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Veterinary Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program

The vision of the Veterinary Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program is to train veterinary anatomic pathologists in unbiased, scientifically and legally credible, veterinary medicolegal postmortem examinations, supplemented by knowledge of crime scene investigations, integration of additional forensic techniques, and the requirements of an expert witness. This program will produce ACVP Diplomate experts and leaders who can credibly complement veterinarians, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and the court in matters of animal crimes.

The American College of Veterinary Pathologists recognizes the need for specialized training and expertise in Veterinary Forensic Pathology (VFP) and supports this fellowship program but has no oversight over the program.

In order to fulfill this membership need, a Veterinary Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program has been established. Successful Fellows of this program have specific expertise and knowledge in Veterinary Forensic Pathology beyond what can be mastered within a 3-year Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Residency Program. Individuals participating in fellowship programs must have completed all requirements of an Anatomic Pathology Residency and have successfully completed Phase I of the certification examination. The title of Fellow in Veterinary Forensic Pathology is conferred after achieving ACVP Diplomate status and completion of a Veterinary Forensic Pathology Fellowship.

There are currently two approved Veterinary Forensic Pathology Training programs: at the University of Florida and at Cornell University.

Founding Fellow Review Committee

There will be an initial call for Founding Fellows in Veterinary Forensic Pathology. Criteria for acceptance can be found in the Call for Founding Fellows in Veterinary Forensic Pathology. The VFP Founding Fellow Review Committee will review the submitted applications for acceptance as a Founding Fellow. The call for Founding Fellows in VFP will be from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024.

Applications are no longer being accepted.

The Veterinary Forensic Pathology Founding Fellow Review Committee consists of 6 ACVP Diplomates with expertise in Veterinary Forensic Pathology. Committee members are:

  • Adam W. Stern, DVM, CMI-IV, CFC, DACVP (University of Florida) – Chair
  • Tabitha Viner, DVM, DACVP (US Fish and Wildlife Service) – Secretary
  • Beverly McEwen, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVP (University of Guelph)
  • Paul Facemire, DVM, DACVP (US Army)
  • Jason W. Brooks, VMD, PhD, DACVP (Pennsylvania State University)
  • Sean P. McDonough, DVM, PhD, DACVP (Cornell University) – Alternate

For questions about the application process or about the fellowship programs, contact Dr. Adam W. Stern, Chair of the Veterinary Forensic Pathology Fellowship Committee