NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), NC

Description of Elective Experience: 

The NIEHS externship is designed for veterinary students to work directly with veterinary anatomic and clinical pathologists within the National Toxicology Program (NTP) at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) as well as visit area pathologists working in various pathology careers such as academia, industry, and diagnostic laboratories. Primary experience is in environmental toxicology pathology and rodent pathology.

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

The NIEHS employs at least 10 veterinary pathologists (anatomic and clinical pathologists; DACVP), working in areas of toxicologic pathology and research. There are weekly seminars, study slide sets, journals, books, and histopathology and gross pathology rounds.

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

Students are expected to coordinate visits with veterinary pathologists in the area at contract research organizations, diagnostic laboratories, or local veterinary/medical schools, depending on the student's interests. The student will also do independent study, meet with pathologists, and shadow pathologists during meetings. A car is required. 40 hours/week, M-F. 

Supervisor: 
Cynthia Willson, PhD, DVM, DACVP
Website: 
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lep/ntp-path/index.cfm
Contact email: 
cynthia.willson@nih.gov
Address: 
111 TW Alexander Drive
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
United States
Specialties: 
Pathology, Research, Lab Animals
Practice or Institution Type: 
Governmental Agencies, Public Health
Is student housing available?: 
No
Hours of supervision by a licensed veterinarian per week: 
25-40