Combined Clinical Microbiology Residency

Residency + PhD in Biomedical Sciences

Dual training leading to a PhD in biomedical sciences in combination with American College of Veterinary Microbiologists (ACVM) board certification prepares trainees for leadership positions in academia as well as national and international laboratories.

Microbiology residency training occurs within the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL), a full service veterinary diagnostic laboratory under the direction of ACVM-certified microbiologists and is enriched by faculty with expertise in infectious diseases, including zoonotic agents and emerging pathogens.

Dissertation research is carried out under the direction of a highly collaborative research faculty who are experienced in mentoring trainees within state-of-the-art laboratories. Students have additional research opportunities through a close partnership with the USDA-ARS Animal Disease Research Unit.

Program strengths

  • Bacterial and viral respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases
  • Innate and acquired immunity, immunogenetics, and vaccine development
  • Parasitic infections
  • Persistent viral infections
  • Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
  • Vector-borne diseases
  • Zoonotic and food-borne pathogens

Apply to our program

5-year residency program

Applicants must have a DVM degree from an AVMA accredited college of veterinary medicine or comparable foreign institution and be eligible for enrollment in the Graduate School at Washington State University.

Candidates for the Combined Clinical Microbiology Residency should complete the online graduate school application only after invitation from the department.

How to apply

Residency applicants must include:

  • A letter of intent stating your professional career goals
  • A curriculum vitae including a list of three references
  • Transcripts from veterinary school(s) (an official English translation must be included if not in English)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL scores or language waiver for all international applicants from a country whose primary language is not English.

Please send application materials electronically in PDF format or by mail to:

Claire Burbick, DVM, PhD, DACVM
Clinical Microbiology Residency Coordinator
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology
402 Bustad Hall
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-7040
509-335-6044
claire.burbick@wsu.edu

U.S. citizens or permanent residency (green card status) is not required but is preferred. Washington State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. Protected group members are encouraged to apply.