Residency in Clinical Pathology

The clinical pathology residency is a three year program designed to give advanced training in veterinary clinical pathology and laboratory medicine. Residents are trained under the close guidance of four board-certified clinical pathologists. We have two primary objectives for our training program. The first objective is to train residents to be outstanding clinical pathologists who are well-versed in all aspects of clinical pathology (hematopathology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, laboratory management, and applied clinical pathology research). The second objective is to inspire and encourage trainees to become academic clinical pathologists who will contribute to the advancement and future of veterinary clinical pathology. As a result of this training, residents are well prepared for the board certification examination in clinical pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). Throughout this process, we strive to maintain a fun and cooperative learning environment that encourages scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and spirited debate.

Program

During the training program, the resident will attain skills in the different disciplines of clinical pathology through:

  • Diagnostic service duties
  • Teaching within the veterinary curriculum and continuing education programs
  • Hypothesis-driven applied clinical pathology research
  • A variety of structured activities, seminars, and rounds within the clinical pathology lab and the College of Veterinary Medicine

Additional information on these major areas of study during the residency is given below. A more detailed description of the residency program at Cornell can be found in the Residency Training Guidelines. We follow training guidelines endorsed by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP).

Faculty

Erica Behling-Kelly, Associate Professor; Laboratory Director
Ashleigh Newman, Assistant Clinical Professor; Internship Coordinator 
Tracy Stokol, Professor
Julie Webb, Assistant Clinical Professor; Residency Coordinator

Clinical Pathology Team

In addition to faculty and residents, the clinical pathology team consists of a laboratory manager, eight to ten medical technologists, and two to three administrative assistants. We all work together as a team to provide excellent service to our clients while maintaining a stimulating and fulfilling work environment.

The clinical pathology residency is highlighted in the College of Veterinary Medicine's February 2011 edition of 'Scopes magazine.

Application

The application deadline is October 1, 2021. Only completed applications with all required materials will be considered. A DVM/VMD or equivalent degree is required for consideration for this position. Candidates with at least 1 year of post-DVM work (e.g. internship, clinical practice, masters, PhD) may be given preference but such work is not a requirement. See the full advertisement here for a complete description of application requirements. Please note that 3 professional references must complete our standard evaluation form.

Diagnostic Service 

Residents participate in daily cytology/hematology read-out sessions at least two weeks per month during the first two years of the program. In consultation with the pathologist on duty, residents review and prepare diagnostic reports for clinical cases submitted to the clinical pathology laboratory. We have a rich and varied caseload from the Cornell University Hospital for Animals consisting of 73% small animals, 25% large animals, and 2% exotics, in addition to a large number of cases submitted from national and international sources via the Animal Health Diagnostic Center. Training is also provided on the performance and interpretation of specialized diagnostic testing such as flow cytometry, protein electrophoresis, cytochemistry, and immunocytochemistry. As the training progresses, residents are given increasing responsibility with the goal of independence (assuming full responsibility for laboratory results) during the final year of the program.

Teaching

Residents are involved in a variety of teaching activities, including:

  • Leading small group teaching sessions for senior veterinary students.
  • Assisting in the organization and teaching of a comprehensive clinical pathology course. Residents assist in the preparation and delivery of laboratory sessions during the first and second year of their residency. During the second year of the program, residents are given the opportunity to take a more active role in clinical pathology instruction through didactic lectures. In the final year of the program, residents may also moderate a large group discussion.
  • Assisting in the organization and teaching of continuing education seminars offered at the College of Veterinary Medicine, e.g. New York State Veterinary Conference.

Research

The resident will perform applied clinical pathologic-related research under the supervision of the clinical pathologists beginning in the first year of the program. Prospective, hypothesis-driven research is expected and will culminate in the publication of results in a peer-reviewed journal as well as presentation of results at the annual meeting of the ACVP. During the course of their research, residents will acquire skills in study design, laboratory techniques, and scientific writing. Residents are expected to write a Share the Future grant for the ACVP or apply for other funding opportunities. If available, residents are required to take a statistical course during their training program. Residents are also encouraged to publish individual case reports, submit mystery slide cases or case discussions for presentation at the annual meeting of the ACVP, and participate in collaborative research with other members of the college community. For further information on research interests of the current faculty and research projects undertaken by current and previous residents refer to the information provided under Current Residents.

