Clinical Research Training
The Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is world renowned in its care of companion animals and training of veterinary students, nurses, interns and residents. As part of Penn Vet's mission, the acquisition of new knowledge is pivotal. Clinical research allows for the development of new understanding of disease processes, evaluation of treatment options and clinical trials to test new therapies and devices. Each medical specialty offers residency training programs that provide advanced clinical training and opportunities for clinical research. In addition to residency programs, there are several opportunities for clinical post-doctoral fellowships (link to PennHip, Transfusion fellow, cardiology research intern).
As a result of the rich medical environment at Penn, formal advanced training programs are also available for clinicians in conjunction
with the School of Medicine. These programs focus on clinical epidemiology and clinical trials training and offer Master’s degrees or certificate programs. For clinicians interested in pursuing a research emphasis, training grants in infectious disease, medical genetics are available on a competitive basis.
Fellowship for Veterinarians in the Josephine Deubler Genetic Disease Testing Laboratory, Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
The Section of Medical Genetics at the School of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania has been involved in the discovery and characterization of hereditary diseases in small animals. A genetic disease testing laboratory has been established to screen dogs and cats for known using hematologic, biochemical, and molecular genetic methods. This laboratory is closely associated with the Metabolic Genetics and other research laboratories characterizing novel hereditary diseases. A fellowship is being offered to veterinarians interested in the laboratory diagnosis of hereditary diseases and their control (genetic counseling). The fellow is expected to participate in ongoing research and to pursue an independent research project. There are ample opportunities to interact with clinicians and participate in education programs at the Veterinary Hospital and Medical School.
A VMD/DVM or equivalent degree is required, but there is no United States licensure requirement. Health and professional liability insurance and a two-week vacation period are provided. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applications should be addressed to: Dr. Urs Giger, Dipl. ACVIM, ECVIM, ECVCP, Section of Medical Genetics, University of Pennsylvania , 3900 Delancey Street , Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010; 215-898 8830; Fax: 215-573-2612; giger@vet.upenn.edu.
Clinical Fellowship in Transfusion Medicine at Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
The Penn Animal Blood Bank (PABB) has established one of the largest canine and feline blood donor centers at a university hospital. PABB collects and processes blood from healthy dogs and cats through its unique volunteer-based "Pets Helping Pets" program. About 10 units of various blood components are transfused daily at the veterinary hospital. Appropriate blood quality control and compatibility testing is performed in the transfusion laboratory to assure safe and effective transfusions. Numerous research projects at Penn on blood types, acquired and hereditary hematological disorders, blood banking, and blood substitutes have contributed significantly to the advancement of veterinary transfusion medicine. Finally, Penn's TM program interacts with the adjacent human blood bank at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and thus has provided excellent teaching and training opportunities.
We are offering a unique fellowship for a veterinarian seeking expertise in hematology, transfusion medicine and blood banking in a premier clinical and academic environment. The Transfusion Fellow participates in the daily operation of the Transfusion Medicine Program and PABB, focusing on transfusion practices at Ryan by providing assistance to clinicians, nurses, and students; blood typing and compatibility concerns regarding blood products and assessment of transfusion reactions; quality control of blood products generated by PABB; clinical auditing of blood product usage in small animals; expansion of the blood donor program; and introduction of new techniques to improve transfusion therapy and blood banking procedures, as well as possible alternative therapies.
This is a one-year program with the potential for an extension. Requirements include a veterinary degree and clinical experience in small animals. A prior internship (residency) or equivalent clinical training is preferred. Prior experience with blood banking and transfusion medicine is desirable but not required. There is no US veterinary licensure requirement. The salary is $27,000/year; health and professional liability insurance and a two-week vacation period are provided. The University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Send applications by email (resume, letter of intent, transcripts, and 3 letters of support) to Dr. Urs Giger at Ryan 4021, 3900 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010. Phone: 215-898-8830; Fax: 215-573-2612.
Research Fellowship/Graduate Training for Veterinarians in Comparative Medical and Molecular Genetics
Recent progress in molecular biology has greatly increased the potential for understanding the basic mechanisms of genetic diseases and for the development of new approaches to therapy. Penn Vet is pleased to announce the availability of a limited number of postdoctoral research fellowships for veterinarians interested in advanced training in research relating to genetic diseases of animals and humans. This training program is made possible by a grant from the National Center for Research Resources (NIH). It takes advantage of the extensive graduate course work and research programs in genetics at the University in areas of research relevant to the molecular mechanisms and therapy of genetic diseases. Preference will be given to applicants with outstanding academic records and previous experience in research. Applications from those with a background in laboratory animal medicine are especially encouraged. Appointments are limited to U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Applicants who do not have a Ph.D. may be encouraged to obtain one as part of training, and tuition is provided.
Letters of application should include a description of short and long-term career objectives, a curriculum vita, a transcript of college, professional and graduate school grades, and the results of GRE’s or other standardized tests. Provide the names and addresses of three references, especially those who can comment on research experiences and potential for developing an independent research career. Students who are interested in pursuing such a program and want more information should contact: Dr. John H. Wolfe, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3800 Spruce Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6008; 215-590-7028.
