Combined Anatomic Pathology Residency and Ph.D.
The anatomic pathology residency program is combined with a Ph.D. in pathology, training veterinarians to become successful clinician scientists and leaders in veterinary pathology. 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 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.
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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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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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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 “Pathology (Ph.D.)” as the application program and list Anatomic Pathology as the Area of Study. Early submission is encouraged.
The application fee does not need to be paid at time of submission, but will be required if you are selected for a position. Because this is a fall-start only program, if you select a summer start your application will not be reviewed.
GRE scores are not required and will not be considered if voluntarily submitted.
Proof of financial support and a pre-identified faculty sponsor for international applicants are required.
| 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.
Fort Collins, Colorado
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