The University of Chicago Laboratory Animal Medicine Externship and Summer Fellowship Programs are intended for veterinary students who are interested in learning about a career in the laboratory animal medicine field. The principal aim of the programs are to provide a broad overview of the field by exposure to all aspects of animal care and use program at the University of Chicago, one of nation’s leading biomedical research facilities.
ASLAP Foundation Summer Fellowship Program
What: 12 week paid summer fellowship that includes formal rotations (Small Animal/Aquatics, Large Animal/Nonhuman Primate, Animal Facility Management & Operations, Ofice of Shared Research Facilities, and Regulatory Compliance), didactic opportunities, and a small research project. The project will be presented as a poster at the end of the summer and can be submitted for a future national meeting.
The position provides an hourly wage at the student rate for 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday). Fellows must arrange housing on their own. Short-term furnished rental options can be found here and here. Free street parking is readily available on campus.
Eligibility: Veterinary students who have completed their first or second year of vet school with an interest in Lab Animal Medicine as a specialty. Applicants must be from a veterinary school which has a SAVMA chapter and is thus eligible to have representation in the SAVMA House of Delegates. In addition, applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. non-citizens who hold a U.S. visa.
Application Materials: All materials should be emailed to Dr. Kerith Luchins using the email subject line “ASLAP Summer Fellowship Application.”
1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter that includes how you developed an interest in laboratory animal medicine, career goals, and reasons for wanting to participate in our program
3. Unofficial veterinary school transcript
4. Two standardized letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your applicable experience using this form
Application Deadline: We follow the ASLAP Foundation Summer Fellowship Program deadline. Details may be found here.
Selection Process: Preference is given to those who have completed their second year of veterinary school. After reviewing the applications, the selection committee will conduct virtual interviews to a short list of candidates. After the interview, the committee will offer the fellowship position to the candidate who is the best fit for the position based on the application package and interview.
Veterinary Student Externship Program
What: 2-4 week externships for vet students in any year of school that provides an introduction to our program by providing clinical and didactic experience.
A stipend to support travel and lodging is traditionally available due to the support of ACLAM. Students are expected to participate for 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday). Students must arrange housing on their own. Short-term furnished rental options can be found here and here. Free street parking is readily available on campus.
Eligibility: Veterinary students in any year of school who have an interest in Lab Animal Medicine as a specialty. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. non-citizens who hold a U.S. visa. For non-citizens, a letter of authorization from your vet school supporting the externship is also required.
Application Materials: All materials can be emailed to Dr. Kerith Luchins.
1. Resume or CV
2. Cover letter that includes how you developed an interest in laboratory animal medicine, career goals, and reasons for wanting to participate in our program
3. Unofficial veterinary school transcript
4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your applicable experience
5. Include your preferred externship dates in the email. Please note that we do reserve 12 weeks in the summer for the ASLAP summer fellowship program.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round, but students are encouraged to apply early to reserve desired extern dates as we only host one extern at a time.
Selection Process: After reviewing a complete application, applicants will be informed about the availability of their preferred dates.
Both programs offer the following experience and exposure to our Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Program with direct mentorship provided by veterinarians and residents:
Clinical
- Clinical exposure to rodents, large animals, nonhuman primates, non-traditional, and aquatic species
- Perform rounds with the clinical veterinarians, residents, and veterinary technicians
- Anesthesia preparation, surgical monitoring, and post-operative care of various species
- Exposure to rodent health monitoring, biosecurity, and quarantine programs
- Tour the rodent gnotobiotics and central zebrafish facilities
- Gain husbandry and equipment experience through direct interaction with husbandry staff
- Learn hands-on techniques with various species
- Exposure to the enrichment program of various species including working with our animal behaviorist
- Attend quality assurance, post-approval monitoring (PAM) activities, and IACUC semi-annual inspections
Didactic
- Attend resident didactic lecture series, pathology rounds, journal club, vet’s meeting, case rounds, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meetings, and various other educational seminars
- Perform IACUC veterinary pre-review of select protocols with veterinary reviewer
- Exposure to institutional Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), Policies and Guidelines, and IACUC protocols
Please contact Dr. Kerith Luchins for additional information.