The extern will accompany Institute veterinarians on clinical rounds in facilities housing rodents and non-rodents. Under their supervision the extern will participate in diagnostic evaluations, post-operative care, quarantine procedures, colony health management, and rodent surveillance. Participation may include venous catheterization and endotracheal intubation of swine, rabbits, ferrets, non-human primates, and rats; collection of samples for clinical chemistry, hematology, parasitology, and urinalysis of those species; and administration of medications for pre-, intra-, and post-operative support. Externs may also participate in rat surgery workshops as time permits and may participate in necropsies.
Will attend weekly seminar series focusing on lab animal medicine, weekly research seminars and biweekly journal club meetings; opportunity for hands-on experience in diagnostic lab and transgenic center. May attend seminars sponsored by the various institutions in Boston (e.g, MGH, Harvard, Broad Institute, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, etc.)
Will complete safety training and appropriate IACUC training.
The Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) is a free-standing academic unit that manages the animal resource program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).The animal resource program at MIT has been AAALAC accredited since 1974. DCM manages and operates ~185,000 gsf of space, located in six buildings at the Institute and oversees a daily census of approximately 90,000 to 100,000 animals, comprising over 15 species.
The animal resource program provides MIT investigators a controlled environment with the necessary space, equipment, and containment facilities for performing biomedical related research in animals including germ-free work and also ensures personnel safety during the experimental process. The Division operates a transgenic core along with diagnostic, histology and research laboratories to support the animal research efforts.
DCM staff of 175 includes 7 ACLAM boarded veterinarians, 1 ACVS boarded surgery veterinarian, 2 research/clinical veterinarians, 1 veterinary pathologist, 8 veterinary postdoctoral fellows and numerous technical and support staff.
Student is expected to be on hand Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Will shadow veterinarians, technical assistants and postdoctoral fellows. Will attend research seminars/meetings