The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and VMDL offer a three-year residency in veterinary clinical pathology with the option to concurrently pursue a graduate degree. One resident is accepted into the program each year.
Based within the Department of Pathobiology and Integrative Biomedical Sciences, the residency provides broad training across all major areas of clinical pathology while preparing trainees for board certification and careers in academic, diagnostic and industry settings. Residents work closely with four full-time faculty members and a collaborative team of laboratory professionals in a high-volume diagnostic environment.
Residents receive extensive experience with diagnostic microscopy through a combination of mail-in diagnostic laboratory submissions and cases from the Veterinary Health Center. The laboratory averages approximately 27 cytology cases per day, in addition to hematology and urine sediment reviews. Residents participate in clinical service with faculty support while building diagnostic, communication and case management skills.
The program emphasizes both clinical training and education. Residents participate in a wide range of rounds, board preparation activities and graduate-level coursework, including cytology, hematology, chemistry and specialty histopathology rounds.
Teaching is a key component of the residency experience. Residents work directly with veterinary students in both clinical and pre-clinical settings through laboratory instruction, case review and hands-on clinical pathology training. Additional teaching opportunities are available for trainees interested in careers in veterinary education.
Residents may complete either a non-thesis Master of Science degree or a Master of Education degree concurrently with residency training, or they may choose to complete the residency without a graduate degree. Tuition assistance is available for residents enrolled in graduate programs.
Residents are encouraged to participate in scholarly activities, including conference presentations and manuscript preparation. Professional development funding is provided to support travel and continuing education opportunities.
Contact information
Angela Royal, DVM, MS, DACVP
Residency Coordinator
Veterary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
royalab@missouri.edu