Structured Activities, Seminars, and Rounds

The residency training program is structured to allow residents to spend substantial time with all board-certified clinical pathologists. These structured activities are designed to give residents thorough training for success in a variety of career opportunities in clinical pathology by enhancing diagnostic skills, providing access to infrequent disorders that may not be encountered during the residency, and assisting in preparation for the board certification examination by the ACVP. These activities include:

  • Weekly case seminars: Residents are given cytology, hematology, or surgical biopsy cases for description and interpretation. Starting in the second year, residents are encouraged to write a “board-style” description and interpretation.
  • Biweekly or monthly chemistry case reviews: Residents are given clinical chemistry data for interpretation and critical discussion. Starting in the second year, residents are encouraged to write a “board-style” interpretation.
  • Biweekly or monthly cytology-histology correlate sessions: Residents and faculty participate in the review and comparison of cytology and histopathology findings of cases, some of which are controversial and challenging.
  • Biweekly seminars on special topics in clinical pathology: Each member of the clinical pathology team (residents and faculty) leads discussions, in rotation, on principles of clinical pathology. These seminars may include review of journal articles, methodologies, or other topics relating to laboratory medicine.
  • Residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of other seminars and rounds held within the College of Veterinary Medicine (e.g. oncology rounds, infectious disease forums).

To facilitate training, residents have access to a wealth of archived resources that are available for directed and self-study. These resources include:

  • An extensive textbook-based and online library.
  • An extensive image database, including digitally scanned Aperio slides.
  • PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, and course notes from continuing education seminars held at Cornell University or obtained from other meetings
  • Slide sets:
    • Resident training slides (hematology, cytology, and surgical biopsy) that encompass interesting or challenging cases.
    • Extensive archived hematology and chemistry slides from routine diagnostic evaluation including samples from normal tissues.
    • Mystery slide sets with case summaries from ASVCP meetings (mystery slide cases, chemistry cases, case discussions).
  • Examples of normal and abnormal results, including artifacts using the following techniques:
    • ADVIA hematology analyzer
    • Protein electrophoresis
    • Flow cytometry
    • Polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangements
  • Complete case material from interesting cases (representing all species)

Current Residents

Shelley Chu, DVM, 2nd year resident

Past Trainees (since 1993)

Jose Daniel Cruz Otero, DVM, 2015-2019
Research Project: Immunomodulatory properties of bovine high density lipoproteins.
Current Position:

Daniela Hernandez Muguiro, BVSc, 2014-2018
Research projects: Complement activation in canine immune-mediated hemolytic anemia; Effect of anti-platelet drugs on ex vivo equid herpesvirus type 1-induced platelet activation
Grants and Awards: Best scientific content, Clinical Investigators Day, Cornell University (2016), Best abstract, Clinical Investigators Day, Cornell University (2015), Share the future research grant, ASVCP (2015)
Current Position:

Midori Asakawa, BVSc, Dipl. ACVP (Anatomic and Clinical Pathology) 2013-2016
Research project(s): Effects of lipoproteins on fibrinolysis in the dog.
Grants and Awards: Share the Future Research Grant, ASVCP (2014), Best overall presentation at Clinical Investigators Day, Cornell University (2015).
Current position: Pathologist, Synergy Animal General Hospital, Japan

Ashleigh Newman, VMD, Dipl. ACVP (Clinical Pathology) 2012-2015
Research project: Lipoprotein profiles in lactating dairy cattle. Reporting and interpreting red blood cell morphology.
Grants and Awards: Best presentation style at Clinical Investigators Day, Cornell University (2014)
Current position: Assistant Clinical Professor, Cornell University

Erika Gruber, DVM, Dipl. ACVP (Clinical Pathology) 2010-2013
Research project(s): Thrombin generation in canine cancer cells.
Grants and Awards: Travel award, ASVCP (2012), Young Investigator Award, ASVCP (2012), Best overall presentation at Resident Seminar Symposium, Cornell University (2013)
Current position: Assistant Professor, North Carolina State University

Nora Springer, DVM, Dipl. ACVP (Clinical Pathology) 2009-2012
Research project(s): Platelet-derived microparticles and thrombin generation in horses. Diagnostic utility of glutamate dehydrogenase in birds.
Grants and awards: Travel award, ASVCP (2010), Share the Future training grant, ASVCP (2010), Comparative Cancer Biology Training Grant (2010), Award of Excellence for Best Large Animal Presentation at Resident Seminary Symposium, Cornell University (2012)
Current position: Assistant Professor, Kansas State University 

Seigo Ogasawara, BVSc, Dipl. ACVP (Clinical Pathology) 2007-2010
Research project(s): Effect of interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and interleukin-10 on tissue factor expression in canine monocytes.
Grants and awards: Travel award, ASVCP (2009)
Current position: Clinical Pathologist, IDEXX, Japan

Heather Priest, DVM, Dipl. ACVP (Clinical Pathology) 2006-2009
Research project(s): Transferrin receptor expression in canine lymphoma.
Grants and awards: Travel award, ASVCP (2008), Young investigator award, ASVCP (2008)
Current position: Clinical Pathologist, Charles River Laboratories, Reno, NV

