Postdoctoral Fellowships in Comparative Pathology and Laboratory Animal Medicine

The Dept of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology (formerly Comparative Medicine) obtained one of the first NIH Training Grants for postgraduate training of veterinarians and has been funded continuously for over 35 years. More than 100 veterinarians have been trained in the Department of Comparative Medicine; many are now department chairs and leaders in academia and industry worldwide.  Our combination of intensive training in Comparative Pathology and Laboratory Animal Medicine in the early years of the program, and focused research in the later years has proven successful. Trainees work closely with departmental faculty, which includes six ACVP Diplomates, five ACLAM Diplomates, and eight comparative medicine scientists. Faculty in Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology conduct research in retrovirology, neuropathology, vascular biology, infectious disease, carcinogenesis, rodent phenotyping and several other fields of experimental pathology. Our postdoctoral fellows have a very high pass rate on Veterinary Pathology (ACVP) and Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) board examinations. Trainees also have the option to pursue a PhD through concurrent enrollment in any of several graduate programs.

Comparative Pathology
During the first year, trainees gain practical and diverse experience in anatomic pathology through gross and microscopic examination of pathology cases from the Johns Hopkins University animal colonies, from local practitioners and from the Maryland Zoo and National Aquarium in Baltimore. Diagnostic laboratories include necropsy, histology, clinical pathology, and state-of-the-art rodent phenotyping and small animal imaging cores. In the remaining years, emphasis shifts towards basic or translational research supervised by Molecular Comparative Pathobiology faculty or other faculty members within the university. Pathology training continues throughout the program with weekly slide conferences, seminars, journal clubs and other courses in preparation for ACVP certification.

Laboratory Animal Medicine
During the first year, emphasis of the program is on acquiring competence in clinical care, pathology, and diagnostic procedures in laboratory animals through rotations in surgical support and post-operative care, old and new world primate medicine and breeding colony management, and rodent program management. Our trainees have extraordinary diagnostic and surgical laboratories at their disposal (i.e. interventional radiology, small animal imaging core, rodent microsurgery, and advanced diagnosis through a state-of-the-art hospital facility). The veterinary team provides clinical and surgical services, animal handling and technique training, and protocol consultation to research investigators throughout the Johns Hopkins University. In the remaining years, emphasis shifts towards basic or applied research supervised by Molecular Comparative Pathobiology faculty or other faculty members within the University. Throughout the program, trainees share responsibility for clinical care of laboratory animals housed within the University and will participate in daily facility rounds.

Qualifications: Candidates must have a DVM or equivalent degree, be a citizen or noncitizen resident of the United States, and have graduated from an AVMA accredited institution with passage of the NAVLE, have the ECFVG or a license to practice veterinary medicine in at least one state of the US.

To apply, please submit your curriculum vitae, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of application. Your letter should describe your professional background, interests and goals, your clinical experience and preparation, and your plan for developing as a professional. Please mail your application materials to Wendy Elza or e-mail her at welza1@jhmi.edu. Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and educator. 

Current Postdoctoral Fellows

Courses Offered  

Laboratory Animal Medicine & Comparative Pathology Residency Training Programs                                      

Trainee Publications