Cornell has one of the oldest anatomic pathology training programs in the country. Cornell trained pathologists can be found working in academia, industry, the government, and diagnostic labs throughout the world.

Program Highlights

The residency program (3 years) is designed to prepare competitively selected veterinarians for careers in veterinary diagnostic pathology and comparative pathology, as well as providing a foundation for graduate studies leading to a career in biomedical research. Cornell has one of the oldest pathology training programs in the country; many Cornell graduates have gone on to leadership positions in industry and academia. Our training program covers all aspects and sub-specialties of veterinary anatomic pathology, including laboratory animal pathology, zoo and wildlife pathology, dermatopathology, neuropathology, and hepatopathology. 

Extensive caseload and diverse specialties

The program consists of 36 months of training structured around clinical service (biopsy and necropsy service weeks), under the supervision of board-certified anatomic pathologists, and the extensive case material available through these services. The caseload includes a wide variety of species, including food and fiber animals, horses, dogs, and cats, exotics, lab animals, and wildlife, from the Cornell University Hospital for Animals and referring veterinarians from around the world. The service sees over 11,000 surgical biopsies and 2,000 necropsies per year.

Leading faculty

Through interaction with our faculty, you will develop skills in recognition and description of lesions, formulation of morphologic diagnoses, correlation of functional changes with tissue structural alterations, and an understanding of pathogenesis, thus cultivating a sound conceptual approach to understanding the pathology of a wide variety of disease processes in animal species.

Dynamic learning environment

The case-based training is augmented by a variety of rotating specialty rounds, journal club, histopathology seminars, lecture series, gross pathology quiz, and specialty consultations, along with participation in conferences and courses. Financial support for participation in conferences and courses is available.

Research opportunities in a variety of fields are available within the vibrant research and clinical community at the college. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine is an inclusive, dynamic, and innovative university. Individual faculty members have strong research interests in domestic animals, poultry, wildlife, murine pathology, and transgenesis. The research efforts are supported by a wide array of advanced facilities (including stem cell and transgenic and flow cytometry among others) located throughout the college and university.

A sense of purpose

Staff and faculty impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas and best practices to further their goals of teaching, research, outreach, and capacity building. The Section of Anatomic Pathology at Cornell University provides diagnostic pathology support for the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC). 

Openings

Available positions are posted yearly, in June-July. Please check this page for updates. 

The Cornell University Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Section of Anatomic Pathology, and the New York State Animal Health Diagnostic Center are pleased to announce the availability of 2 residency positions in anatomic pathology (standard track) to begin on July 1, 2026. 

The appointment is renewable annually, assuming satisfactory performance. This program is designed to prepare candidates for a career in veterinary pathology and certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP).

Applications

Timeline

Requirements

Applicants should possess a DVM degree or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited or AVMA-listed school and a strong academic record, as well as excellent interpersonal skills and a strong, demonstrated interest in veterinary pathology. 

How to Apply

Create an applicant account on the Academic Jobs Online (AJO) webpage and submit the documents listed below. Alternatively, you can directly email them to raemail@cornell.edu.

(Note that the anatomic pathology residency positions are not posted on AJO. )

1. Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended (must be received directly from the college/university registrar)
2. CV
3. Three letters of reference (at least one from a board-certified ACVP/ECVP/JCVP/or equivalent pathologist)
4. Statement of career goals (~ 1 page)
5. Official TOEFL score if applicable (see below)

Cornell University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans. Learn more at Equal Education and Employment. 

Good to Know

Location

Ithaca, NY, home of Cornell University, is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, about 250 miles from New York City. The spectacular natural beauty of this area is characterized by gorges, valleys, lakes streams, waterfalls, and rolling farmland.

The University

Cornell faculty members are leaders in their fields, and many have been honored as Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and members of the National Academy of Sciences. Cornell awarded the nation’s first university degree in veterinary medicine. 

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for a first-year resident is $51,000. Dental and health insurance is provided in addition to a retirement account, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts, as applicable, both at Cornell and the WCS. Benefit choices are selected at the time of hire, and employees pay for some or all of the elected choices. Additional information is available by contacting: raemail@cornell.edu

Minimum Living and Housing Costs

The Office of Global Learning (OGL) has determined that living expenses in Ithaca for one Graduate student for 12 months are estimated at $28,584 ($2,382 per month) + $212/semester (activity fee) + $682/semester (books and supplies). This calculation does take into consideration the yearly cost of one year’s health insurance at $3,976, which would vary depending on selected plans. Additional family expenses for 12 months are as follows: Spouse expenses = $921/month x 12 months + $3,828 (one year of health insurance). Children = $791/month x 12 months per child + health insurance for one year: $3,828 for one child, $6,900 total for two or more children.

For more information and calculation breakdowns, please consult the OGL website. For further information contact Pilar Thompson (pav37@cornell.edu).

Virtual tour

Watch a guided video tour of the Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Facilities at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine: