Resident Training in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology - Standard Pathology Track
Location
William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH), University of California, Davis, CA
Years 1 and 2 training
The first two years of the program are based in the VMTH Anatomic Pathology Service at the University of California, Davis (see Overview: Resident Training Program in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology).
The second year standard track resident is tasked with organizing resident-run journal club every Monday in the spring and fall semester.
Pathologists from the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratories, the Center for Comparative Medicine, the Comparative Pathology Laboratory, and the National Biomedical Research Institute also participate in seminars and are available for consultation.
Year 3 training
The standard track resident becomes the Senior Resident in their third year. The Senior Resident in Anatomic Pathology plays a key leadership role within the service, working closely with the Chief of Service, Service Manager, and faculty to ensure timely, high-quality diagnostic operations. The Senior Resident serves as a liaison between clinical faculty, house officers, and the anatomic pathology service, helping to resolve service concerns, support resident training, and facilitate communication. This role also includes collaboration with other UCD partners (e.g., CAHFS, CPL, NBRI) to enhance teaching activities and case-based learning opportunities.
Clinical service responsibilities include primary necropsy duty with increasing diagnostic independence, biopsy service coverage, and mentorship of junior residents. The Senior Resident provides guidance on the necropsy floor, supports case management and trimming, and remains available to assist faculty and trainees as needed.
Teaching is an integral component of the position. The Senior Resident actively instructs veterinary students, mentors junior residents, assists with rounds and journal club organization, and supports case presentations. Through these activities, the Senior Resident contributes significantly to the educational mission of the program while developing leadership and supervisory skills.