Program Coordinator: Dr. Susan J. Tornquist.
Purpose
The anatomic pathology residency training program is designed to train competent and successful veterinary pathologists, with emphasis on preparation for the American College of Veterinary Pathology (ACVP) certifying examination. Trainees who complete our three-year program emerge as skilled and well-rounded diagnosticians, who go on to diverse careers in diagnostic service, research and academia, teaching, and industry.
In addition to development of skills in diagnostic pathology, our program also encourages personal and career development in areas such as education, scientific collaboration, and scholarly activity. Publication of original findings is supported and highly encouraged, whether in the form of case reports or original research. Additionally, trainees have the option to pursue advanced graduate training concurrently with their residency in the form of a M.S. or Ph.D.
General Characteristics
Residency training at Oregon State Univeristy relies heavily on both case-based and rounds-based learning. Trainees acquire proficiency in anatomic pathology by working up case materials submitted to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (approximately 1,000 necropsy and 4,000 surgical cases per year). OSU enjoys a heavy and highly varied case load, made up of companion and production species, as well as frequent wildlife, zoo, avian and aquatic specimens.
Training Facilities
- Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
- Oregon State University Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Consortium
- Oregon State University Laboratory Animal Resources Center
- Oregon National Primate Research Center
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Zebrafish International Research Center
- Oregon Zoo
- Wildlife Safari
Faculty
Oregon State University is home to six anatomic and two clinical pathologists. Faculty interests are diverse and include pulmonary, neuro- and ocular pathology, animal models of infectious disease, comparative and research pathology, stem cell biology, AI and digital pathology and veterinary education.
Duty Schedule
Trainees rotate through the following services, with a typical monthly rotation composed of one week each of the following:
Necropsy Week
Trainees rotate through the necropsy service for one week per month, where they are responsible for both supervising and performing complete necropsies. Trainees are paired with a supervising faculty member, who oversees case management.
Necropsy Histopathology Week
The week following necropsy service, trainees trim in fixed tissues, order slides, special stains and ancillary tests, and write up comprehensive reports detailing their findings. Gross and microscopic findings are reviewed by the supervising faculty member who then finalizes the case.
Biopsy Week
Surgical specimens are submitted from the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and from outside practitioners, including the Oregon Zoo. Residents are paired with a pathologist, and together they review cases. Biopsy reports are then written by the trainee with the oversight of the supervising faculty member.
Research Week
Trainees are given one week off clinical service per month. This time is devoted to scholarly activity, such as preparation of case reports or original research, as well as boards study and case catch-up as needed.
Seminars and Rounds
Tuesday Slide Conference
Residents and faculty take turns moderating this interactive weekly conference focused on current topics in veterinary pathology.
Necropsy Rounds
Once per week, the necropsy gallery is opened to the whole college for Gross Rounds. Pathologists and residents present fresh gross lesions received through the necropsy service from the previous week. Residents gain practice in presenting pathologic findings to their colleagues, and participating in the ensuing discussion with clinicians, residents, and students from other services.
Diagnostic Consult Rounds
Every Wednesday afternoon, pathology faculty and residents meet to discuss challenging and unusual diagnostic cases. These rounds are also frequently attended by Oncology residents, who provide additional case insight.
Surgery-Oncology-Pathology (SOP) Rounds
These quarterly rounds are a collaborative effort between the small animal surgery, oncology, and pathology departments. Specialists and residents gather to discuss current topics and challenging cases.
OSLAMRC Lab Animal Pathology Seminar
Organized by pathologists at the Oregon National Primate Center, OSU and Oregon Health & Science University, this once-monthly didactic seminar series prepares both lab animal and anatomic pathology residents for their respective board exams.
Cytology Rounds
Weekly rounds with the clinical pathology team on current cases.
Resident-Led Board-Prep Rounds
Once a week, residents meet for group board preparation, utilizing gross quizzes, Wednesday Slide Conference slides, and other banked study materials. This laid-back format allows residents the opportunity for quality peer mentorship in a low-stakes environment. Junior residents gain basic pathology knowledge and skills, while more senior residents hone their skills in communication, teaching and leadership.
Teaching Opportunities
First- and Second-year Veterinary Students
First-year residents serve as teaching assistants for the first-year general pathology and second-year systemic pathology courses, assisting with laboratory sessions and answering student questions. Senior residents are encouraged to give lectures in the systemic pathology course.
Fourth-year Veterinary Students
Residents play a large role in the instruction of fourth year veterinary students on the necropsy floor, by directing dissections and leading discussions in rounds.
Other Residents
Peer teaching is a highly effective learning strategy. Residents (anatomic and clinical) share an office space and are encouraged to collaborate with one another on cases. Additionally, resident-led rounds and seminars offer trainees an opportunity to hone their presentation and leadership skills.
Selection Process and Funding
The application deadline is approximately late September to early October annually. See the ACVP and/or AAVLD website for the exact deadline. Selection is announced on or around October 15. Starting date is July 1st with some flexibility. One or two positions are available per year, dependent on funding. We do not participate in the match: please submit your application and any inquiries directly to vet.diagnostic@oregonstate.edu.