Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (SCASLAP) (LAM)
We’re the Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM) Club at Texas A&M—dedicated to providing education and opportunities to those interested in pursuing a career in laboratory animal medicine.
Mission
The mission of the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (SCASLAP) is to advance laboratory animal medicine through career development, recruitment, and representation in the greater professional community and to familiarize members with standards and regulations pertaining to laboratory animal medicine.
Why Laboratory Animal Medicine?
Laboratory animal science is a field of science devoted to the production, care, and study of laboratory animals used in biomedical research and education. It is a large field comprised of professionals from many scientific and educational disciplines, such as anatomy, animal science, comparative biology, engineering, environmental science, ethics, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology, and toxicology. Professionals within this field have a deep sense of purpose and are dedicated to helping society and improving the lives of people and animals alike. —American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Why should you join LAM?
- Interesting speakers
- Exciting field trips and activities
- Hands-on wet lab
- Networking opportunities
- Discount on surgery bag
- 4 free lunches during the semester
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question (Q): Can I still join the club if I don’t want to go into laboratory animal medicine?
Answer (A): Absolutely! Our club is for any veterinary school student who is interested in research, helping society, and improving the lives of people and animals alike. Additionally, the club can get speakers related to the interests of the club’s members. And, if you want to be an ACLAM Diplomate veterinarian, this would be the perfect club to join.
Q: What type of speakers do you have at meetings?
A: We have a wide range of speakers, in which most are ACLAM boarded veterinarians. Speakers typically discuss the research they perform, their research facility, and how they became research veterinarians. Animal species covered in these lectures have included non-human primates, horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, fish, mice, rats, rabbits, etc. Subjects and speakers can be selected depending on the interests of the club members.
Q: What field trips does the club provide?
A: The club typically has anywhere from one to three field trips per semester. We have visited research facilities such as TIPS and the CMP facility at Texas A&M University and MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Bastrop, TX. We have also had a behind-the-scenes tour of the Houston Zoo. Trips can be selected depending on the interests of the club members.
Q: What resources does the club have to help me pursue a career in lab animal medicine?
A: The club is designed to help veterinary school students get exposure to the field of laboratory animal medicine. Additionally, the club is also designed to help veterinary school students pursue a career in laboratory animal medicine if desired. The club’s faculty mentor is a board-certified ACLAM veterinarian and helps 3VM and 4VM students pursue the alternative track for lab animal medicine. The club also has close ties with the director of the Comparative Medicine Program at Texas A&M as well as the director of the ACLAM Resident Program at Texas A&M University.
Moreover, the club typically holds a meet and greet with the club members, ACLAM Residents and ACLAM Directors at the beginning of the school year. Additionally, the club typically holds a meeting with the 4VM students and ACLAM Residents at the end of the school year designed to help those wanting to pursue a career/externship/residency in the field of laboratory animal medicine. This meeting is designed to give insight into programs, how the MATCH system works, and how to set up and get through the alternative track.
Schedule
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Texas A&M LAM Leadership
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