Residency Training Program - Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology

Program Mission 
     The post-DVM program in anatomic and clinical pathology at Kansas State University is a 3-year program of study for individuals who desire advanced and expanded training in pathology in preparation for careers in academia, industry, private laboratories, or government. The goal of the program is certification in veterinary anatomic pathology or veterinary clinical pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). We are dedicated to enriching the profession through the increased diversity of our faculty, staff, and students.

Program Organization
     The program is conducted predominantly by the pathology faculty in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology.   Participating faculty consist of board-certified veterinary anatomic and clinical pathologists.  Additionally, other faculty and technical personnel also provide service, research, and teaching expertise to the program. 

     The program involves 3 years of intensive training that is focused on participation in the service and teaching activities of the department. The training program has both service and teaching components.  There is no experimental research requirement for the program.  Trainees are given responsibilities in the necropsy, biopsy, and cytology services, as well as teaching veterinary students.  Seminars, necropsy rounds, and selected classes are also conducted to provide trainees with strong foundations in pathology and diagnostic investigation.  Although these activities are important, independent study and commitment by the student are essential for successful preparation for ACVP certification.

     The residency training program in pathology fulfills the training component of the general requirements for eligibility for Board examination by the ACVP.  As outlined by the ACVP, the standard route of training consists of:   "a minimum of 3 years of such training subsequent to graduation from veterinary school and all 3 years should be in the field in which certification is sought (Anatomic Pathology or Clinical Pathology)."  The 3-year program will culminate in the trainee submitting an application for examination by the ACVP. 

Diagnostic Service - Residents in veterinary anatomic pathology will participate in the necropsy and biopsy services of the department. Trainees will have primary (reviewed) case responsibility and supervisory responsibilities for senior veterinary students.  The initial level of case and supervisory responsibility will be determined based on the background and experience of the trainee.  These responsibilities will increase throughout the program, with some relief from responsibilities towards the end of the program in order to provide additional time for completion of preparation for the certification examination.  New trainees will be given an orientation to necropsy and biopsy service; devoted to establishing necropsy technique, specimen collection, ancillary tests, case description and reporting, and associated activities.  Supervision and case review with a senior pathologist will be intensive during early stages of the program.  Senior trainees will be expected to participate in case review and assistance with the training of incoming trainees. 

     Residents in veterinary clinical pathology will participate in the clinical pathology services of the department.  Trainees will be given case responsibility that is appropriate for their experience and stage of the program.  Trainees will receive supervised training in cytology, surgical pathology, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and general pathology.  Trainees will have primary (reviewed) case responsibility following familiarization with service expectations.    

Teaching - Residents in veterinary anatomic pathology will participate in the laboratory education of 2nd year veterinary students for courses in general and systemic pathology (DMP 715 and DMP 720).  Responsibilities in these courses will include demonstration and discussion of gross and histologic lesions, presentation and moderating of case discussions, and answering questions during laboratory exercises. 

     Residents in veterinary clinical pathology will participate in case discussions for 2nd year students in clinical pathology (DMP 775), in laboratory education for 3rd year students in laboratory diagnosis (DMP 777) and case discussions with 4th year students (DMP 785).   Responsibilities in these courses will include leading and guiding discussion and interpretation of data obtained from clinical cases and assisting students in learning laboratory techniques and interpreting data from the use of these techniques.

Seminars and Rounds - Residents will attend and participate in necropsy, histopathology, and clinical pathology rounds.  Participation in journal club and seminar discussions within the department are required.

Evaluation of Progression - The residency training committee will evaluate residents biannually for continued participation in the program and to provide feedback regarding deficiencies.  Consistently low and unresolved deficiencies will result in separation from the program.  At the end of 2 years, a detailed plan of study will be established by the resident and residency training committee to assure that formal and independent study activities are appropriate for preparation for the ACVP examination at the end of the 3rd year of the program.