Accelerate your career and join a network of certified surgical research professionals!
Do you want to increase your knowledge of anesthetics, analgesics or surgery? Is being viewed as an expert in your field something you desire?
If you wish to further develop your professional career and experience personal growth as well, then achieving a certification as a surgical research anesthetist, technician, or specialist is for you! Gaining certification shows a commitment to the responsible use of animals in surgical research and a dedication to maintaining the highest level of animal welfare. A certification also highlights to regulatory bodies, such as IACUCs and AAALAC, that you’ve been properly trained and are the right person for the job.
Check out all three certification options to determine the best path for you and your career!
“I’ve been a veterinary technician since 2012 working in a variety of settings. When I chose the path of research as a veterinary technician, I fell in love. Since the start of my journey in the research setting, I’ve always looked to learn as much as I could to be a more well-rounded technician. When I wanted to reach a new level that was new to my current institution, I found the Academy of Surgical Research. The process of obtaining the Surgical Research Anesthetist certification has been incredibly gratifying. Since earning my certification, I’ve been able to provide further knowledge and better technique to our other technicians for better anesthesia, post-operative care, and general patient care. This certification has also helped me to open doors for other technicians to reach a new level in their own education to help our institution continue to grow.”
“Back in 1998, I was studying to become a Veterinary Technician; that was when I had my first course on laboratory animals. From then, I aspired to perform surgeries, and guided my career towards that goal. When I started working at Charles River Laboratories, the Research and Development team caught my interest and, with surgery in mind, I found a position on the team at the first opportunity. Now, as a member of R&D, I develop new surgical procedures and improve on those already in place.Studying for my SRS certification was an eye-opener for many aspects of surgery. I was able to meet with specialists in imaging and anesthesia to deepen my understanding for aspects of surgery beyond techniques, suturing, and asepsis. By attaining Surgical Research Specialist, I have not only shown my teammates that certification is an achievable goal, but have solidified my role in the team as a mentor.
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“When I came into the CRO world, I wanted to expand my surgical knowledge and expertise beyond what I had gained as a veterinary technician. I never knew how much I could learn or accomplish until I was introduced to The Academy of Surgical Research. The SRT and SRA certifications have been instrumental in my career development. They have helped me to grow within my current facility not only as a surgeon, but as a trainer as well. The depth of knowledge I have accumulated has been utilized to improve our techniques and in the training of our technicians. The Academy has also given me a network of surgeons and anesthetists to collaborate with on anesthesia and surgical techniques for a wide array of procedures. I look forwarding to continuing my journey with ASR as I strive to increase my knowledge and earn my Surgical Research Specialist certification. ”
Mentorship Program
The Academy of Surgical Research Mentorship Program aims to further enable ASR members, both those starting out as well as seasoned individuals, to grow and lead as effective professionals by providing meaningful one-on-one mentoring relationships.
Each mentee and mentor pair will design a shared goal/outcome for their partnership to be completed during a period of up to one-year mentorship. A few examples of possible goals for a mentorship could be:
- A mentee that is new to the field of surgical research and seeking guidance on development and career paths.
- A mentee planning to sit for one of the certification exams and seeking guidance from a certified member on the process from the application, what/how to study and taking the exam itself.
- A mentee looking to develop a new surgical model and seeking guidance from a certified surgeon with significant experience in that particular model or area of surgery.
Criteria
*Both Mentee and Mentors must be current ASR members in good standing.
Our Mentors have a broad base of experience. To provide a high quality program, mentee and mentor pairs will be matched according to their fields, experience and goals as outlined in the application process. Mentees have to be employed for at least one year within the surgical research field or have relevant experience before being admitted to the program. Mentors will be significantly experienced in the field the mentee is requesting and will be assigned to only one mentee at a time. Mentees are required to pay a $20 registration fee to confirm his/her spot in the cohort.
Commitment
Mentee and mentor pairs enter into a commitment lasting up to one year. After the initial orientation session, pairs are encouraged to meet monthly; however; timetables should be predetermined to best suit the needs of the pair and to accomplish the goal/outcome. The expectation is for pairs to meet at least three times. Meetings can be face to face (if in the same area), via teleconferences, or via whatever media works for each pair