Overview

The Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency is a three-year training program that provides a focused background in laboratory animal medicine against the backdrop of a broad program in biomedical research. The program is intended to provide an environment for veterinarians to develop clinical and critical thinking skills needed to responsibly function within programs of laboratory animal care. Further, the program provides residents with experience and insight with respect to research design and study execution.

Program highlights

The program is part of the Minnesota Laboratory Animal Medicine Consortium, which has been formed as a collaboration between the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Mayo Clinic in Rochester. As part of the consortium, the didactic component is shared between the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic. The vast majority of hands-on clinical and research training is provided by Mayo Clinic.

Residents receive training in:

• Clinical laboratory animal medicine and surgery
• Anatomic and clinical pathology
• Vivarium design and management
• Regulations governing the use of laboratory animals
• Biomedical research models

Residency components include:

• Independent veterinary patient care
• One-on-one mentoring
• Completion of a research project
• Teaching responsibilities
• Presentation of clinical or research data at a national meeting
• Didactic training

Completion and certification

Upon successful completion of the Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency, residents receive a certificate of completion.

Accreditation

The Minnesota Laboratory Animal Medicine Consortium is recognized by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.

Program goals

The goals of this program are to:

• Provide clinical and didactic training to meet the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) Training Program Standards:
  • At least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in laboratory animal medicine
  • At least 200 hours of didactic training in the form of seminars, journal club, clinical conferences, and board preparation sessions
• Support the design, conduct, and completion of a mentored research project for first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Provide the necessary training for residents to meet all requirements for certification by ACLAM
• Support the mission, vision, and values of Mayo Clinic
• Promote Mayo Clinic's reputation as an industry leader of excellence in research
• Prepare residents to be highly skilled critical thinkers who embrace lifelong learning