Amy Warren, BVSc, PhD Dipl. ACVP (Anatomic and Clinical Pathology) 2006-2007
Research project(s): Effect of storage on bovine hematologic parameters.
Current position: Associate Professor, University of Calgary, Canada

Chris Mesher, DVM, Dipl. ACVP (Clinical Pathology) 1993-1996
Current position: Phoenix Veterinary Laboratories, Seattle, USA

Resident Publications

  1. Hernandez DM, Goggs R, Behling-Kelly E (2018) In vitro Inhibition of Canine Complement-Mediated Hemolysis. J Vet Intern Med. 2018 Jan;32(1):142-146. doi: 10.1111/jvim.14871. Epub 2017 Nov 24. Link to Pubmed
  2. Hernandez D, Yeo WM, Brooks MB, Ness SL, Divers TJ, Stokol T (2016) Effects of various antiplatelet drugs on ex vivo platelet activation induced by equine herpesvirus type 1. Am J Vet Res. 2016 Dec;77(12):1366-1373. Link to Pubmed
  3. Gruber E, Catalfamo J, Stokol T (2016) Tissue factor drives thrombin generation in canine mammary tumor cells. Am J Vet Res. 77.4.404-412. Link to Pubmed
  4. Newman A, Mann S, Nydam DV, Overton T, Behling-Kelly E (2016). Impact of dietary plane of energy during the dry period on lipoprotein parameters in the transition period in dairy cattle. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 100(1): 118-126.. Link to Pubmed
  5. Newman AW, Rishniw M, Behling-Kelly E (2014) Reporting and interpreting red blood cell morphology: is there discordance between clinical pathologists and clinicians? Vet Clin Pathol.43: 487-495. (Editor’s choice article) Link to Pubmed
  6. Newman A, Estey C, McDonough SP, Cerda-Gonzalez S, Larsen M, Stokol T (2015) Cholesteatoma and meningoencephalitis in a dog with chronic otitis externa. Vet Clin Pathol. 44:157-163. doi: 10.1111/vcp.12212. Link to Pubmed
  7. Asakawa MG, Lewis SM, Buckles E, Stokol T (2015) What is your diagnosis? Cutaneous mass in a dog (granular variant of a trichoblastoma). Epub ahead of print, August 19. Vet Clin Pathol. doi: 10.1111/vcp.12280. Link to Pubmed
  8. Springer NL, Smith E, Brooks MB, Stokol T (2014) Flow cytometric detection of circulating platelet-derived microparticles in clinically healthy adult horses. Am J Vet Res. 75:879-885. Link to Pubmed
  9. Warren A, Stokol T, Hecker K, Nydam DV (2013) Storage-associated changes in the bovine hemogram with the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer. Comp Clin Pathol. 22:1235-1240. doi: 10.1007/s00580-012-15569.
  10. Ogasawara S and Stokol T (2012) Canine recombinant interleukin-10 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of tissue factor procoagulant activity in canine peripheral blood monocytes. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 148: 331-336. Link to Pubmed
  11. Ogasawara S, Daddona J, Trimpert J, Stokol T (2012) The effect of canine recombinant interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 on tissue factor procoagulant activity in canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes. Vet Clin Pathol. 41:325-335. Link to Pubmed
  12. Priest H, McDonough SM, Erb H, Daddona J, Stokol T (2011) Transferrin receptor expression in canine lymphoma. Vet Pathol. 48:466-474. Link to Pubmed
  13. Mesher CI, Blue JT, Guffroy MR, De Lahunta A (1996) Intracellular myelin in cerebrospinal fluid from a dog with myelomalacia. Vet Clin Pathol. 25:124-126. Link to Pubmed
  14. Mesher CI (1997) What is your diagnosis? Subcutaneous nodule from a 14-month-old cat. Vet Clin Pathol. 26:4. Link to Pubmed
  15. Mesher CI, Mauldin EA (1996) What is your diagnosis? Liver impression smears from 5 juvenile canaries. Vet Clin Pathol. 24:140. Link to Pubmed
  16. Mesher CI, Rej R and Stokol T (1998) Alanine aminotransferase apoenzyme in dogs. Vet Clin Pathol. 24:26-30. Link to Pubmed

Useful Links

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American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology

A nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to the promotion of scientific advancement, education, and standards in veterinary laboratory medicine.

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eClinPath Diagnostic Challenge

Cases seen by Cornell University’s Clinical Pathology Laboratory; test yourself with the questions and photomicrographs and make your own diagnosis!

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American College of Veterinary Pathologists

Fostering excellence in veterinary pathology, to protect and improve animal, human and environmental health for the betterment of society, since 1949.