Program Overview

Combined Clinical Pathology Residency and M.S./Ph.D.

The clinical pathology residency program is combined with an M.S. in microbiology or a Ph.D. in pathology, training veterinarians to become successful clinician scientists and leaders in veterinary pathology with a focus on maintaining laboratory quality standards. For applicants who already have a D.V.M. and Ph.D., the program focuses on residency training along with research collaboration, rather than graduate studies.

Program Highlights

• Specialized research training is designed to culminate in an M.S. in microbiology or a Ph.D. in pathology
• Ph.D. students present and discuss scientific findings with other graduate students and faculty at weekly research seminars, and are encouraged to attend local, national, and international research conferences.
• Exceptional clinical cases boost confidence in diagnostic skills
• Residents evaluate cytology and hematology samples from a wide variety of species, originating from all around the world including the United States, Canada, and Japan.
• Microscopy seminars and rounds enhance board certification preparation and diagnostic training
• Trainees present cases to peers and faculty during weekly microscopy seminars with laboratory and applied pathologists to discuss anatomic and clinical pathology cases.
• Interesting or controversial case materials are reviewed with the entire group of clinical pathologists during weekly rounds.
• Teaching opportunities allow for knowledge sharing
• Trainees teach second-, third-, and fourth-year veterinary students through practicums and the foundation bioanalytical pathology course, and lead veterinary interns and clinical residents rotating through the Clinical Pathology Laboratory.
• Multiple course electives provide training in special interest areas
• Additional courses in advanced general pathology and advanced clinical pathology provide knowledge applicable to any graduate degree in biomedical sciences and guidance for board examination study strategies.

Facilities

Work, teach, and learn in state-of-the-art facilities, with access to modern diagnostic and treatment technology and equipment.

• Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories
• Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Training and Experience

Trainees gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seven board-certified clinical pathologists with varied areas of expertise and research interests. Residents have the opportunity to pursue additional anatomic pathology training through elective rotations in histopathology and necropsy services, weekly necropsy rounds, and other seminars, courses, and rounds.

• Help with diagnosis of approximately 14,000 cytology cases and 18,000 hematology cases and chemistry panels per year
• Learn analytical and quality control procedures critical to running a clinical pathology laboratory
• Become familiar with the utility and functions of automated laboratory equipment

Research Opportunities

There are many graduate research course opportunities in the areas of:

• Arthropod-borne infectious disease
• Bacteriology and virology
• Cancer biology
• Epidemiology of natural diseases
• Immunology
• Inherited metabolic disease
• Molecular diagnostics
• Mycobacterial diseases
• Obesity and co-morbidity
• Prion biology
• Retrovirus pathogenesis/therapy
• Toxicology

Training Grants

Students may be eligible to earn grant funding and additional hands-on research experience by participating in a research training opportunity funded by the National Institutes of Health:

• Biomedical Research Training for Veterinarians
• Comparative Biomedical Science Training Program

Career Opportunities

The clinical pathology residency program equips trainees with essential experience valued by a variety of employers, including:

• Academic institutions
• Biotechnology companies
• Chemical companies
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Government regulatory agencies
• Government research institutions
• Military
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Veterinary practices

Application Information and Deadlines

To apply, submit a statement of purpose, indicate three recommenders, and submit unofficial transcripts for all postsecondary work. The application closes October 1. Early submission is encouraged.

• Statement of purpose, including description of desire for graduate training during residency, or description of previous graduate training culminating in a Ph.D.
• Resume/CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts
• For international applicants pursuing an M.S./Ph.D., proof of financial support from your preidentified faculty sponsor

If interested in and selected for a residency position with combined M.S./Ph.D. training, these additional items will be required for acceptance to the graduate program:

• Official transcripts
• Application fee
• International applicants: English proficiency results, unless your country is exempt

GRE scores are not required and will not be considered if voluntarily submitted.

Compensation and Benefits

Residents receive a stipend and full tuition coverage. For more information about Colorado State University employee benefits, visit the Human Resources website.