Veterinarians are uniquely qualified to conduct biomedical research in the field of comparative medicine using animal models, which have been instrumental in understanding the pathogenesis and mechanism of human diseases. Unfortunately, the majority of veterinarians do not pursue research careers, in part due to the lack of research-training opportunities. Consequently, there is a critical shortage of veterinarians with research backgrounds in academic institutions, government, and corporate settings across the nation.
The National Institutes of Health has funded a post-DVM “Animal Model Research for Veterinarians (AMRV)” training program at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VA-MD Vet Med). This program will train veterinarians in the skills of a researcher and will help them launch a successful research career in the areas of animal models of immunology and inflammation, infectious diseases, and neurobiology. Mentors participating in this training program are conducting cutting-edge research in the areas of animal models for human diseases, and their research projects are well funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Trainees will be required to enter a Ph.D. graduate program that will expose them to state-of-the-art research skills and challenge them to become independent problem-solvers. At the end of the training program, trainees are expected to launch an independent biomedical research career and assume leadership roles related to the nation’s biomedical research agenda in academia, government, and industry.
Faculty Focus Areas: Immunology and Inflammation Infectious Disease Neurobiology Various other thematic research
Program Administration: X.J. Meng, MD, PhD Program Director University Distinguished Professor Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology xjmeng@vt.edu
Ansar Ahmed, DVM, PhD Program Co-Director Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies Professor of Immunology ansrahmd@vt.edu
Ph.D. Program Overview:
Multiple research tracks available Annual Research Symposium
Required grant writing and ethics course
Weekly seminar series
Coursework in current research technologies
Professional development opportunities
Active student program association
Recent graduates have found positions in academia,industry and government
VT encourages holistic admission practices that values qualities such as leadership, socioeconomic background, ethics and other accomplishments, in addition to academic achievements and test scores.
GPA
Equivalent of a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Minimum course requirement
Biological and/or Life Science coursework
Three letters of recommendation
GRE Waived for DVM graduates from an AVMA accredited school
Academic and professional goals statement describing research experience and plans for research in your graduate studies
Writing sample(s) that shows your ability to conceptualize and articulate a coherent argument
More information can be found at: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.htm
Prospective trainees should complete an application for graduate admission to the Biomedical and Veterinary Science (BMVS) graduate program through the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application system. Please explicitly indicate that you are applying for the “NIH T32 Post-DVM Training Program” on your application. Submit testing scores to Virginia Tech using institution code: 005859
Application Cycle Review will begin in February for fall semester admissions
NOTES:
Additional Salary Information: Annual stipend at approximately $50,000 with minimal 2 years experience
Tuition waiver
Meeting travel allowance
*Comprehensive fees are not covered
About College of Veterinary Medicine VT
Virginia Tech, founded in 1872 as a land-grant institution, is currently ranked as a Top 25 Public University by US News & World Report and a Top 25 Public Research University by the National Science Foundation. Through a combination of its three missions of learning, discovery, and engagement, Virginia Tech continually strives to accomplish the charge of its motto: Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). As the Commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech serves a diverse population of 30,000+ students and 8000+ faculty and staff from over 100 countries, and is engaged in research around the world. Invent the Future at Virginia Tech.
