The Business of Practice: Alternative Track Residencies

In this episode, Kim Allshouse, DVM, and Kyle Clark, VMD, discussed their experiences pursuing alternative track residencies. Both doctors gained experience in general practice before deciding to specialize (Allshouse in dentistry and Clark in sports medicine/rehabilitation). After being out of academia for years, they each decided to pursue an alternative track residency while continuing to practice.  

Both veterinarians described their biggest challenges with pursuing a residency while working full-time, including heavy travel requirements. Veterinarians must complete alternative track residencies within six years, and both guests said they have had to work hard at not falling behind on needed tasks, even for a week.  

The most fun things about the experience have been the opportunity to meet and work with multiple specialists, visit different practices, and learn multiple approaches to diagnosing and treating various conditions. Allshouse and Clark said they have enjoyed pursuing their specialties and watching their skill sets grow exponentially. 

In closing, Allhouse said, “Do something you love, because you’ll do a lot of it,” and Clark agreed wholeheartedly.  

About Dr. Kim Allshouse 

Kim Allshouse, DVM, is originally from Dagus Mines, Pennsylvania. She grew up riding and competing, after which she attended Johnson and Wales University. She then built a career caring for and training horses in the United States and Germany. She decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine after several years of working professionally in the equine industry. Allshouse graduated from veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin in 2018, after which she completed an internship at Texas A&M. Allshouse practiced general equine medicine in the greater Boston area for several years before deciding to focus exclusively on dentistry at Northeast Equine Veterinary Dental Services, in Topsfield, Massachusetts. She is pursuing an alternative track residency, seeking to become a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. 

In her free time, she and her partner, Matt, enjoy hiking, scuba diving, traveling, and exploring New England. 

About Dr. Kyle Clark  

Kyle Clark, VMD, was born and raised in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Wildlife Biology from the University of Delaware and then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where he was awarded the New Bolton Center Patient Care Award. Clark went on to complete a yearlong rotating internship at the University of Tennessee’s large animal hospital. Clark was an associate at Chicago Equine Hospital for several years before joining MidAtlantic Equine Medical Center in Ringoes, New Jersey, in 2018. He is pursuing an alternative track residency, seeking to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. 

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Katie; their dog, Libby; and their cats, Gus and Charlie. He enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.   

Related Reading

• The Business of Practice: Role of the USEF Team Veterinarian
• The Business of Practice: Navigating Educational Loan Policy Changes
• The Business of Practice: Raising a Family as an Equine Veterinarian

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