NVDC Anatomic Pathology Residency Program

NVDC Anatomic Pathology Residency Program

The anatomic residency program is a three year course of study in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center (NVDC) focused on preparing for the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) board certification examination. This position is classified as a lecturer position and will incorporate additional coursework that can be incorporated towards a Master’s degree. There is an option for a combined residency and Ph.D. for interested applicants. This position carries an annual salary of $55,000 to $59,000, and renewal is based on annual assessments of progress.

Resident application review process

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Diagnostic service

Diagnostic service is the primary duty of the position, and all unoccupied time should be spent in this pursuit. During the first year, the resident will work under the direct supervision of a pathologist. The pathologist will assign necropsy and biopsy cases to the resident, and all cases will be approved by the pathologist before being finalized and sent to the client. Additional case research and occasional department case presentations may occur as a teaching exercise. As a general goal, three or more biopsy cases per day will be assigned during the first six months of the program. Five or more biopsy cases per day will be assigned during the second six months of the program. Biopsies have a 24 hour turnaround time unless additional processing or special staining is required. Necropsies should be completed within 2-5 days, depending on the depth and complexity of the workup.

During the second year, the resident will be assigned diagnostic service approximately four days per month. On these days, a pathologist will be co-assigned to supervise cases. The resident will be responsible for case write-up (necropsies and biopsies), but all gross necropsies and histology slides must be reviewed with the supervising pathologist before case completion. Overly complex or legal cases should be referred to the supervising pathologist.

At least two years of residency training is needed prior to the resident working independently. Once this time is reached and pending approval of the pathologists, the resident will be the primary person responsible for diagnostic casework on days they are assigned. Pathologists will be available to assist with cases, as needed.

Publication in peer-reviewed journals and poster presentations at national conferences are strongly encouraged, with departmental support for publication costs and travel to one national conference/year.

ACVP preparation seminars

Each Wednesday, there is a seminar called “Wednesday Slide Conference.” For this seminar, the resident must review four unknown slide cases prior to a discussion with the faculty pathologists. During these seminars the resident reviews the slide with the pathologists, gives an oral description, and comes up with differential diagnosis. A written description of the slides should be prepared and turned in for assessment.

During the first year of the residency, there will be a weekly gross pathology review. During this review, there will be a PowerPoint presentation of gross pathology images in which the resident will work on proper formulation of morphological diagnoses, identification of etiologies, and pathogenesis of lesions. For additional gross pathology review, it is recommended to sit in on the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine (PPVM) systemic pathology course and attend external rounds and training opportunities. Attendance of the C. L. Davis Gross Pathology conference before ACVP certification examination is also strongly encouraged.

There will be a journal review with Dr. Mary Drozd to facilitate preparation for the Veterinary Pathology subsection of the ACVP certification examination. Before meeting, the resident should read the current issues from Veterinary Pathology and the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, and pertinent articles should be cataloged with summaries of key points and potential test material. Additional journal reading suggestions also may be given. Starting the second year, in addition to journal review there will be a monthly meeting with Dr. Drozd to review material relevant for ACVP certification examination. This will include a review of the current general pathology textbook and recommended reading list, interesting clinical cases, and exam practice.