Description

The general concept of the fellowship is to gain a specialized focus within companion animal diagnostic pathology through the consistent correlation of clinical presentation, cytopathology, hematology, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry, and histopathology within a case. While the fellowship has defined structure and mentoring, the fellow is expected to exhibit independent motivation. 

Duration:  One year

Start date:  October 1, 2026 or sooner

Required Qualifications: ACVP board certified in Clinical Pathology or ACVP Phase 2 board eligible; minimum 1 year clinical internship or 1 year full time equivalent professional clinical practice experience

Salary: $95,000/year

Benefits:  Eligible for medical, dental, vision

Location:

• On site at Specialty Vetpath laboratory in Seattle, WA. 3450 16th Ave W, Suite 303, Seattle, WA 98119

• Opportunities for on-site rotations at local specialty hospitals

Application Deadline:  Open until filled

Schedule:  This is a full time position. The regularly scheduled training hours will be day shift, Monday-Saturday (5 days/approximately 40 hours/week). Holidays and vacation schedule TBD (SVP closes for Thanksgiving day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day; In addition to these paid holidays, the one year Fellowship position includes 3 weeks of paid vacation. Pathologists coordinate to balance taking time off and maintaining coverage of the caseload over these holiday seasons and throughout the year.

Mentors:

Clinical Pathology: 

• Laura J. Black, DVM, DACVP (Clinical)

• Sarah Larosche, DVM, DACVP (Clinical)

Anatomic Pathology: 

• Jennifer G. Ward, DVM, DACVP (Anatomic) 

• Christopher M. Reilly, DVM, MAS, DACVP (Anatomic) - ocular

• Randall M. Walker, DVM, DACVP (Anatomic) - onco and general surgical pathology

About Specialty Vetpath:

We are a private, pathologist-owned and managed diagnostic laboratory established in March 2009. We’re a passionate group of science-minded, animal-loving professionals who believe in doing good science with a twist of art—and a solid soundtrack of rock and roll. We’re proud to support the veterinary community with high-quality, thoughtful diagnostics and a collaborative approach to patient care.

Our clinical pathologists read all cases on glass slides and a microscope, with a focus on providing clinically relevant interpretations and fast turnaround times. Additionally, by being present on site, our clinical pathologists work with the laboratory staff directly, and we have built a team that is excited to work together. The entire team at SVP is actively involved in building relationships with our clients. 

Description:

• Receive mentorship in cytopathology with an emphasis on clinicopathologic correlation, supported by case follow up including cytologic and histopathologic correlation as available 

• Opportunities for rotation at designated specialty hospitals to provide on site technician and doctor training, assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of in house lab processes and equipment, read STAT cytopathology cases as needed

• The Fellowship will involve hands on training in the principles and practices of immunocytochemistry, including:

  • Immunostaining processes including antigen retrieval methods, manual staining and use of the Intellipath Plus autostainer (open platform)

  • Interpretation of immunostaining including both ICC and IHC

  • Selection, optimization, and validation of antibodies 

  • Maintaining ICC control inventory including determining optimum control tissues/samples and sourcing

  • Ongoing QA/QC in a diagnostic and research antibody service

• Teaching: 

  • Provide continuing education in the form of labs, and/or workshops, virtually and in-person, to vet techs, general practitioners, specialists, residents, and within SVP to our staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate and report on cytopathology, immunocytochemistry, and hematology (slide only) cases.

• Provide rotating on-site clinical pathology for our local specialty clients. The goal is to primarily provide training and support in basic laboratory science applicable to the in-house lab and adhering to the basic recommended standard of the ASVCP Quality Assurance Laboratory Standards (https://www.asvcp.org/page/QALS_Guidelines). 

• Provide training and continuing education through SVP Alliance workshops/forums

Goals:

• Gain a deeper understanding and proficiency in immunodiagnostics and interpretation of immunostaining samples.

• Develop diagnostic pathology skills through integrated correlation of cytopathology and clinical presentation

• To Apply:  Submit CV, letter of intent, professional writing portfolio, and names and contact information for 3 professional references.

  
  

  Contact:

  Laura Black, DVM, DACVP (Clinical)

  Co-Laboratory Director

  Specialty Vetpath

  3450 16th Ave W, Suite 303

  Seattle, WA 98119

  206.453.5691 (lab)

  520.840.3222 (cell)

  LauraB@specialtyvetpath.com
  specialtyvetpath.com

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