Cornell program aims to put more DVMs in research labs

Ithaca, N.Y.

-- A clinical fellows program launched at Cornell University this fall is designed to address the growing shortage of academic veterinarians.

The program is the first of its kind in the nation and is geared toward increasing the number of veterinarians who spend part of their careers in the lab, studying common diseases and innovating solutions and potential cures.

Three fellows were awarded placement into the two-year program this fall. Each receives a salary of $60,000, benefits and $15,000 to fund a research project.

Academic veterinarians are in short supply because many students cannot afford to go into the lab after graduating veterinary school, instead needing to get to work immediately to start paying back loans.

This program gives veterinarians the opportunity to do both.