Veterinary Clinical Pathology Residency Program
The Veterinary Clinical Pathology Residency Program at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University is a three-year, full-time training program that provides comprehensive, hands-on education in all aspects of veterinary clinical pathology. The program is designed to prepare residents for board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) and successful careers in academic medicine, research, diagnostic laboratories, or industry.
Program Overview
Residents gain advanced training through Cummings School Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (CVDL), which handles a large and diverse annual caseload, including:
- 3,200+ cytologies and fluid analyses
- 13,000+ complete blood counts (CBCs)
- 17,000+ clinical chemistries
Samples are received from the school’s veterinary teaching hospitals and clinics, encompassing a wide range of species such as dogs, cats, horses, alpacas, small ruminants, exotic animals, and wildlife.
Training and Educational Focus
The residency provides in-depth instruction and practical experience in:
- Hematology, clinical chemistry, coagulation, and cytology
- Surgical biopsy interpretation and quality control
- Laboratory instrumentation and management
- Advanced diagnostic techniques including flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, digital pathology, and biostatistics
Residents work closely with a team of board-certified clinical and anatomic pathologists, fostering a collaborative and well-rounded learning environment.
Research and Teaching Opportunities
Residents actively participate in:
- Case interpretation and diagnostic service (approximately 50% of training time)
- D.V.M. student teaching, journal clubs, and pathology rounds
- Specialized courses, including bone marrow evaluation
- Independent or collaborative research projects through Clinical Research Shared Resource and other initiatives in infectious disease, oncology, and cardiovascular medicine
Program Structure and Benefits
The Clinical Pathology Residency Program maintains two resident positions at a time, with new openings available approximately every other year.
- Next Application Cycle: Summer 2026 for a July 2027 start date
- Appointment Length: 12 months, renewable annually (three-year total)
- Compensation: Competitive salary with annual adjustments
- Benefits: Comprehensive Tufts University benefits, including health and life insurance, two weeks of paid vacation, travel and conference support, and professional liability coverage
Upon successful completion, residents receive a certificate of residency and are fully prepared for ACVP certification and professional advancement in academic, industrial, or diagnostic pathology roles.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a D.V.M. or equivalent veterinary degree from an AVMA-listed institution
- Submit a curriculum vitae, letter of intent, academic transcripts, and three professional references
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and clinical or research experience
Preference is given to candidates with post-doctoral clinical experience or research backgrounds. International applicants are welcome but must contact the program director in advance to confirm eligibility and position availability.
Contact Information
Dr. Francisco O. Conrado
Director, Clinical Pathology Residency Program
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University