The University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in conjunction with the Department of Pathobiology offers the opportunity of an externship for veterinary students to experience the anatomic pathology residency training program. Externs interact with pathologists, pathology residents, and other veterinary students through the necropsy service in the U of I VDL, which receives a variety of species from throughout the state, the U of I teaching hospital, and local zoos. Externs will have the opportunity to conduct necropsies and perform microscopic examination of necropsy cases with residents and pathologists. Externs will also have the opportunity to participate in surgical biopsy service with residents and pathologists.

There are numerous pathologist-led seminars and rounds available. During the academic year,externs will participate with residents in weekly gross pathology seminar, histopathology seminar, and dermatopathology rounds. Additionally, externs will participate with residents in weekly AFIP Wednesday slide seminar review, general pathology review, ocular pathology rounds and cytology rounds that run year-round. Gross images and slide sets are available for self study. Special projects such as writing a case report for publication, developing a gross review, or small case studies may be pursued.

Externs are accepted year-round and are non-paid. The length of externships range depending on the availability and schedule at the VDL in addition to the time availability of the extern and typically range between 1 and 4 weeks long.

For questions or to apply and arrange for an externship, please contact Dr. Miranda Vieson (mvieson@illinois.edu).