Clinical Studies
The Department of Clinical Studies offers graduate programs leading to MSc and DVSc degrees.
Administrative Staff
Chair
Christopher Riley (2141 CS, Ext. 54051)
criley03@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Adronie Verbrugghe (2148 OVC Bldg. 49, Ext. 54034)
averbrug@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Fiona James (2156 Clinical Studies)
jamesf@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Julia Asten (2509 Stewart Building, Ext. 54406)
csgrad@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Faculty
This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.
Sarah Abood
B.Sc., DVM Michigan, PhD Ohio - Veterinarian and Manager, Sit, Stay, Speak Nutrition LLC
Associated Graduate Faculty
Anthony C. G. Abrams-Ogg
BA Alberta, DVM Saskatchewan, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVIM - Professor Emeritus, Clinical Studies, University of Guelph
Associated Graduate Faculty
Ryan Appleby
B.Sc. Western Ontario, DVM Guelph - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Luis Arroyo
DVM Nacional, D.V.Sc., PhD Guelph - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Shane Bateman
DVM, D.V.Sc., Dipl. ACVECC - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Hugues Beaufrere
DVM Lyon, PhD Louisiana - Associate Professor, University of California-Davis
Associated Graduate Faculty
Alexa Bersenas
B.Sc., DVM, M.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVECC - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Shauna Blois
B.Sc., Mount Allison, DVM Prince Edward Island, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVIM - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Brigitte Brisson
DMV Montreal, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVS - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Allison Collier
DVM, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVS - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Nathalie Cote
DVM Montreal, D.V.Sc., Guelph, Dipl. ACVS - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Nicola Cribb
BA, Vet.M.B, MA Cambridge, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVS - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Alice Defarges
DVM Alfort, M.Sc. Montreal, Dipl. ACVIM - Associate Professor and Chair, Pet Trust Scientific Review Committee
Graduate Faculty
Sonja Fonfara
DVM Hanover, Dr.Med.Vet Justus-Liebig (Germany), PhD Helsinki, CertVC, Dipl. ECVIM - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Luis Gaitero
DVM Barcelona, Dipl. ECVN - Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Clinical Program
Graduate Faculty
Thomas Gibson
B.Sc. Guelph, B.Ed. Windsor, DVM, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ACVSMR - Veterinarian, Grand River Surgical Services
Associated Graduate Faculty
Diego Gomez
DVM, M.Sc. Colombia, M.V.Sc. Atlantic Veterinary, PhD Guelph, Dipl. ACVIM (LA) - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Caitlin Grant
B.Sc., DVM, D.V.Sc. Guelph - Contractually Limited Faculty
Associated Graduate Faculty
Joanne Hewson
DVM, PhD Guelph, Dipl. ACVIM (LA) - Professor and Associate Dean, Students & Academic
Graduate Faculty
Samuel Hocker
BS Illinois, DVM, MS Kansas State, Dipl. ACVIM - Assistant Professor, Kansas State University
Associated Graduate Faculty
Mark B. Hurtig
DVM Guelph, M.V.Sc. Saskatchewan, Dipl. ACVS - Professor Emeritus
Associated Graduate Faculty
Fiona James
B.Sc. Toronto, M.Sc. Western, DVM, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVIM - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Monica Jensen
B.Sc., DVM, D.V.Sc. Guelph - Diagnostic Imaging Specialist Veterinarian, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Associated Graduate Faculty
Carolyn L. Kerr
DVM, D.V.Sc. Guelph, PhD Western, Dipl. ACVAA - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Judith Koenig
DVM, M.Sc.Vet. Austria, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVS/ECVS, Dipl. ACVSMR - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Cedric Larouche
DVM Montreal, D.V.Sc. Guelph - Veterinarian, Granby Zoo
Associated Graduate Faculty
Melissa MacIver
B.Sc., DVM Guelph, MS Texas - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Alejandro Merchan Munoz
DVM Madrid, DVSc Guelph - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Noel Moens
DVM Liege (Belgium), M.Sc. Saskatchewan, Dipl. ACVS/ECVS - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Anthony Mutsaers
DVM Guelph, PhD Toronto, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology) - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Stephanie Nykamp
DVM Guelph, M.Sc. Western, Dipl. ACVR - Veterinary Radiologist, VetRad
Associated Graduate Faculty
Michelle Oblak
DVM, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVS - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Chantale Pinard
DVM Guelph, MS Kansas State, Dipl. ACVO - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Shari Raheb
B.Sc. Guelph, DVM Prince Edward Island, DVSc, Guelph - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Christopher Riley
B.Sc., B.V.Sc. Melbourne, M.Sc., PhD Saskatchewan, Dipl. ACVS - Professor and Chair
Graduate Faculty
Francesca Samarani
DVM Milan - Contractually Limited Faculty, Clinical Studies, University of Guelph
Associated Graduate Faculty
Andrea Sanchez Lazaro
DVM Murcia, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVAA - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Melissa Sinclair
DVM Prince Edward Island, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVAA - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Ameet Singh
