The faculty of the Department of Pathobiology are fully immersed in the educational mission of Penn Vet at all levels. We offer residency training in anatomic pathology and laboratory animal medicine.
Anatomic Pathology
Penn Vet offers two tracks for anatomic pathology training with the goal of board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP): The traditional three-year residency training program and the combined PhD-residency training program in partnership with the NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program.
Traditional Three-year Residency Training Program
Trainees in the three-year residency program receive advanced instruction with an emphasis on gross and microscopic pathology of case material, including autopsies on animals submitted from the veterinary hospitals (Philadelphia and New Bolton Center), laboratory animals from University research facilities, and surgical pathology specimens from our hospital and referring veterinary practitioners.
Learn more about the three-year residency program...
Combined Residency Training Program and PhD (NIH CBSTP)
Trainees in the NIH Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program (CBSTP) spend their first three years of their program at the University of Pennsylvania. During this time, trainees receive advanced instruction with an emphasis on gross and microscopic pathology of case material. During the second and third year, trainees will be eligible to sit for phases I and II of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) certifying exam.
Learn more about the Combined Residency Training Program and PhD...
If you are interested in learning more about anatomic pathology, please visit the American College of Veterinary Pathologists website.
Comparative Medicine and Research: Teaching and Training

Training of Veterinary Students: Our faculty teaches veterinary students about research animals, their biology, diseases, and career paths in comparative medicine. We also cover the rules and ethics for using animals in research. Learn more about these topics as and more.