Objective
The objective of the DCM training program is to educate and train postdoctoral veterinarians in the conduct of biomedical research in a comparative medicine setting. Our postdoctoral training program is an ACLAM Accredited Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency. The program consists of three years of cohesive practical and didactic training in research and medicine that promotes a multidisciplinary approach to questions in biomedical science. The training is designed to expand upon the unique comparative knowledge, skills, and perspectives that veterinarians bring to biomedical research.
Format
The program integrates research and clinical rotations over three years. The first year concentrates on building competency in laboratory animal medicine and comparative pathology, while the second and third years provide an opportunity to focus on a mentored research project alongside clinical and regulatory training.
Rodent Clinical, Pathology & Diagnostics, and Nonhuman Primate rotations are typically completed early in the program. Techniques of Experimentation is a part-time rotation shared by second and third year postdocs. The Committee on Animal Care (CAC, MIT's IACUC) rotation starts in the second year and provides the trainees with an opportunity to both observe and participate in regulatory activities, including service as a CAC alternate member, facility inspections, and protocol review. Trainees also complete other large animal and aquatics rotations. The final year includes increased management responsibilities through senior clinical and facilities rotations.
Incoming trainees may select research projects, may be assigned one, or can develop their own research project within the first year of the program. Each trainee should commit to one primary project by the end of their first year. Extramural faculty may be primary mentors or engaged as collaborators in this research depending on the trainee's research interests and existing collaborations within the Division.
External rotations may also be considered in consultation with the program directors, contingent on the trainee's progress and completion of required program milestones.
Didactics
Didactic training occurs weekly throughout the three-year program and includes journal clubs, research seminars, clinical rounds, Clinicopathologic Conference (CPC), the Comparative Medicine Seminar Series, and other presentations and seminars that may be arranged through DCM or MIT at large.
The Comparative Medicine Seminar Series aims to keep attendees informed on the evolving field of comparative medicine and reinforce topics learned in veterinary school as relevant to laboratory animal medicine. The series follows a one-year curriculum that repeats annually, allowing trainees to revisit core topics and strengthen their understanding throughout the program. Covering a broad range of topics and species, the series will provide attendees with the knowledge needed to optimally contribute to a research environment as a veterinarian. Information presented will cover a range of topics and species, and materials may be used may be used to assist with preparation for the ACLAM Board Exams.
The Clinicopathologic Conference series aims to complement the everyday role as a clinician, as well as to help prepare postdoctoral trainees for the ACLAM certifying examination, by providing an understanding of pathology, reinforcing understanding of disease pathogeneses, and bridging the gap between clinical and pathologic findings.
Mentorship
The Division provides trainees with multiple formal and informal mentoring opportunities. At a minimum, each trainee will 1) be paired with a staff veterinarian who serves as their primary career mentor, 2) receive research mentorship through a primary research mentor (who may or may not be the same as their career mentor, and may or may not be a veterinarian), and 3) receive ongoing input on their training progress from a mentoring committee consisting of the training program directors and a subset of senior staff.
Application
Applications for the postdoctoral training program are managed through the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) administered by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC). All pertinent details regarding the application process and deadlines can be found at http://www.virmp.org.
Applicants should carefully review the VIRMP program description, as the application deadline for laboratory animal residencies is often earlier than deadlines for other specialties. Please contact your references and registrar to ensure that letters of support and transcripts are submitted by the application deadline.
Degree Options
Trainees may pursue advanced degree programs affiliated with the Division, including MIT Biological Engineering Graduate Studies in Applied Biosciences, the MIT Microbiology Program, and the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences.
Trainees interested in pursuing an advanced degree must discuss their plans with the Training Program Director(s) and DCM Director in advance. Admission requires a separate application to the degree program, distinct from the VIRMP application. Admission is competitive and is not guaranteed by acceptance into the postdoctoral Comparative Medicine Training Program. Degree completion requires fulfilling the program requirements, including a qualifying exam and thesis preparation and defense.