Comparative Medicine Biosciences Training Program

Project Summary/Abstract
Our program provides veterinarians with rigorous research training leading to the PhD
degree at Stanford University. Appointees join top-ranked graduate programs in the
biosciences where they are mentored by outstanding researchers. They develop
stronger ties to their veterinary profession through the Department of Comparative
Medicine. The rationale for this program is that intense research training will enable
more veterinarians to compete effectively for research grant support and become
independent principal investigators, which will address a national need. Trainees
choose one of 14 graduate programs in the Biosciences: biochemistry, biology,
biomedical informatics, biophysics, cancer biology, chemical & systems biology,
developmental biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology & immunology, molecular &
cellular physiology, neurosciences, stem cell biology & regenerative medicine, and
structural biology. Program faculty include five comparative medicine mentors (who are
veterinarians and faculty in the Department of Comparative Medicine), and 21 research
mentors. During the next funding cycle, funds are requested to support three trainees at
any one time. Overall, we seek to produce highly trained veterinarian-researchers that
will assume leadership roles and exert a sustained, powerful influence in their research
field and in the veterinary profession.

Grant Number: 5T32OD011121-20
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: PAUL BUCKMASTER