The Section on Comparative Medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine provides internationally-recognized leadership in the translation of basic to clinical science. Our faculty seeks to foster an intellectual and collaborative environment that is dedicated to understanding diseases of relevance to public health through preclinical trials and biomedical research in nonhuman primates and other animals.
Our Research and Facilities
Key research areas within comparative medicine include: Aging and Metabolism; Cardiometabolic Diseases; Immunopathology and Cancer; Neuropathology; Nutrition and Stress; Reproductive Pathology; Radiation Effects; and Women's Health. The majority of our studies use nonhuman primate models.
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Clinical Chemistry and Endocrinology Assay Services Laboratory
The Clinical Chemistry and Endocrinology Assay Services Laboratory provides clinical chemical, endocrinologic and specialty biomarker analyses.
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Comparative Pathology Laboratory Core Facility
The Comparative Pathology Laboratory Core Facility offers resources for histological, immunohistochemical and histomorphometric research.
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Clarkson Campus
Researchers studying the biology of complex disorders in animal models to better understand major human diseases.
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Diet Lab (PDF)
PDF overview about the Wake Forest School of Medicine Diet Lab's Scientific Focus, Services, and Laboratory Resources.
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Preclinical Translation Service
Preclinical Translational Services is an on-site research support team dedicated to facilitating the use of preclinical models to help you improve patient outcomes.
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Vervet Research Colony
A nonhuman primate (NHP) research resource which provides investigators with access to animals, sample and data repositories, and expertise in the use of NHP models for translational research
Education and Training
The department offers several residency and fellowship programs in addition to PhD and MS graduate degree programs.
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Anatomic Pathology Residency Program
A three-year Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Residency intended to prepare residents for board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
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Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Program
An ACLAM-certified program providing experience across a wide species range, with an emphasis on nonhuman primates.
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Comparative Medicine Fellowship Program
A three-year program in advanced research training leading to a career as an independent investigator.
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Summer Research Comparative Medicine Fellowship Program
A 12-week program providing veterinary students the chance to explore biomedical research career opportunities.
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Anatomic Pathology, Laboratory Animal Medicine and Comparative Medicine Externship
A three- to four-week program for veterinary students and interested veterinarians
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Anatomic Pathology Residency Program
A three-year Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Residency intended to prepare residents for board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
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Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Program
An ACLAM-certified program providing experience across a wide species range, with an emphasis on nonhuman primates.
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Comparative Medicine Fellowship Program
A three-year program in advanced research training leading to a career as an independent investigator.
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Summer Research Comparative Medicine Fellowship Program
A 12-week program providing veterinary students the chance to explore biomedical research career opportunities.
Leadership
Our uniquely skilled faculty and staff serve as the School of Medicine’s center for primate expertise and provide research services to other investigators. The comparative medicine faculty is diverse and includes DVMs, PhDs and DVM/PhDs. Many are diplomates of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP).

Susan E. Appt, DVM
Section Chief, Pathology - Comparative Medicine
Associate Professor, Pathology - Comparative Medicine