Combined Anatomic Pathology Residency and M.S./Ph.D.
The anatomic 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. 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.
Guided by the expertise of board-certified anatomic pathologists, trainees develop robust skills in research, teaching, and diagnostic pathology through examination of organ and tissue samples. Following completion of the program, residents are eligible for the board certification examination through the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
Program Highlights
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Specialized research training is designed to culminate in an M.S. in microbiology or a Ph.D. in pathology
Graduate 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.
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Large and diverse case load enhances diagnostic skills
Residents evaluate necropsy and surgical pathology samples from a wide variety of species, originating from all around the world including the United States, Canada, and Japan.
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Microscopy seminars and rounds enhance board certification preparation and diagnostic training
Trainees present cases to peers and faculty during weekly microscopy and gross seminars with pathologists to discuss anatomic and clinical pathology cases. Residents can gain additional training in histopathology or specialty fields through monthly neuropathology and dermatopathology rounds and weekly Joint Pathology Center conferences. Faculty and trainees share interesting or controversial case material at monthly academic rounds.
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Teaching opportunities allow for knowledge sharing
Trainees teach third- and fourth-year veterinary students through postmortem practicums, and first- and second-year students in foundation bioanalytical pathology laboratories and lectures.
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Multiple course electives provide training in special interest areas
Additional courses in advanced general pathology, neuropathology, laboratory animal pathology, gross pathology, and surgical pathology provide knowledge and guidance for board examination study strategies.
Facilities View All
Work, teach, and learn in state-of-the-art facilities, with access to modern diagnostic and treatment technology and equipment.
Training and Experience
Trainees gain hands-on necropsy and surgical pathology experience in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories under the supervision of 10 board-certified anatomic pathologists with varied areas of expertise and research interests. Residents have the opportunity to pursue additional cross training in clinical pathology through rotations in cytology, weekly clinical pathology rounds, and other seminars and courses.
Necropsy lab responsibilities:
- Help with diagnosis of approximately 1,900 necropsies each year
- Learn and refine necropsy techniques
- Seek and describe macroscopic alterations
- Tissue sampling and preparation for further study
- Interpret histopathologic alterations
- Prepare necropsy reports
- Report and discuss results with submitting practitioners
Surgical pathology responsibilities:
- Help with diagnosis of approximately 34,000 surgical pathology cases each year
- Receive and prepare samples for processing
- Describe and interpret histologic alterations
- Prepare surgical pathology reports
- Report and discuss results with submitting practitioners
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:
Career Opportunities
The anatomic 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, complete the Online Graduate Application via the Graduate School. Select “Microbiology (M.S.)” or “Pathology (Ph.D.)” as the application program and list Anatomic Pathology as the Area of Study. Because this is a fall-start only program, if you select a summer start your application will not be reviewed. Applications close October 1. Early submission is encouraged.
In the Statement of Purpose, applicants should make it clear if they plan to pursue an M.S./Ph.D. combined with residency training, or if they already hold both a D.V.M. and Ph.D. and will focus on residency only.
International applicants are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] to inquire about eligibility.
The following materials must be attached to the application by the deadline of October 1 for consideration:
- 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
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
- For international applicants pursuing M.S./Ph.D., proof of financial support from your pre-identified faculty sponsor (international applicants who hold a D.V.M. and Ph.D. are not required to submit this)
The application fee does not need to be paid for consideration to the residency program.
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, and you will be notified to provide them:
- Official transcripts: The Graduate School at CSU requires official transcripts for all graduate applicants.
- Application fee: The Graduate School at CSU requires an application fee for processing your graduate application. Learn how to apply for free.
- International applicants: English proficiency results, unless your country is exempt. Electronic results can be send using Institution Code 4075.
GRE scores are not required and will not be considered if voluntarily submitted.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Late August | Application Opens |
| October 1 | Application Deadline |
Contact Us
Have questions about the anatomic pathology residency program, minimum requirements, application process, or compensation and benefits? Fill out the contact form to get in touch with our program staff.
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.
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