2007 Short Course Highlights

Since its introduction in 1986, the Charles River Short Course on Laboratory Animal Science has grown tremendously. With more than 300 participants, the 2007 Short Course had one of the largest attendances ever. Participant feedback included the following comments:

“I'm new to the field and this was a great way to get me into the field.”

"The course offers a nice balance of academic (board prep) and practical (clinical and facility) information. Some lectures provide some of each!"

"Camp ACLAM exceeded my expectations!"

“This is an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from other practices in facilities around the world and also to share what works at your facility.”

"I believe that all scientists should take this course before working with animals. I wish I did it years ago!"

The comprehensive nature of this event attracts participants not only from around the USA, but from around the world as well. Last year's attendees came from over 40 states and such countries as Austria, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Korea, Russia (this particular attendee even brought his own interpreter),Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Professionally, the 2007 course was attended by participants ranging from veterinarians, technicians, and animal program coordinators to research associates and directors.

For years, the Short Course offered two tracks of presentations and one workshop. However, in 2001, a third track was added, greatly increasing the number of presentations participants we able to choose from in each time slot. In 2007, over 50 presentations were available, all of which were given by speakers both well-respected and extremely qualified in their given expertise. Among the presentations were the popular break-out sessions “Social Behavior in Laboratory Animals” and “Designing Behavioral Management Programs”. A new addition to this year's program was an interactive lecture where attendees were asked to provide answers to questions about Rodent Infectious Diseases and then our expert panel discussed the answers with the audience.

As part of an ongoing collaborative effort with the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), the 2007 Short Course once again included Camp ACLAM. Camp ACLAM is presented within the framework of the Short Course to reach out to laboratory animal veterinarians who are eligible for ACLAM boards based on experience. Veterinarians were encouraged to go to the lectures of their choosing and to attend over five hours of instruction on preparation for the board examination. The participants were also broken into small discussion groups during this one-day training. Dr. William White, President of ACLAM, gave the welcome address to the 65 attendees of Camp ACLAM.

Another attractive aspect regarding the course was its approval for continuing education credit from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) – RACE Program. Attendees could receive up to 22 credit hours for the completion of the Short Course.

Also planned social activities, including the “popular” Charles River Facility Tour, plus trips to Boston's Quincy Market Place and the beautiful seaport town of Newport, RI, were part of the weeklong program.

The 22nd Charles River Laboratories Short Course will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Newton, MA, June 16–19, 2008. Be sure to return to our site periodically to obtain updates as they become available.

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