North American veterinary pathology residency training programs: an overview of where they are today and where they were five years ago, with an analysis of trends.
An e-mail/telephone survey of all active North American residency training programs in veterinary pathology was conducted in September 2005. The purpose of this survey was to determine current numbers of trainees, their program length and type, and salaries; to compare current numbers to five years earlier; and, finally, to gauge interest in expanding current programs. All 41 training institutions contacted responded to the survey. Briefly, the survey found that there are currently 235 veterinary pathology residents, for a mean of 5.7 residents per training program. The number of residents currently in training programs and the number of applicants for these programs has increased compared to five years earlier. There is widespread interest in further expanding capacity in these programs, and the coalition of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and the Society of Toxicologic Pathology is a well-known source of possible funding for additional residents. This survey report further documents the numbers of combined residency/PhD programs, average starting salaries for new residents, outside sponsorship effects on pathology training programs, and some of the common concerns regarding veterinary pathology training programs voiced by the respondents. While residency training capacity has expanded in the last five years, and there is widespread desire to further expand these training programs, a shortage of veterinary pathologists for future market needs will need to be addressed by increased funding from as yet unspecified sources.
Fitzgerald
Scott D
SD
Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48910-8104, USA. Fitzgerald@dcpah.msu.edu
Reed
Willie M
WM
Kaneene
John B
JB
D000818:Animals; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004520:Education, Veterinary / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007397:Internship, Nonmedical / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D010341:Pathology, Veterinary / Q000193:education*; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D014481:United States; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D000078329:Workforce