Pathology Training Program

Combined Veterinary Pathology Residency And Master Of Science By Research Degree Program

The pathology training (clinical or anatomic pathology focused) combined with an MSc by Research degree position is a paid, three-year program. This position provides a unique opportunity for training in both clinical and anatomic veterinary pathology by five anatomic pathologists and three (clinical pathologists).

In addition, it offers an opportunity to earn an MSc by Research degree in a related areas such as One health, tropical animal diseases, conservation medicine or other research areas supported by the university. The training will include diagnostic pathology, teaching and research and prepare the candidate to be a strong contender for competitive jobs and research positions internationally.

The objectives of the pathology residency training are to develop skills in clinical and anatomic pathology in preparation for American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) board certification examination. Through collaboration with other ACVP residency centers and diagnostic laboratories, we will offer opportunities for additional training to meet the current and future examination eligibility requirements.

Veterinary Pathology Trainee Duties & Responsibilities

Pathology trainees are expected to spend a portion of their time interacting with veterinary students, primarily in the laboratory setting, and performing diagnostics under the supervision of clinical and anatomic pathologists in weekly rotations. The resident will have ample training and learning opportunities in subspecialty areas of veterinary clinical pathology and anatomic pathology, including cytopathology, hemopathology, histopathology and autopsy. This will be determined based on the resident’s choice to pursue either clinical pathology or anatomical pathology track.

The trainee is also expected to complete a MSc by Research degree program, and to submit two manuscripts suitable for publication. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned by the Head of the Biomedical Department or Pathology Division Head as needed.

Program Qualifications

To be considered for this program, candidates must possess the following:

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or equivalent.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere.
A strong desire for advanced clinical pathology and/or anatomic pathology training, leading to ACVP/ECVP-Board certification.

Start Terms

This Veterinary Pathology Residency Training and MSc by Research Degree Program operates on a three-year cycle. The next intake for this program will begin on July 1, 2024.

More information about moving and living in St. Kitts, can be found here:

Life in St. Kitts

Explore St. Kitts

Request Information

For more information about this program, please contact Talent Acquisition at RossVetJobs@rossvet.edu.kn

Request More Information

“When I accepted the internship position at RUSVM I was told that it was great opportunity, and it certainly has proven to be in my case. Although developing a career in pathology is difficult coming from a clinical nonacademic background, RUSVM has a broader outlook and recognizes skillsets gained from clinical experience. The program nurtured my research into tropical arboviral diseases, allowed me to pursue a higher degree (the initial MSc turned into a PhD), and begin specialist training in veterinary anatomic pathology. Throughout my time as an intern at RUSVM (and beyond!) I was given independence and encouraged to forge collaborations with leading researchers in their fields. I also benefited from exemplary and inspirational support and mentorship from my supervisors. I am proud to call myself a Rossie! I have no reservation in recommending the program.”

Dr. Matthew J. Valentine, BVMS, MRCVS, Dipl. ACVP

Assistant Professor, Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Biomedical Sciences Department, RUSVM

A new Research and Pathology building was inaugurated in 2018, creating 13,000 square feet of research space, including eight laboratories. The site features 2,000 square feet dedicated to pathology, including:

Autopsy and histology suites
An overhead camera
An interactive viewing gallery
A multiheaded microscopy room for 10 observers

The research and pathology sections of the building were designed to BSL-2 biosafety standards.

Our ongoing research focuses on key issues strategically relevant to One health in tropical and developing countries and include zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, environmental health, and conservation medicine.

Pathology Board Examination

In Terms Of Extending The Program To Complete ACVP Boards, What Are The Current Options?

We are currently transitioning from a two year to a three-year program which would allow the candidate to sit Phase 1 and Phase 2 board exam and to potentially align with the new ACVP training program accreditation guidelines.

“I see my pathology training time at RUSVM as the single most important time in my life. It helped me build a solid foundation and shape the path of my career. The freedom, resources and faculty support that were available to me during my internship and Master of Science degree program gave me the perfect environment to develop, explore and grow as a budding pathologist, researcher, and teacher. Experiencing the rich culture and nature of the island was an invaluable experience.”

Judit M. Wulcan, DVM, MSc

Resident, Laboratory Animal Pathology Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Comparative Pathology Laboratory & California National Primate Research Center University of California, Davis

Benefits

Can I Undertake Externships In Other Universities During My Vacation Time?

