The Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Summer Research Comparative Medicine Fellowship program strives to equip first- and second-year veterinary students with worthwhile research experience and knowledge in translational science relating to human health. These positions offer an exclusive opportunity for structured training in an environment that is research-intensive, with a particular focus on comparative disease pathophysiology in nonhuman primates as well as other species. The program welcomes applicants interested in pursuing careers in research, academia, laboratory animal medicine, zoology, exotics, primatology and pathology. Participants receive a stipend, housing for the summer and travel to the yearly veterinary scholars meeting.
The program aims to:
- Educate program participants on the fundamentals of hypothesis-driven research such as scientific methodology, study design basics, the overview of the grant writing process, proper data management and basic statistical methods.
- Offer instruction on ethics and professionalism in research, including the appropriate conduct of research, ethical treatment of animals, intellectual property and human subjects’ protection.
- Provide the necessary experience for oral and written presentation of scientific findings, including clarification of the publication process.
Will the program provide housing for the summer, and what type of housing can participants expect?
Yes! We offer pet-friendly housing for the summer, free of charge. We provide participants with housing in Winston-Salem, either in Wake Forest University's undergraduate campus dorms or in alternative housing within our budget.
Are participants paid for their work?
Yes, we provide a stipend that meets the government's standards. While the amount may not reflect your skills and effort, it is paid once a month to ensure you have enough food for the summer.
How long does the program last?
The program lasts for 12 summer weeks. We can try to accommodate any exotic summer plans, but it will depend on the nature of your research.
Will participants work with non-human primates?
Yes! Regardless of the research project participants undertake, they will be invited and expected to join non-human primate clinical research procedures that are ongoing. We offer a variety of research projects involving many different animal models, as well as pathological assessments and advanced radiology approaches.
What research projects are available?
Our list of research projects and mentors available for the summer changes every year. We ask participants to rank their interests, and we go through a matching process to ensure that they can work on something they are passionate about. We encourage applicants to browse examples of past projects for inspiration.
Will participants have a mentor?
Yes, participants will have a primary research mentor who will inspire, teach and demonstrate that as a DVM, they stand alongside MDs and PhDs as research scientists with unique skills and the ability to conduct important medical research. Many of our mentors are DVMs.
What special requirements are needed?
Participants will need to provide vaccination records and a negative tuberculosis test before starting. We also require drug screening. Participants will need a computer and a pair of shoes dedicated to monkey-turded tasks. A car is helpful but not necessary.
How do I apply?
Please refer to the "Ready to apply" page.
Will participants attend the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium?
Yes, we will cover the registration, accommodation and travel expenses of participants for the symposium. We encourage participants to present their research findings at other research meetings or in their veterinary college.
Will participants get published?
While most of our participants get published, the process can be tedious and slow. We encourage our participants to stay in touch and engage in the process after the summer is over.
Do participants need prior research experience?
No prior research experience is necessary. Participants only need to show their willingness to give research a try and indicate that they are interested in pursuing a research-related veterinary career. However, prior research experience or advanced degrees will not count against them and may indicate a continuing interest in pursuing a career in this field.
