions in depth, develop practical skills and gain a better understanding of the research process.
Early exposure to research helps you discover your interests, build essential skills in study design, data analysis and scientific communication, and develop confidence in balancing clinical work with research. It may also lead to further opportunities, such as a PhD, fellowship or independent investigator roles, while keeping a clinical career in sight.
While not essential to become a clinical academic, participating in research early not only strengthens your academic portfolio but also allows you to contribute to advances in veterinary science, shaping the future of animal and public health.
INSPIRE undergraduate research
INSPIRE is a scheme coordinated by the Academy of Medical Sciences and supported by the Wellcome Trust that allows medical, dental and veterinary undergraduates to engage with research. INSPIRE offers funding to medical, dental and veterinary schools across the country to enable them to deliver locally designed activities aimed at informing and exciting students about the benefits and potential of a career in research.
The Academy of Medical Sciences is currently reviewing this programme but more detail can be found on their website.
Pathway to specialism
In a veterinary clinical academic career, gaining hands-on experience is just as important as earning qualifications. Rotating internships, specialist internships and residencies provide structured training, mentorship and a clear route toward specialisation and academic roles. They also offer flexibility to move between private practice and university settings. Similar schemes exist for veterinarians specialising in private practice.
For those interested in clinical academia, it’s particularly valuable to undertake these training programmes within a university, where you can engage directly with students and research. Completing these schemes also supports future applications for Specialist status with the RCVS.