B.Sc. Mount Allison, DVM Atlantic Veterinary, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVS - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Henry Staempfli
DVM, Dr.Med.Vet.Dipl. ACVIM - Professor Emeritus
Associated Graduate Faculty
Alexander Valverde
DVM Costa Rica, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVAA - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Lauren Van Patter
B.Sc., MA, Guelph, PhD Queen's - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Adronie Verbrugghe
B.Sc., DVM, PhD Ghent (Belgium), Dipl. ECVCN - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
J. Paul Woods
DVM Guelph, MS Wisconsin, Dipl. ACVIM (Internal Medicine, Oncology) - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Xiu Ting Yiew
DVM Putra Malaysia, D.V.Sc. Guelph, Dipl. ACVECC - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Alexander Zur Linden
B.Sc. Simon Fraser, DVM Saskatchewan, Dipl. ACVR - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
MSc Program
Admission Requirements
Note: Admission to the MSc in Clinical Studies (course-based only) has been suspended. For more information, please contact the Department of Clinical Studies.
Applicants must have either an honours baccalaureate degree in a relevant field with at least a B- (70% Ontario equivalent) over the last 2 years of full-time study, or a DVM (or equivalent) degree with at least an overall B- (70% Ontario equivalent) in the DVM program; licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Ontario is not required.
Candidates are accepted based on adequate background preparation and availability of an advisor in the area of interest. Applicants should contact potential faculty advisors with established research programs listed in the department website.
Acceptance into the MSc by thesis program will be dependent on stipend funding opportunities that may be available through faculty advisors, scholarships or sponsorship. There is usually no stipend support for MSc course work students.
Program Requirements
Students enrol in one of two study options:
- thesis, or
- course work and major research paper.
Thesis
The thesis option requires a minimum of 6 semesters (2 years) of full time study. The program provides focused research training in areas related to veterinary medicine. Research projects may examine aspects of clinical practice or concepts but are not considered discipline or specialty training.
The program involves a minimum of three 0.50 credit graduate level courses, totaling a minimum of 1.50 credits overall. Candidates are required to carry out an independent research study and produce a thesis. The course selection will be made by the student in consultation with the advisory committee and tailored to the student’s particular research interest, and will be approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator, on behalf of the Departmental Graduate Studies and Research Committee.
Course Work and Major Research Project (MRP)
The course work option requires a minimum of 3 semesters (1 year) of full-time study. The program provides course work and focused research training in areas related to veterinary medicine. Research projects may examine aspects of clinical practice or concepts but are not considered discipline or specialty training.
The course work plus major project option will comprise a minimum of 4.0 credits, including six 0.5-credit graduate courses and a mandatory 1.0 credit, multi-semester major project course. The major project course will be supervised by the student’s advisory committee, and will consist of a literature review, participation in a research project related to veterinary medicine, preparation of a manuscript suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and presentation in a Departmental seminar. A mark will be assigned by the advisory committee, based on the manuscript and oral presentation.
There are no required courses beyond the 1.0 credit project course. The remaining courses will be chosen from courses within the Department of Clinical Studies and other courses provided across the University. The course selection will be made by the student in consultation with the advisory committee and tailored to the student’s particular research interest, and will be approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator, on behalf of the Departmental Graduate Studies and Research Committee.
DVSc Program
The Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc) degree is offered in large animal surgery, small animal surgery, large animal medicine, small animal medicine, anesthesiology, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, radiology, emergency and critical care, companion animal nutrition, and oncology, depending upon availability. The program provides advanced academic preparation in both clinical training and research and is a unique post-professional doctoral-level degree. The DVSc differs from PhD training by emphasizing the development of both clinical research and applied skills in the various areas of clinical specialization appropriate for preparation for Specialty Board Certification.
DVSc positions are usually funded positions, and are typically advertised and selected through the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians' website at https://www.virmp.org/ which can be accessed in early October. The start date of DVSc positions is typically early August. Occasionally specialty training positions become available outside this timeline and are advertised on our website and through appropriate veterinary channels.
