LSU Integrative Internship Program: A Comprehensive Overview
The School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) at Louisiana State University (LSU) offers a comprehensive Integrative Internship Program designed to provide advanced training in small animal integrative medicine and rehabilitation. This program provides a unique opportunity for post-internship training, focusing on integrative veterinary medicine and veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation. The program leverages the clinical facilities of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) as its primary training site, ensuring a hands-on and immersive learning experience.
Program Structure and Duration
The LSU Integrative Internship Program is a one-year program, consisting of 48 to 50 weeks of clinical duty within the Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. This intensive structure allows interns to gain substantial experience and expertise in the field.
Training Focus
The internship provides training in all relevant aspects of integrative therapy and rehabilitation for companion animals. While the primary focus is on small animals, interns may also have opportunities to work with other species, including horses, food animals, and exotic animals, broadening their experience and skill set. The training curriculum includes several key areas:
- Patient Assessment & Diagnosis: Interns will learn to assess and diagnose musculoskeletal and neurological disease processes in animals.
- Post-Operative Rehabilitation Care: A crucial aspect of the program involves training in providing comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation care to ensure optimal recovery for animal patients.
- Current Recommendations: Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and recommendations in veterinary medicine is a priority, ensuring interns are well-informed and capable of providing the best possible care.
- Standard and Integrative Care Treatment: Interns will gain proficiency in both standard and integrative care treatments for a variety of diseases, including musculoskeletal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, and neoplastic conditions.
Intern Responsibilities
The intern's responsibilities are multifaceted, designed to provide a well-rounded learning experience. Key responsibilities include:
- Clinical Assignments: The primary focus is on clinical assignments, providing hands-on experience in patient care and treatment.
- Clinical Teaching: Interns will participate in the clinical teaching of junior and senior veterinary students, further developing their understanding and communication skills.
- House Officer Seminars: Participation in the house officer seminars series is expected, fostering a collaborative learning environment and exposure to a wide range of topics.
- Clinical Research: Opportunities to participate in clinical research studies may be available, providing interns with valuable research experience.
All work performed by the intern is under the supervision of a faculty member within the department. Initially, direct faculty supervision is significant, ensuring close guidance and mentorship.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Integrative Veterinary Internships
Integrative Therapies Offered
The Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation Service at LSU offers a wide range of therapies, including:
- Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine technique used to stimulate specific points on the body to promote healing and pain relief.
- Rehabilitation: Comprehensive rehabilitation programs designed to restore function and mobility in animals recovering from injury or surgery.
- Laser Therapy: The service provides both Class IIIb and Class IV lasers, utilizing photobiomodulation to reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
- Massage Therapy: Massage is used to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation.
- Pain Management: Comprehensive pain management strategies are employed, utilizing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
- Weight Loss Programs: Customized weight loss programs are available to help animals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Home Exercise Programs: Clients are provided with home exercise programs to continue rehabilitation and maintain their pet's fitness.
- Dietary Supplement Advice: Guidance on the appropriate use of dietary supplements to support overall health and well-being.
- Nutrition Advice: Expert advice on proper nutrition to meet the specific needs of each animal.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation Service:
- Underwater Treadmill: Used for low-impact exercise and rehabilitation, particularly beneficial for animals with joint problems.
- Land Treadmill: Provides a controlled environment for gait training and exercise.
- Class IIIb and Class IV Lasers: As mentioned earlier, these lasers are used for photobiomodulation to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
- Shockwave Therapy: Used to treat musculoskeletal conditions by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound: Utilized to deliver deep heat to tissues, promoting healing and pain relief.
- Electric Lift Hoist: Assists in safely lifting and moving animals with mobility issues.
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF): PEMF therapy uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS units deliver mild electrical impulses to the skin to relieve pain.
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): NMES is used to stimulate muscle contractions, helping to strengthen muscles and improve function.
- Force Platform Gait Analysis: Provides objective data on an animal's gait, helping to identify abnormalities and track progress during rehabilitation.
- Standard Exercise Equipment: A full range of standard exercise equipment is available to support rehabilitation and fitness programs.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Although not currently offered, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is planned to be offered on-site soon. This therapy involves exposing animals to increased levels of oxygen in a pressurized chamber to promote healing.
- Spinal Manipulative Therapy: Also planned for future implementation, spinal manipulative therapy involves manual adjustments to the spine to restore proper alignment and function.
Key Personnel
The program is supported by experienced faculty, including:
- Dr. Ronald Koh DVM, MS, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, CCRP, CVMMP (pending), ACVSMR Practice Experience Resident: Dr. Koh serves as an assistant professor and service chief, bringing a wealth of expertise in integrative veterinary medicine and rehabilitation.
Eligibility and Application
Candidates interested in the LSU Integrative Internship Program must possess a DVM or equivalent degree prior to their start date. Further details regarding the application process can be found on www.virmp.org. LSU classifies interns as University employees, and as such, interns (and their dependents) qualify for LSU employee benefits, including compensation and malpractice insurance coverage. Interns are paid on the last working business day of each month, with applicable taxes withheld from each paycheck. Note that no social security tax is withheld.
Additional Opportunities at LSU
LSU offers a variety of other programs and opportunities that may be of interest to those involved or interested in the Integrative Internship Program. These include:
Read also: Your Guide to Integrative Veterinary Medicine Internships
- Integrative Community Studies Program: This program, which recently welcomed Leanora Hernandez as its new program manager, focuses on community engagement and development.
- National Institute of Health’s Introduction to Cancer Research Careers Program: A program designed to introduce individuals to research careers in cancer.
- Transition Internship Program (TIP): Launched in St. Charles Parish in 2022, this program provides transition support to students, with partnerships with local businesses.
- Summer Research Internship Program: Directed by Dr., this program provides research opportunities for high school students.
- Various Departments and Centers: LSU boasts a wide array of departments and centers, including the Department of Agricultural Sciences, School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Social Work, and the Research & Evaluation Center, offering diverse research and educational opportunities.
Read also: Integrative Health Education at MUIH
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