I.S.D.V.M.A. • Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association

CALL FOR THE DOC LOMBARD STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD

The International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association (ISDVMA) is pleased to announce a call for research proposals from students in veterinary medicine with an interest in research on the health and well-being of racing sled dogs. The ISDVMA is an organization whose membership is composed of veterinarians and non- veterinarians with an interest in the health and well-being of these canine athletes. The Doc Lombard Student Research Award is named after “Doc” Lombard who was a long time charter member of the ISDVMA. Doc Lombard was a dedicated professional with a love for the sport of sled dog racing and who made significant contributions to the practices and principles of sled dog health and medicine that has been upheld by past and current members of the ISDVMA.

Eligibility: Any student currently enrolled in an accredited veterinary school anywhere in the world that grants professional veterinary degrees are eligible to apply. No previous experience with sled dog medicine or sled dog racing is necessary. This grant should be written and initiated by the student to promote student research, and should not be developed primarily by the faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to identify a faculty advisor or mentor who can assist with development of a testable hypothesis, specific aims, justification, experimental design, and budget, with the ultimate going being for publication in a peer-reviewed, scientific journal.

Topics: Research proposals should address topical issues that pertain to the health and well-being of racing sled dogs. Studies can be prospective or retrospective in nature, but preference will be given to projects that can answer applied questions or concerns of long distance, mid-distance, sprint, or working sled dogs. General areas of interests include but are not limited to physiology, pathology, nutrition, infectious disease (zoonotic and non- zoonotic), parasitology, current disease etiologies affecting sled dogs, and athletic performance.

Format: Proposals should be limited to three pages or less (excluding bibliography), and format should be double spaced, Times New Roman font, and no less than 10 point font. Also accompanying the proposal should be a letter of support and commitment by a faculty advisor or mentor stating qualifications and level of commitment of the student to the proposed research. In addition, a cover letter by the student detailing their experience or interest in sled dogs, outlining their initial discovery and development of the project, and student CV/resume should be included. Proposals should include the following components: title, introduction, hypothesis, specific aims, experimental design (all proposals should be in compliance with institutional animal care and use policies and should be stated as such), budget, and bibliography. The introduction should include a brief summary of published or non-published observations and review the literature with justification of the importance of the proposed research. The budget should not exceed $4,000 USD unless independent supplemental funding is available. Up to $1,000 USD as an additional travel stipend will be issued for the award recipient to travel to the bi-ennual ISDVMA conference to present their research and results (This is mandatory with receipt and acceptance of the award). If supplemental funding is available, a letter of commitment from the sponsoring party must accompany the proposal. The budget should be itemized to included travel and lodging, reagents and supplies, fees for service (e.g., histopathology, toxicology, etc.), and administrative support.

Selection criteria: Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of veterinarians who are members of the ISDVMA. Preference will be given to proposals that are well written and organized and best meet the format outlined above. Deadline for submission is November 1, 2011. Submissions can be submitted electronically to the email address: jlee@petpoisonhelpline.com

Applications or questions concerning submissions should be directed to:
Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC
Associate Director of Veterinary Services at Pet Poison Helpline
8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 875
Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 852-4633 or e-mail: jlee@petpoisonhelpline.com