Training Veterinarians for Careers in Biomedical Research

PROJECT SUMMARY Veterinarian scientists play crucial and integral roles in biomedical research by developing, characterizing, and using animal models to study human diseases, enhancing rigor and reproducibility. Building on the outstanding foundation in comparative pathophysiology and medicine provided by DVM/VMD training, providing in-depth, rigorous training in biomedical research is essential to foster research careers for veterinarians. This renewal proposal seeks continued support for our highly productive NIH- funded T32 program, led by Joseph L. Mankowski, DVM, PhD, to train veterinarians in biomedical research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The primary goal of our program is to launch the careers of veterinarian-scientists. We request funding for six DVM/VMD trainee slots/year to provide 3 years of support/trainee. At Johns Hopkins, veterinarian trainees pursue research-intensive training by completing either PhDs or research postdoctoral fellowships if they enter the program holding dual degrees (both DVM/VMD and PhD). We have a deep applicant pool to draw from to fill these positions. Our training program offers an outstanding career development opportunity for veterinarians passionate about building careers in biomedical as innovators and leaders. The great majority of our trainees pursue either research-intensive or research-related careers after completing training.