The LAVA Extramural Study Scheme

Introduction | About the Scheme | More Information | Testimonials | How to Apply

Introduction

LAVA established a scheme in 1988 to support veterinary students wishing to 'see practice' with veterinarians working in laboratory animal science and medicine, as part of their extramural studies.

The LAVA EMS scheme now attracts funding from a variety of organizations, including Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Laboratory Animals Ltd. LAVA and these funders share the view that it is important for veterinary students to be given opportunities to work with laboratory animals in research facilities in order to understand how they are used and the veterinary responsibilities involved in providing for their health and welfare. The aim of the scheme is to stimulate an interest in and awareness of laboratory animal science amongst younger members of the profession and to promote consideration of a career in the field.

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About the Scheme

Placements (for 1 or 2 weeks) are arranged at a variety of 'Designated Establishments' throughout the UK and Ireland, licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and EC Directive 86/609. For students in clinical years, the time spent on the Scheme is normally eligible to count towards the 26 weeks clinical EMS requirement of the RCVS, but is considered to be "non-general practice". Students in pre-clinical years can usually count the time as animal husbandry experience. In both cases details should be confirmed with the person responsible for the seeing practice scheme at your institution.

Students accepted on to the Scheme are reimbursed for all reasonable expenditure incurred for accommodation, food and travel up to a maximum of £300 per week. In return, as a condition of acceptance, students are asked to complete a questionnaire after their period of seeing practice. The questionnaire is designed to monitor the success of the placement and to highlight any areas where improvements to the Scheme could be made.

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More Information

Potential applicants wanting to find out more are strongly advised to visit the following websites for background information...

The use of animals in medical research

Home Office: Animals in Scientific Procedures
The Coalition for Medical Progress
The Research Defence Society
Animals in Medicines Research Information Centre

The role of the Named Veterinary Surgeon

Home Office Guidance

RCVS Guidance

Sponsors

Pfizer
GlaxoSmithKline
Laboratory Animals Ltd.
AstraZeneca

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Testimonials

Here are some comments from former students that have undertaken placements on the LAVA EMS Scheme...

"...for economic reasons, I would not have... been able to travel to, and live in... for 2 weeks. I feel I would have missed out on this wonderful experience and for that, I am sincerely grateful. Thank you!"

"...everyone was very generous with their time and always willing to answer questions."

"...encourage more students to participate. I think that students who do not consider the lab animal field as a future career can also benefit from this experience."

"I have since done another week at a different establishment and would seriously consider working in the field".

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How to Apply

All applicants should first carefully read the information on this page, and follow the more information links above. To apply for a placement on the scheme, fill out an application form and return it to the address on the bottom of the form. Your application will need to be countersigned by a sponsor at your University.

Also, why not consider becoming a student member of LAVA?

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