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The Ohio State University Program Overview

Name of Institution:The Ohio State University
Address:Department of Veterinary Biosciences
Goss Laboratory, 1925 Coffey Road
Columbus, OH 43210
  

Program Coordinators and Emails:
Dr. Michael Oglesbee, [email protected]
Dr. Ryan Jennings, jennings.398.osu.edu
Dr. Laurie Millward, [email protected]

Resident Representatives and Emails:
Clinical: Dr. Samantha Sommer, [email protected]
Anatomic: Dr. Allysa Cole, [email protected]

Prerequisites Beyond DVM:
TOEFL (international veterinarians from non-English speaking countries); Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensure (initiated upon start of program)

Website: https://vet.osu.edu/biosciences/pathology-residencyphd-graduate-program 

Program Video

Program Information:
ProgramCombined MS/PhDCPAP
Program OptionsCP/PhDAP/PhD
Full Time Residents17710
Average # of years for completion5-5.55.5 years5.5 years
Money for books and supplies$1000, one-time fund$1000, one-time fund
Money to go to one (1) meeting/yearFive departmental travel awards for $750/year
Independent research/publication required for program completion?One first-author dissertation-based manuscriptYesYes
Phase 1 ACVP Certifying Exam Pass rate (since 2016)100%100%
Phase 2 ACVP Certifying Exam Pass rate (since 2016)100%100%

The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Biosciences (VBS) is one of three departments in the College of Veterinary Medicine, which is an important component of one of the most comprehensive health sciences centers in America. The department has a long and successful record of accomplishment in developing research pathologists, incorporating elements of both pathology residency training and graduate education and research into a seamless program with a typical targeted duration of 5.5 years.

Case load:
Autopsies: 989 total; mean 19/week; 69% small animal; 27% large animal; 4% exotic/zoo/lab animal

Surgical biopsies: 1314 total; mean 25/week; 84% small animal; 10% large animal; 6% exotic/zoo/lab animal

Clinical Pathology: 12,279 hematology cases; 3,161 cytology cases; 20,418 biochemistry cases 

Required Coursework for Specific Programs:
MSN/A
PhDResearch Seminar; Statistics; Bioethics; Other dissertation-dependent courses
APHistopathology and Specialty Pathology Seminars; 6 terms of Advanced Systemic Pathology including 1 term covering laboratory animals and special species.
CPClinical Pathology Seminars throughout training program; at least 1 term of Advanced Systemic Pathology (hepatobiliary, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic).

Comments:
Specialty training is offered in veterinary clinical and anatomic pathology, with both courses of study being similarly structured. In the first year, the program is pathology intensive, with instruction based upon service activities, didactic coursework and participation in regular seminar series. Approximately 10% effort is devoted to the identification of laboratories in which to pursue graduate education leading to the PhD degree. Years 2-5 are research intensive. Students engage in dissertation research, and participate in scientific meetings, workshops and seminar series that hone their skills as investigators in biomedical research.

Other Opportunities:

Areas of research training in the Comparative and Veterinary Medicine Graduate Program reflect a broad scope of disciplines emphasizing “One Health” including: comparative oncology; pathophysiology and therapeutics; food safety and security; bacteriology, virology and immunology; and environmental health. Many activities in the program are designed to develop both written and verbal communication skills, which are important for pathologists in all career paths. Success in the research area is reflected in the quantity and quality of student first-authored publications. Students are encouraged to submit applications for extramural funding of stipends and research. This exercise hones scientific writing skills and has obvious economic benefits for both student and mentor. Our program trainees have a strong success rate in obtaining funding through training grants (NIH T32) as well as NIH Loan Repayment Programs. Trainees are encouraged to coordinate the Phase I American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) Exam with the PhD candidacy examination. Preparation for the Phase II ACVP Certifying Examination generally begins in the final year of the program as the dissertation draws to completion. Phase II preparation is semistructured, depending on the trainee, and takes advantage of the large group of trainees.

Percentage of Time Spent in Activities – Clinical Pathology:
ServiceTeachingSeminar/CoursesResearchOther
Year 1805 plus service components510 
Year 215-200-5580-85 
Year 310<5580-85 
Year 410<5580-85 

Comments:
Pathology training utilizes laboratories at Ohio State University (OSU) which supports autopsy, surgical pathology, and clinical pathology services for the large caseload in the Veterinary Medical Center, regional practitioners, the Columbus Zoo/Wilds, Dermatopathology and Reproductive Pathology specialty services, and the University Comparative Pathology and Digital Pathology Shared Resource (CPDISR) which provides anatomic and clinical pathology support to investigators within and outside OSU utilizing animal models of disease with an emphasis on genetically modified mice and pre-clinical efficacy and toxicity studies. The cumulative 10-year pass rate for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 ACVP Certifying Examination is 100% for anatomic pathology trainees.

Percentage of Time Spent in Activities – Anatomic Pathology:
ServiceTeachingSeminar/CoursesResearchOther
Year 1805 and Clincial-based1010 (laboratory rotations)
Year 215-20<5575-80
Year 310<5580
Year 410<5580

Comments:
Additional training/resources are provided by the surgical pathology and autopsy services, University Comparative Pathology and Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, and Clinical Immunophenotyping Service. Opportunities exist to obtain clinical pathology teaching experience in the program through delivery of didactic lectures as well as laboratory, small group, electives, and senior rotation teaching. The 10-year cumulative pass rate for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 ACVP Certifying Examination in Clinical Pathology is >95%.