The DVSc is currently an interdepartmental program and receives input from all academic departments in the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC):
- Biomedical Sciences,
- Clinical Studies,
- Pathobiology and
- Population Medicine.
Admission Requirements
Minimum of Ontario Equivalent average of 'B' (73% minimum) or GPA 3.0/4.0 in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or equivalent. Applicants must be eligible for licensure by College of Veterinarians of Ontario. In addition, a completed internship or equivalent is usually required.
Program Requirements
This program involves two-thirds of the time in applied clinical practice. and one-third of the time taking a minimum of five 0.5-credit graduate courses, conducting a research project related to the veterinary specialty, a written and oral qualifying exam to be taken before the end of the 6th semester, writing a thesis in a publication ready format, and a thesis defense in front of an examination committee. Candidates are required to develop investigative skills in their chosen area of specialization by carrying out an original study, generally related to animal health. The results of the research must make a significant contribution to the candidate's area of specialization and be written up as a thesis.
Collaborative Specializations
Neuroscience
The Department of Clinical Studies participates in the Master’s and Doctoral collaborative specialization in neuroscience. Please consult the Neuroscience listing for a detailed description of the Master’s and Doctoral collaborative specialization.
One Health
The Department of Clinical Studies participates in the collaborative specialization in One Health. Master’s and Doctoral students wishing to undertake thesis research or their major research paper/project with an emphasis on one health are eligible to apply to register concurrently in Clinical Studies and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the One Health listing for more information
Regenerative Medicine
The DVSc program participates in the collaborative specialization in Regenerative Medicine. DVSc students wishing to undertake thesis research with an emphasis on regenerative medicine are eligible to apply to register concurrently in the DVSc program and the collaborative specialization. Students should consult the Regenerative Medicine listing for more information.
Courses
These are in-service clinical training courses based on case material presented to the student in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Under supervision, the student is expected to take primary responsibility for case management including decisions related to diagnosis, therapy and client/referring veterinarian communications. Case material studied in each course reflects a different clinical subspecialty commonly occurring in the Fall (F), Winter (W), and Summer (S) semesters respectively.
These are in-service clinical training courses based on case material presented to the student in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Under supervision, the student is expected to take primary responsibility for case management including decisions related to diagnosis, therapy and client/referring veterinarian communications. Case material studied in each course reflects a different clinical subspecialty commonly occurring in the Fall (F), Winter (W), and Summer (S) semesters respectively.
These are in-service clinical training courses based on case material presented to the student in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Under supervision, the student is expected to take primary responsibility for case management including decisions related to diagnosis, therapy and client/referring veterinarian communications. Case material studied in each course reflects a different clinical subspecialty commonly occurring in the Fall (F), Winter (W), and Summer (S) semesters respectively.
These are in-service clinical training courses based on case material presented to the student in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Under supervision, the student is expected to take primary responsibility for case management including decisions related to diagnosis, therapy and client/referring veterinarian communications. Case material studied in each course reflects a different clinical subspecialty occurring in Fall (F), Winter (W), and Summer (S) semesters respectively. The student is required to prepare a paper for publication in a recognized peer review journal based on clinical case material presented to the teaching hospital. As an alternative, the paper can be an in-depth review article on a clinically relevant topic.
These are in-service clinical training courses based on case material presented to the student in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Under supervision, the student is expected to take primary responsibility for case management including decisions related to diagnosis, therapy and client/referring veterinarian communications. Case material studied in each course reflects a different clinical subspecialty occurring in Fall (F), Winter (W), and Summer (S) semesters respectively. The student is required to prepare a paper for publication in a recognized peer review journal based on clinical case material presented to the teaching hospital. As an alternative, the paper can be an in-depth review article on a clinically relevant topic.
These are in-service clinical training courses based on case material presented to the student in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Under supervision, the student is expected to take primary responsibility for case management including decisions related to diagnosis, therapy and client/referring veterinarian communications. Case material studied in each course reflects a different clinical subspecialty occurring in Fall (F), Winter (W), and Summer (S) semesters respectively. The student is required to prepare a paper for publication in a recognized peer review journal based on clinical case material presented to the teaching hospital. As an alternative, the paper can be an in-depth review article on a clinically relevant topic.
Basic principles of lesion localization in the domestic species with discussions of diagnostic problems in veterinary neurology.
This course will involve principles of infection control in veterinary hospitals, drawing heavily from information from human medicine and evaluating human information in a veterinary context.
General surgical principles associated with surgical and related treatment of various body systems. This is an applied course with laboratory and written components. Students must have prior surgical training prior to registering for this course.
