Residency/Internship Question

[zeebra44]

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Hey all- I'm just curious to know if anyone out there is interested in laboratory animal medicine. I work in a lab right now with rats, pigeons and Rhesus monkeys, and I recently had the opportunity to speak with some of the vets there. I've always been interested in both research and vet medicine, and really think it would be an awesome job to work as a vet in a research facility. I know that Cornell has an internship program in lab animal medicine, and I've spoken to someone there about it, but I'm wondering if anyone knows more about a program like this at other schools. Also, do you think a dual degree DVM/MPH would be beneficial for a career in laboratory medicine? Because I'm thinking about going that route too..Thanks, I just thought I'd ask!

 

[sumstorm]

no idea about dual degree, but I do know the majority of lab animal med residencies are private; and that it may be possible to obtain specialization without residency...and that residency may not do much to improve profit if your school and externship experiences are solid enough.

 

[SilverSpyderGT]

Hi, zeebra, I'm also interested in lab animal medicine (I'm starting a residency at MIT in July), and after having run the gauntlet of residency applications and being active in OSU's ASLAP chapter, I can probably give you some good advice!

Dr. Lesley Colby from Michigan has written a pretty comprehensive paper with some information that would answer a lot of your questions (it's a little technical/statistical/mathy, but still informative) - you can read it at http://dels.nas.edu/ilar_n/ilarjournal/48_2/pdfs/v4802Colby.pdf. Some key points:

-Training program (ACLAM-recognized residency) breakdown by institution type - 60% public university, 22% private university, 6% government, 12% other.
-There's also a list of all the training programs, or you can find them at http://www.aclam.org/education/training/location.html.
-Training programs are HIGHLY recommended for prospective ACLAM diplomates. You have access to mentors and co-trainees who can help you study. Additionally, the "experience route" to sitting for ACLAM boards requires 6 years of lab animal experience and a first author paper, and it can be tough to get in your research if you're working full time as a clinical veterinarian. You can still practice lab animal medicine if you're not boarded, but ACLAM diplomate status is a highly prized skill in the job market.

I can't speak on an MPH, but if you're looking to become any kind of administration/faculty, a research-based MS/PhD will definitely help you out.

If you want more information, you can look into joining ASLAP (if you're a vet student) or AALAS (open to all members of the lab animal community). ASLAP also has a list of learning opportunities (most are paid) for vet students at http://www.aslap.org/career.phphttp://www.aslap.org/career.php.

 

[mas185]

Tufts just started their Lab Animal Medicine program where you can get a combine DVM/MS (the MS is for the Lab Animal Medicine). It's a really great option if you can get in there. And it would definitely help in getting good internships/residencies.

 

[sumstorm]

btw- there are a lot of externships for summer experience while in vet school. I have had at least 20 come through my email in the past week, and one of my classmates who is very interested in LAM has a binder with a lot more..with many of them paid. He has also found that some places offer loan repay post graduation, and that he can do his residency for a reasonable amount. We have a pretty good LAM and Zoo med program (closely associated) which may be why we are told that it isn't always necessary or financially sound to do a residency post grad depending on residency and job offers.

 

[zeebra44]

What kind of GPA are we looking at here?...to be as competitive as possible for residencies without killing yourself in the process, haha

 

[sumstorm]

My understanding is that externships and experience are going to have a significant effect on obtaining residency. So, if you wrangle the externships, you should be competitive with a B average. This is what my advisors told me, so I can't insure accuracy, but they have been dead on in other areas. I was also advised NOT to do your first couple of externships at the place you eventually want to be at. teeth somewhere else first.

I was looking into LAM because it is suppose to be the ultimate mixed practice...but I don't think it will work for me, and if I do want into it, I need to focus on it heavily now because some programs may view my background with humane societies and zoo and environmental organizations as risky.

 

[zeebra44]

My understanding is that externships and experience are going to have a significant effect on obtaining residency. So, if you wrangle the externships, you should be competitive with a B average. This is what my advisors told me, so I can't insure accuracy, but they have been dead on in other areas. I was also advised NOT to do your first couple of externships at the place you eventually want to be at. teeth somewhere else first.

I was looking into LAM because it is suppose to be the ultimate mixed practice...but I don't think it will work for me, and if I do want into it, I need to focus on it heavily now because some programs may view my background with humane societies and zoo and environmental organizations as risky.

Why would you be risky? Do you think they'd be worried about you setting all of the animals free? Haha, honestly I think your background would bring an interesting twist to LAM. And it does seem like the "ultimate mixed practice" experience. I don't think I would ever get bored.