Introduction

The original idea for this site was to provide a Guide to Careers in Veterinary Pathology, an initiative that originated in 2002 at a Specialty Advisory Committee Meeting of the Royal College of Pathologists. The scope of the project was widened and it was pursued further by the Veterinary Pathology Liaison Group of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

In 2006, the information on this site was provided to about 1000 people as a business card CD-ROM and was mainly distributed amongst veterinary undergraduates and organisations in the UK (and overseas), who are interested in the education of veterinary pathologists. As it is expensive to produce a CD-ROM and distribute it, as well as the information becoming out-of-date too quickly, this site has been constructed to continue the project.

Why do we need the site?

It is understandable that most students attending veterinary schools are primarily interested in the clinical aspects of practice. Within every intake of students, however, there are those that wish to specialise in a particular aspect of veterinary science. In addition, there are numerous veterinarians who feel they would like to change direction in their career after a few years in another field. In the past, we feel that there has been insufficient information available to those wishing to follow a career in veterinary pathology and this site is intended to redress the balance.

Demographics

A proportion of veterinary pathologists pursue the specialty immediately after their undergraduate course has finished, but many turn to the discipline after spending some time in practice. The decision to return to study has greater implications for those that have started a family and acquired the onus of a mortgage (as well as repaying their student debt). The longer one spends in practice, therefore, the more difficult it is likely to become.

The career options

Veterinary Pathology, for most practical purposes, is usually divided into the two main, distinct sub-disciplines ofAnatomic PathologyandClinical Pathology. All pathologists require a working knowledge of both sub-disciplines, but examinations and job opportunities now make a clear distinction and it is usually necessary to make a relatively early commitment during the training period.

Within the two sub-disciplines there are also several broad areas of specialisation that place a different emphasis on the range of knowledge and skills that are required. In an era that is dominated by a mass of new information, specialisation in one of these branches of veterinary pathology leads to the acquisition of skills and experience that cannot be easily acquired elsewhere.

The main areas of specialisation have been grouped under the following four broad categories:Industry,Academia,GovernmentandCommercial Diagnostic.

This does not include every possible option but you can contact me for more information if you require it.

The way you approach the acquisition of experience, training and post-graduate qualifications may be influenced by the branch of veterinary pathology you wish to follow. It is wise to research the options and work out your preferences before you commit yourself to the fray.

On-the-job training is more suited to careers in industry, government and commercial diagnostic practice, but I think residency programmes are widely regarded as an optimal start for those that can take that opportunity.

The content of this site is intended as a guide to interested parties and is accurate to the best of our belief at the time of compilation.

No liability can be accepted for information that may subsequently prove to be inaccurate.

You are advised that you connect to linked sites referenced here at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for the content of other sites.

Each menu item may contain important information.

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