The program offers funding for one continuous education event each year (course, conference, externships etc.) The trainee is strongly encouraged to attend the annual ACVP or ECVP meeting at least once and prepare and present a poste or oral presentation of their own research or a case report. Externships do not have to be taken during vacation time.

What Benefits Are Available With This Internship?

The trainee will receive Coach/Economy class airfare to relocate to St. Kitts and to repatriate once the program is complete. In addition, a lump sum payment of US $1,000 for reasonable and customary costs associated with relocation is provided.

RUSVM’s policy allows Interns to take 10 days paid vacation per year, the date and timing of which must be scheduled in advance with the approval of the Department Head, Biomedical Sciences.

All health benefits for trainees are currently covered by the University at 100% of cost, with the option to cover spouse and/or dependents with 100% of the health care benefit costs covered by the trainee in the form of payroll deduction.

How Will I Submit My Letters Of Recommendation And When?

To standardize and simplify our process and to allow us to more easily compare and contrast recommendations, if chosen for an interview you will receive an email with a link to our reference system. Within the system you will be prompted to enter the contact information for up to 5 references. You need only submit 3 at a minimum. Your referees will then receive an email with a similar link. It should take them no more than 20-30 minutes to complete the reference questions.

"This internship was a great bridge between veterinary school and my pathology residency training. By the conclusion of the internship, I had a solid foundation in both clinical and anatomic pathology. This foundation set the stage for continued success throughout my pathology career. I passed my ACVP board exam after residency while working as a toxicologic pathologist.”

JESSICA BAILEY, DVM, MS, DACVP

Associate Veterinary Pathologist at WuXi AppTec Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area

Structure – Requirements

Is There An Option To Forego Completion Of The Master’s Degree And Reduce The Time Of The Internship?

The completion of a master’s degree is something that we strongly encourage. Our program is designed for someone with very little exposure to pathology but with a strong motivation to learn.

More information here: https://veterinary.rossu.edu/postgraduate/msc-research.

How Much Time Is Allocated To The Research Component Of This Program, And How Is This Time Scheduled To Fit In With The Other Aspects Of The Training?

This will vary depending on the project: teaching and service duties including training will be prioritized followed by research duties and other activities such as organizing weekly rounds (WSC or own cases), assisting with the submission of 2 cases each year to WSC etc.

Is There Stipulation On The Research Completed As Part Of The MSc Program, Or Is There Flexibility To Formulate The Research Plan?

There is flexibility in choosing the topic of your research by facilitating meetings with various Principal Investigators (PI’s) and incorporating previously mastered techniques would be an advantage. We strongly encourage some pathology component in the broadest sense to be included the MSc project. This may involve the wider study of diseases and span other disciplines such as molecular biology, bacteriology, epidemiology, parasitology etc…

Is There An Opportunity To Perform Immunohistochemistry (IHC) On A Regular Basis And, If So, Which Antibodies Are Routinely Used?

Our Histology and Research lab has the infrastructure and offers support for performing IHC. This is performed mainly as part of research projects and is not routinely used for diagnostic cases.

How Fresh Are The Average Necropsy Cases?

Most of the submissions are fresh cases. While we encourage clinicians to work with us in submitting cases as soon as possible, we do sometimes we get frozen cases during school breaks or when cases come from other islands.

Is The Internship Available Through The Match Program, Or Do I Apply Elsewhere?

Our training program is not available through the match program.

Case Load

What Case Load Is Presented To The Pathology Unit In Terms Of Numbers Of Cases And Species?

Anatomic pathology has about 200 autopsy cases per year and about 100-150 biopsies per year. Clinical pathology averages are estimated at:

Hematology: about 2000 cases
Chemistry: about 2000 cases
Cytology: about 200 cases

Below are example from previous years for autopsies and histology service.

"Moving to a foreign country can be a daunting experience, but my time at RUSVM was nothing short of amazing. Under the supervision of brilliant and compassionate mentors, I developed a skillset that was key in furthering my career as a pathologist. The completion of a Masters of Science also provided me with research experience and laboratory skills highly sought after in academia. The program prides itself on offering the trainee autonomy, providing the freedom and resources to pursue various research and professional interests. I am currently completing a Clinical Pathology residency and have intentions to double-certify in Anatomic Pathology, a goal made feasible by my holistic training at RUSVM. The program aside, the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis offer rich culture and beautiful beaches and, are fantastic place to be while in training!"