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Laboratory Animal Specialization Sparks Veterinary Student Interest
09/14/10
Bradford Goodwin, DVM, Student Chapter Advisor for the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP), presents the ASLAP Student Award to Becky Lovasz, a sixth semester student at RUSVM.
September 14, 2010—Basseterre, St. Kitts—Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) students are showing an increased interest in laboratory animal medicine. Students participated in a discussion about the specialty today with Bradford Goodwin, DVM, RUSVM visiting professor. The presentation focused on the changes in lab animal medicine and how interested students can gain exposure to the field.
“The industry is focusing on responsibility, reducing the amount of animals being used and making certain the well-being of the animals are top priority,” said Goodwin. “Today, most research institutions are using rodents for research; of course research is still being done with other animals, mostly nonhuman primates, but not as many investigations with dogs or cats. The Zebrafish, Danio rerio, has also become important; because the embryo is clear the cardiovascular and nervous systems can be seen during development.”
In addition to his responsibility as a visiting professor, Goodwin has served in numerous roles, including past president, with the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP). He currently serves as one of the advisors to the RUSVM student chapter of ASLAP. Goodwin is the executive director of The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
Sixth semester RUSVM student, Becky Lovasz, is just one example of a student with growing interest in this specialty. Lovasz serves as the Ross University ASLAP chapter president and was recently awarded the ASLAP Student Award for her dedication to laboratory animal science. As president, she has explored ways to provide fellow students with exposure in the field through obtaining guest lecturers and sharing information about externship opportunities. Lovasz has a passion for the care of lab animals; especially for their physiological well-being. Her past experience working with these animals has increased her motivation in pursuing the career path in lab animal medicine. She was presented the award at today’s information session. The ASLAP Student Award is presented to a student who exhibits extraordinary potential in laboratory animal medicine. The award consists of a certificate, $300, and a one year membership in ASLAP
RUSVM offers a lab animal elective each semester with approximately fifty students participating. The course introduces students to the field of laboratory animal medicine and science, giving students a closer look into the specialty area. Students learn about the various animals used in laboratory animal medicine and the major issues surrounding their care. The course provides a glimpse into the husbandry and management of the animals and discusses the ethical use and treatment.
“We continue to see a trend in students who are interested in practicing in this specialty,” said Tod Schadler, DVM, associate dean for clinical affairs at RUSVM. “Many of our graduates have made an impact in the field of laboratory animal medicine. The teaching and mentoring from our faculty have resulted in an increased number of externships, internships, and employment in this important component of the veterinary profession.”
Veterinarians who focus on laboratory animal medicine provide care for research animals, which might include overall health and wellness care, participation in institutional animal care and use committees, education of researchers and technicians as it relates to research animals. Most lab animal veterinarians are responsible for a large variety of species and work to maintain animals that are free of unwanted disease.
About Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ross University is a provider of medical and veterinary education, offering doctor of medicine and doctor of veterinary medicine degree programs. Founded in 1982 and located in St. Kitts, the School of Veterinary Medicine is affiliated with 22 AVMA-accredited US veterinary schools where students complete their clinical year. The University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the only facility outside the US and Canada accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Ross University’s administrative offices are located in North Brunswick, NJ. For more information about Ross University, visit www.RossU.edu or call 732.509.4600/877.ROSS.EDU.