Residency in Medical Genetics, Pediatrics, and Reproduction at Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
The residency in medical genetics (small animals) at Penn Vet integrates clinical and investigative work in small animal medical genetics, pediatrics, and reproduction. Clinical activities include a two-day weekly clinic during which patients with known or suspected genetic diseases or disorders that occur primarily in pediatric patients and reproductive problems. Throughout the week, clinical consults are provided to other clinical services, including medicine, surgery, critical care, emergency, neurology and the behavior clinic. The resident manages his/her own patients in consultation with faculty, including board certified specialists in internal medicine, reproduction, and clinical pathology, and teaches veterinary students during their rotations.
In addition, the resident is involved in a colony of dogs and cats with a large variety of unique hereditary diseases as well as pediatric and reproduction problems. Although not primarily a residency in internal medicine or reproduction, the principals and practices of internal medicine are inherent in the diagnosis and care of the patients presented to these clinics and opportunities exist to achieve board certification in theriogenology. This residency program is closely related to other residency programs at the veterinary hospital and residents are encouraged to participate in the many educational programs offered. Furthermore, the resident is encouraged to pursue interests related to many research projects currently underway in the area of reproduction, genetics, and pediatrics and participating in the many research laboratories. The resident is expected to complete a research project. There is no licensure requirement, but the resident is expected to participate in weekend duties. Health and professional liability insurance and a two-week vacation period are provided. Annual salary is $27,000. The University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications should be addressed to Dr. Urs Giger, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010.
Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine, Clinical and Research Track
The residency in small animal medicine offers a four-year training program in clinical medicine (years 1, 2 and 4) plus a dedicated year (year 3) to be trained in basic or translational research that is centered around an established program conducted by an investigator in the candidate's chosen laboratory. The candidate may choose to perform his/her research year in participating laboratories at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine or School of Medicine. There will be no clinical duties assigned to the candidate during this research year. During this year, the resident is expected to fully integrate into their research laboratory, attend and participate in research journal clubs, laboratory meetings, seminar series and conferences held at the School of Veterinary Medicine and School of Medicine and present their data at local and regional scientific meetings. The resident will be guided in applying for funding from national granting agencies, with the expectation that such funding will support the continuation of their scientific research at the end of the four year program. It is the aim of this clinical and research track residency to prepare individuals for successful applications to tenure track positions at academic institutions. Please note that this clinical and research track residency does not award an advanced degree (MS or PhD).
The three years of clinical training are identical to the training in the three-year clinical residency program and involve training in all core medicine disciplines, including endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, infectious disease, nephrology, nutrition, oncology, respiratory medicine, and critical care. The program places heavy emphasis on problem solving, understanding, of pathophysiology, and clinical research. Residents manage their own patients in consultation with faculty, including many board certified specialists, and assist with supervision and teaching of interns and veterinary students. Residents are given approximately 25 percent of the clinical training time for independent academic pursuits and specialty board preparation. During this time the candidate will be expected to identify the laboratory and research program they will join during their third year. One of the objectives of this part of the residency program is to qualify candidates for the ACVIM examination and certification.
First and second year residents spend seven and six months respectively on the internal medicine clinical service. The residents spend three and a half months in the first year and two months in the second year rotating amongst specialties such as cardiology, clinical pathology, dermatology, emergency service, intensive care, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, pediatrics/genetics, and radiology. Specialty rotations may be expanded to include other areas, depending on the resident’s interest. There is one month devoted to research in the first year and two months in the second year. In addition, second year residents have one and a half months allotted for study preparation for the ACVIM general examination. During the fourth year of the residency, residents spend seven months on the internal medicine clinical service. Fourth year residents will help run an internal medicine service alongside a board certified internist. They will continue to receive internal medicine referral appointments and will supervise first and second year medicine resident cases, in consultation with the board certified internist on service with them. During the fourth year residents have one and a half months for specialty rotations, one month for research, and two months to study for the ACVIM certifying examination. Residents interact with approximately 21 board certified faculty and staff who are ACVIM diplomates (14 internists, three oncologists, two cardiologists, and two neurologists).
Residents attend regular case rounds, grand rounds, resident seminars, medicine journal club, board review sessions, and, occasionally, rounds and lectures at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The section supports the attendance of first year residents at an intermediate level endoscopy course, and funds are provided for travel to the ACVIM forum during the second, third, and fourth years.
Application for a residency should include an academic record from veterinary school, a letter of intent stating specific academic interests and goals, a curriculum vitae/resume, and *three evaluation forms (not letters) completed by faculty members or clinical specialists who are acquainted with the applicant’s clinical skills during internship training and one or two additional letters completed by scientists familiar with the applicants research potential. The confidential evaluation form can be downloaded or contact Maureen Hermsen at 215-898-2239. Separate letters of recommendation, in addition to the evaluation form, are not required. A rotating internship is a prerequisite for this residency. While an interview is not required, it is strongly encouraged in order to familiarize applicants with the diversity of this program. Applicants may choose to interview on one of the following Fridays: 12/7, 1/4, and 1/11. There is no licensure requirement. Health and professional liability insurance and two weeks of vacation per year are provided. The resident must be able to work in the hospital on all days and times of the week.
For more information about the Internal Medicine Residency Program, please visit the Medicine Section Web Page.
The University of Pennsylvania is an EOE. Minorities, females, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. To streamline your application, please make sure your materials are clearly marked “Clinical and Research Track” and sent to the attention of Dr. Beth Callan, Section of Small Animal Internal Medicine. For further information about this specific program, please contact Marueen Hermsen at 215-898-2239.