Comparative Medicine Biosciences Training Program

Project Summary/Abstract Our program provides veterinarians with rigorous research training leading to the PhD degree at Stanford University. Appointees join top-ranked graduate programs in the biosciences where they are mentored by outstanding researchers. They develop stronger ties to their veterinary profession through the Department of Comparative Medicine. The rationale for this program is that intense research training will enable more veterinarians to compete effectively for research grant support and become independent principal investigators, which will address a national need. Trainees choose one of 14 graduate programs in the Biosciences: biochemistry, biology, biomedical informatics, biophysics, cancer biology, chemical & systems biology, developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology & immunology, molecular & cellular physiology, neurosciences, stem cell biology & regenerative medicine, and structural biology. Program faculty include five comparative medicine mentors (who are veterinarians and faculty in the Department of Comparative Medicine), and 21 research mentors. During the next funding cycle, funds are requested to support three trainees at any one time. Overall, we seek to produce highly trained veterinarian-researchers that will assume leadership roles and exert a sustained, powerful influence in their research field and in the veterinary profession.