The Department of Comparative Medicine at Mayo Clinic has two programs for veterinary students to explore the laboratory animal medicine specialty. Externs and fellows are provided mentored experiences in animal care and use at Mayo Clinic.

Veterinary Student Externship Program

The Mayo Clinic Department of Comparative Medicine (DCM) offers a two-week externship in laboratory animal medicine for veterinary students during their clinical training.

Externs spend the majority of their time actively participating in veterinary care with the residents and faculty. Dedicated time is also scheduled for wet labs in rodent and rabbit handling and experimental techniques; observation of large animal experimental procedures; and perioperative care of large animals. All externs attend IACUC meetings and gain exposure to the veterinary pre-review of animal research proposals. During the academic year, externs will participate in resident didactic training sessions including seminars, board review, and journal club.

Externs interested in applying for the Minnesota Laboratory Animal Medicine Consortium residency program have the opportunity to meet with the Mayo Clinic residency program director and may spend a day at the University of Minnesota during their externship. 

Contact Dr. Chris Gow with questions or to schedule an externship.

Additional information is available on the list of ACLAM ASLAP Laboratory Animal Medicine Training Programs (search "preceptorships").

Summer Fellowship Program

Applications are closed for the summer 2026 fellowship. Information on 2027 opportunities will be posted here and at ASLAP.org when they become available.

Contact Dr. Felicia Boynton with questions.