A Guide to Careers in Veterinary Pathology in the UK
© 2007
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Academia
Careers in universities underpin the future of veterinary pathology education at undergraduate and graduate level. Without teachers and researchers in an academic environment, the future of the discipline is in jeopardy. A large proportion of veterinary pathologists are employed in university veterinary schools, second only to employment in industry.
Career paths can be followed in both anatomic and clinical pathology.
Lecturing positions
Faculty members have a range of responsibilities ranging from teaching, diagnostic pathology, research and administration. The proportions vary, with some pathologists emphasising one or more of these disciplines. Teaching is a significant task and the preparation and delivery of the undergraduate curriculum is a major commitment. Supervision in the necropsy room and the examination of students are other important and rewarding tasks.
Diagnostic pathology involves necropsy and histopathology of specimens and biopsies from a wide range of species. Descriptive and interpretative skills are important for diagnostic work and the results must be shared with clinicians and other specialists. Specialisation in certain areas of diagnostic practice is an option that can be followed and may lead to national or international recognition.
Most academic pathologists participate in research programmes into animal or human disease mechanisms that may use the full range of available techniques. The acquisition of funding is a key activity for researchers and a considerable amount of time must be spent preparing grant applications, directing laboratory work and writing papers.
Locations
There are nine veterinary schools in the UK and Eire, all with a need for pathologists to undertake routine diagnostic tasks in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology and microbiology as well as teaching duties and research.
Career development
In the main, most careers in universities will start with a residency or a PhD programme (or a combination of the two).
To make significant progress, research experience is essential and a PhD is the sine qua non.
Positions can be obtained as lecturer, senior lecturer, reader or professor and appointments tend to be held over relatively prolonged periods. The degree of responsibility and involvement in administration rise with the seniority of the position.
Belfast
Bristol
Cambridge
Dublin
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Liverpool
Nottingham
RVC, London
