American College of Veterinary Pathologists
Position Statement on National Needs for Research in Veterinary Science

As stated in the recent report of the Committee on Increasing Veterinary Involvement in Biomedical Research (1), there is currently a large unanticipated need for veterinary expertise in two major areas, namely 1) the pathobiology of genetically-engineered mouse models and 2) bioterrorism/zoonotic disease. Both of these areas are heavily reliant on the specific skills and expertise of veterinary pathologists. In addition, the specialty of veterinary pathology contributes to the health of farm animals, companion animals, and wildlife, is an integral part of food safety monitoring, and plays a critical role in the discovery and development of human and animal pharmaceuticals. In light of this integral role in veterinary medical science, the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) wishes to raise 3 points within the framework of the Workshop.

Infrastructure for Recruitment and Training of Veterinary Pathologists

One of the most important immediate priorities of the ACVP relates to building the infrastructure for veterinary support of biomedical research. The ACVP seeks actively to recruit and train individuals in the specialty of veterinary pathology. Such training is currently supported primarily by local funding at the state and institutional level. However, residency training in veterinary pathology is not generally supported by cost recovery from patients as in the case for our MD colleagues. Therefore, residency training positions are few and under-funded, in contrast to research training for which funded positions often go unfilled. A recent survey indicated a projected deficiency of 214 veterinary pathologists by 2007, in a specialty whose members currently number only 1,320 (2). Therefore there is an urgent need for provision of support on the national level for basic Residency training, with the recognition that such training will lead to a greater number of candidates for research training.

A related issue is the major difficulty in attracting veterinary pathologists into academic positions. There are multiple reasons for this, ranging from limited salaries and difficulty in obtaining funding for projects, leading to limited opportunity for advancement. The longest position vacancies in our profession are in the academic field. New initiatives are needed to make academic leaders and funding agencies aware of this problem.

Veterinary Pathologists as Research Resources

The national need for novel approaches to research utilizing veterinary pathologists is well-recognized by the ACVP. The nature of our specialty leads to an abundance of collaborative research. Unfortunately, however, formal recognition of this contribution is currently not found among current NIH funding mechanisms. Veterinary pathologists in research are required in the current funding structure to seek their own independent funding, which leads to an inability to serve the critical support role needed by many other investigators. Greater funding for core resources and pathology infrastructure is needed to allow pathologists the time to contribute to the greater good.

Another research area that would be served by a novel approach to research is that of wildlife diseases and environmental pathology. Current research funding strategies focus heavily on “translational” research that has rapid clinical applicability to human patients; yet research into diseases of wildlife (for example: rabies, bubonic plague, and diseases caused by environmental toxicants) have a long-term benefit that should be recognized.

Integration of Veterinary Pathologists into Tomorrow’s Research

Despite the rapid growth in biomedical research and in particular in the use of novel mouse models, the grant review process often does not include adequate veterinary expertise. A review of the standing study sections of the Center for Scientific Review reveals that only about half have any veterinary researcher on the panels. This lack of representation leads to devaluation of the unique skills and contribution of veterinarians. It is incumbent on the veterinary profession to participate more actively in the grant review process, and on granting agencies to seek veterinary expertise.

A second opportunity for integration of veterinary pathologists into future research lies in financial support for DVMs via loan repayment programs for research training. This program has been highly successful in bringing MDs into research, but currently are not available for veterinarians (3).

1. National Need and Priorities for Veterinarians in Biomedical Research. National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2003.
2. http://www.acvp.org/career/employsurv.pdf
3. http://www.lrp.nih.gov/

Download this position statement in Microsoft Word.

. . . . . . . . .

ACVP HOME | About ACVP | Annual Meeting | Calendar of Events | News & Public Relations | Student Chapters | Training & Education | Certifying Exam | Other Links | Career Opportunities | Members Only | Contact Us

Copyright © 2007, American College of Veterinary Pathologists. All rights reserved.