The Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research (SIPBR) For Veterinary Medical Students
This training opportunity, which is a part of the NIH Summer Internship Program, is designed to provide 8+ weeks hands-on laboratory research experience for pre-doctoral veterinary medical students interested in biomedical research.
Students develop skills in scientific research while working with leading biomedical scientists using cutting edge technologies at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
In addition, enrichment opportunities are provided to allow interaction with veterinarians at NIH including those training in translational and interdisciplinary research in the NCI Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program.
These sessions provide the opportunity to learn about comparative molecular pathology and comparative oncology initiatives in human biomedical research, to attend formal lectures and seminars targeted to students, to discover professional roles performed by veterinarians working in a research environment, and to share experiences with veterinary students from other colleges across the nation. As the culmination of the summer internship, students prepare and present their research findings in a poster session at the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium, held each year in August.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program you must currently be in good academic standing in an accredited veterinary medical college professional degree program, and may not be currently enrolled in a combined D.V.M./Ph.D. program or hold a Ph.D. degree in an applicable science. You must be a U.S citizen or permanent resident. Fellows are expected to participate for the entire fellowship appointment period.
Summer Internships
Summer internships generally begin in late May and end in mid-to-late August for a period of 8+ weeks. Some flexibility exists to accommodate individual student needs.
Examples of Previous Program Enrichment Activities
- National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) Zebrafish Facility Tour
- NIH Mouse Imaging Facility Tour
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute Training Opportunities Meeting with the Program Officer
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) Confocal Microscopy Facility Tour
- Scientific Review of Medical Device and Drug Approval, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), White Oak, MD
- Opportunity to see how primates are handled and to perform physical examinations, NIH Primate Facility
- Hands on orientation in NCI Transgenic Mouse Model Laboratory, Frederick, MD
- Vector preparation for making transgenic mice
- Tour of an NIH Mouse Facility
- Veterinary Surgery Unit Tour
- Microsurgery Facility
- Pathology Slide Conference
- Visit to the Laboratory Animal Science Program, Frederick or Poolesville, MD
- Visit to NCI Comparative Oncology Program
- National Zoological Park Behind the Scenes Tour, Washington, D.C.
- Joint Pathology Center (Formerly AFIP), Dept. of Defense
Support for Interns in the Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
Stipends are generally available for students participating in the Summer program for at least 8 weeks. Travel support is provided to attend National Veterinary Scholars Symposium.
Externship Rotations in the NIH CBSTP
This training opportunity provides 1- or 2-weeks externship experience within the Center for Cancer Research Molecular Pathology Unit (MPU), Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics. The MPU performs research and development in animal models, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and cancer diagnosis. Our role does not include intensive involvement in diagnostic comparative pathology of laboratory animal diseases, which are the purview of the Diagnostic and Research Services Branch in the NIH Division of Veterinary Resources. A significant component of the MPU externship is to provide insight into training at NIH in the NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program (CBSTP, https://nih-cbstp.nci.nih.gov/), a program for combined residency and PhD training with a focus on comparative pathology and biomedical research. Externs are provided the opportunity to interact with veterinary pathologists in the CBSTP who are training in a variety of biomedical disciplines.
Eligibility:
Veterinary students must be enrolled and in good standing at an AVMA-accredited veterinary medical college professional doctoral degree program. Externships are available to veterinary students in their clinical year and may be applied for academic credit in cooperation with their home institution.
Deadline for applications:
Externships are generally arranged in the first half of the year. Individuals interested in externships should email directly to ncimolpathol@mail.nih.gov and/or contact Candice England, Program Analyst, at 240-858-3941.