Residency Programmes

Most veterinary schools in the UK, Europe and the USA offer training for pathologists based upon programmes organised over three or four years, depending on the institution. The programmes usually involve some lectures, practical experience, teaching undergraduates, seminars and a research project. The candidate will normally participate in one of the formal examinations of the RCPath, ECVP, ACVP or ECVCP.

Some people enter a residency after a PhD (which may help with the research element of the residency) whilst others may stay on to register for a PhD after their residency. Some institutions offer a a combined residency and PhD over a five-year period.

This may seem like a long training period but the range of knowledge that must be acquired is broad and three years can seem like a short time. A residency consists of joining qualified pathologists in their routine work with extra supervision and is much more 'hands-on' than undergraduate teaching. Although not financially rewarding, there is time for study and research, which is rarely possible in full-time practice.

Clinical pathology

Programmes are available at University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, University of Glasgow and University College, Dublin.

Commercial Laboratories may also have training positions and MRCPath and ECVCP diplomates may be available to supervise trainees.

Anatomical pathology

Programmes are available at all Veterinary Schools and some other institutions (Animal Health Trust, Veterinary Laboratory Agencies).

Funding, partial or in full, may be available from pharmaceutical companies, BBSRC, commercial diagnostic laboratories, The RCVS Trust Fund, The Home of Rest for Horses, Animal Health Trust and the Wellcome Trust.

Advice from a recent trainee

It is advisable to contact institutions and arrange informal visits to departments where you may be interested in working, even if there is no position available at the time.

Carrying out a small project during your undergraduate training is also a great opportunity to learn more about a place and discover if you like the job!

Many pathologists and current trainees got the 'bug of pathology' during their undergraduate period, and had a decisive 'relapse' later in their career as a vet in practice. A few had a 'severe progressive syndrome' and went straight into pathology from their undergraduate studies.

The amount and style of supervision received varies between countries and institutions. In some places, strongly supervised programmes are available with the aim of taking a national qualification at the end of the residency; in others the training options are more flexible. In all cases, moral support at work should not be neglected.

Your undergraduate period is a great time to learn more about this, through elective or project work.

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