Program Information
Boards Preparation
Preparation for the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Clinical Pathology certifying examination is the primary focus of this residency program, which is comprised of approximately 67-75% clinical and teaching duties and 25-33% independent research and study.
In addition to clinical and teaching duties for the UF Veterinary Hospitals, boards preparation is achieved in multiple ways:
Weekly – ACVP board preparation rounds (cytology, hematology, and/or clinical chemistry case writeups, journal club, special topics), histopathology-oncology-cytology rounds, cytology-histopathology correlate rounds (quarterly), attendance at CVM clinical pathology courses during the first year of residency, access to an extensive archive of hematologic and cytologic materials (e.g., ASVCP Mystery Cases, glass slide specimens of cytology/histopathology-correlated cases).
Annual – mock-ACVP board examinations, resident seminar preparation, manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publication, attendance and/or presentation at regional and/or national pathology conferences, and surgical pathology rotations; attend a CVM course in graduate research grant writing and submit for internal funding (once/residency) and attend a specialized short course in bone marrow aspirate cytology and histopathology (once/residency).
Clinical Duties
The UF clinical pathology service works actively with specialty service clinicians in the diagnostic evaluation of a broad range of species, to include many zoologic and non-mammalian specimens.
A unique feature of this program is the direct daily support provided by clinical pathology faculty to residents as they carry out their clinical responsibilities.
While on clinic duty, residents interpret exfoliative, imprint, and fluid cytology submissions and draft reports in standardized formats that are subsequently reviewed by the faculty on duty; examine and interpret blood films and urinalysis sediments referred for pathologist review; assist with preparation of bone marrow aspirate samples from UFVH patients; aid in quality assurance and control (QA/QC) assessment of preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory errors; and assist students, technicians, and clinicians in obtaining clinical pathology information and data interpretation. In addition, residents will periodically be on-call to provide after-hours emergency clinical pathology services for the UFVH, for which they receive monetary compensation (in the form of a quarterly bonus).
Caseload Data
Approximate % cases by species: 80% small animal, 10% large animal, 10% exotic/zoologic/other
Total case accession volume: 30,000-35,000 annually (includes cytology, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and endocrine testing)
Teaching Responsibilities
There are several opportunities for clinical pathology residents to gain experience teaching. Residents assist in teaching and laboratories for CVM clinical pathology courses offered to second-, third- and fourth-year veterinary students; instruct fourth-year veterinary students during their clinical pathology clerkship; deliver lectures during the didactic portion of core and elective clinical pathology courses; and instruct specialty interns and residents from other services during their required rotations with the clinical pathology service.
Research Opportunities and Graduate Studies
All UFVH residents are required to develop and carry out a resident research project of manageable scope. Competitive internal funding is available to residents who apply. While this is not a combined residency-graduate study program, residents may, on a case by case basis, opt to pursue MS or PhD degrees before or after the residency through the UF graduate school, to which they must apply separately.
Residency Certificate Requirements
To receive their residency completion certificate, residents must satisfactorily complete:
- Three years (36 months) of residency training in the residency program
- A minimum of one first author manuscript submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal (can include case reports, brief communications, “What’s Your Diagnosis?”)
- Resident research project suitable for presentation during a scientific conference (e.g., Phi Zeta Day, ASVCP meeting) and publication in a peer-reviewed journal
- Two resident seminars, to be given during the first and second years
Compensation
The 2025 starting salary is expected to be at least $52,000, plus $500 provided as a lump-sum annually for professional development. The service can normally provide additional funding for travel-related expenses. Additional funding may be available for research projects and travel and can be applied for on a competitively selected basis. Residents receive an employer-paid package that includes many coverages: paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, and disability, with additional options for pet, legal, cancer, long-term disability, and accident (out of pocket) insurance. With most plans, there is also the option to include family members.
American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology Residency Listing
Our training program listing on the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
Questions?
Questions about the application process may be directed to Maura Pedersen. Informal inquiries or program-related questions may be directed to Dr. Chris Lanier.
The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida’s Sunshine Law.