This course will provide the student with an in-depth understanding of orthopaedic practice and will facilitate revision of materials to prepare board certification.
This course is intended for students pursuing a career in veterinary radiology. Using a lecture-discussion format, the science of x-ray production and the fundamentals of other diagnostic imaging modalities will be presented. The specific applications of these techniques to research and clinical situations will be investigated.
Radiographic changes seen in diseases of the thorax and abdomen are demonstrated by using radiographs. Contrast and special studies are included where applicable.
A continuation of CLIN*6350, covering radiographic abnormalities of the neurological and skeletal systems.
This course will deal with the study of the electrocardiography of the cat, dog, cow and horse. Students will review the mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis and the role of anti-arrhythmic agents in the control of arrhythmogenesis.
A course in advanced veterinary anesthesia and allied topics such as fluid, acid-base, and electrolyte balance, shock therapy, and cardio pulmonary resuscitation.
A discussion, reading and investigative course on research methods in comparative anesthesiology.
A course in advanced veterinary anesthesia that focuses on the scientific literature related to the anesthesia of specific species and veterinary patients with varying underlying diseases.
This is a graduate course designed for DVSc students and residents pursuing further study in the area. The basis of the course is the acquisition and application of knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease. The subject area(s) will be one or two organ systems, which will not be repeated in either CLIN*6550 or CLIN*6560 over a 3-year period.
This is a graduate course designed for DVSc students and residents pursuing further study in the area. The basis of the course is the acquisition and application of knowledge of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease. The subject area(s) will be one or two organ systems, which will not be repeated in either CLIN*6550 or CLIN*6560 over a 3-year period.
Advanced study in general medicine and pathophysiologic principles of disorders of the gastrointestinal and urinary systems in ruminants, swine and horses.
Advanced study in general medicine and the pathophysiologic principles of disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculo-skeletal systems of ruminants and horses.
Advanced study in general medicine and the pathophysiologic principles of neonatal disorders and disorders of the nervous system, skin and general systemic disorders.
Based on required reference reading, every other week discussion will cover advanced soft tissue procedures performed in equine surgery. Guest lectures on selected topics will be presented. Laboratory will be given.
Based on required reference reading, every other week discussion will cover advanced soft tissue procedures performed in equine surgery. Guest lectures on selected topics will be presented. Laboratory will be given.
Through lectures/seminars, medical and surgical laboratories, and detailed case discussions, this course provides practical experience in ruminant medical, radiological and surgical procedures and in problem-solving related to ruminant practice.
This is a graduate course designed for veterinarians pursuing advanced training in residency and DVSc programs. The course will cover normal respiratory anatomy, physiology and pulmonary function. A focus on respiratory pathophysiology will include respiratory failure, oxygen therapy and positive pressure ventilation.
A review of structure and function of skin in veterinary dermatology including the epidermis, dermis, subcutis and adnexal tissue. Application of knowledge in a clinical setting will follow with attention to modalities that will improve the epidermal barrier
Original articles, review articles and textbook chapters dealing with the most recent concepts of pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures and therapeutic advancements will be reviewed, analyzed and discussed.
Readings in Cardiology II will be a continuation of the format of Readings in Cardiology I with further readings in clinical cardiology.
Based on required reference reading, weekly discussions will cover the disease mechanisms involved in medical problems commonly encountered in small animal surgical practice. Guest lectures on selected topics will be presented.
Based on required reference reading, weekly discussions will cover the disease mechanisms involved in medical problems commonly encountered in small animal surgical practice. Guest lectures on selected topics will be presented.
This is a combined reading and laboratory course that will cover the major surgical oncology procedures. The relevant readings will be covered, followed by a cadaver laboratory to teach the students the important features of each procedure.
This course assists learners in developing professional competencies in several critical areas of professional veterinary practice: 1) the veterinary-patient-client relationship; 2) the preparation and delivery of professional seminars; and 3) clinical teaching in small groups.
Preparation for the ACZM examination and based on the published ACZM examination reading list. Students will prepare reading assignments that will be discussed during scheduled time. Each semester will focus on a specific taxon group. A mock examination will be provided on an ACZM sub-specialty (typically birds, reptiles, wildlife, terrestrial mammals or aquatic medicine).
Advanced study in neurolocalization with a focus on functional neuroanatomy and diagnostic procedures in the domestic species.
This course involves participation in a clinical research project or clinical retrospective study. A review of the relevant literature will be performed. A manuscript suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal will be prepared, and the study will be presented in a departmental seminar.