Columbia University Institute of Comparative Medicine, NY

Description of Elective Experience: 

Columbia University Institute of Comparative Medicine Externship Program Columbia University offers an externship program to provide Veterinary students with experience in clinical laboratory animal medicine and surgery and veterinary pathology through participation in our comparative medicine residency. Externs will:

  • Gain hands on experience in surgical and medical management of research species by accompanying veterinary staff on daily rounds
  • Will participate in journal club, seminars, veterinary ground rounds, and IACUC protocol reviews
  • Learn about facility design and management
  • Understand preventative health programs applied to rodents
  • Discuss the laws and regulations that govern the care and use of laboratory animals

Columbia offers a 2-4 week externship period. Please submit a letter of intent, resume, and 3 references. If you have any questions, please contact: Rivka Shoulson, DVM, MPH, DACLAM

Institutional and Educational Resources - staffing, equipment, etc.: 

We have 6 veterinarians who are board certified in laboratory animal medicine plus 2 veterinarians who are board eligible. We have 3 veterinary residents. We have 9 veterinary technicians. We have CT, fluoroscopy, MRI, and PET scan all available to us.

Student Responsibilities - what is expected of students in terms of hours, days of the week, shadowing or actual support?: 

Externs will:

  • Gain hands on experience in surgical and medical management of research species by accompanying veterinary staff on daily rounds
  • Will participate in journal club, seminars, veterinary grand rounds, and IACUC protocol reviews
  • Learn about facility design and management
  • Understand preventative health programs applied to rodents
  • Discuss the laws and regulations that govern the care and use of laboratory animals
  • 8 hours a day / 5 days a week
Supervisor: 
Dr. Jennifer Beninson
Website: 
http:www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/icm/
Contact email: 
Address: 
650 West 168th Street
BB-1810
New York, NY 10023
United States
Practice or Institution Type: 
Is student housing available?: 
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
40