Department of Veterinary Biosciences & Diagnostic Imaging

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Programs of Study

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Programs | DVM Curriculum | Residency in Radiology | Program Graduates

« Graduate & Residency Programs

Courses in Diagnostic Imaging are offered in the Veterinary curriculum, as well as post-DVM Radiology Resident training. Radiation Therapy facilities are present to treat cancer patients. The Radiology section is an important division of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, providing imaging services for large animal, small animal, and exotic species. Imaging methods include: radiology (x-rays), ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), nuclear scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

« Diagnostic Imaging in the DVM Curriculum

Year 1

The Radiology faculty and residents participate in the instruction of radiographic anatomy in the first year of the DVM curriculum. Emphasis is placed on normal radiographic anatomy.

Year 3

The junior year radiology course is taught by the Radiology Faculty and residents. The course concentrates on the diagnosis of radiographic abnormalities associated with large and small animal disease processes. In addition, principles of radiation safety and the production of technically excellent radiographs are taught, as well as introductions to diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.

Year 4

Students actively participate in the diagnostic imaging of patients seen at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Students assist in the production of radiographs as well as discussions of radiographic findings. Daily rounds are used to reinforce knowledge gained in the junior year. Students also gain some experience with diagnostic ultrasound.

An elective course is available to senior students to concentrate on more detailed knowledge of diagnostic ultrasound as it applies to small animal patients.

« Residency in Radiology

The University of Georgia’s radiology residency is a 3-year program that provides training and experience to qualify the resident to take the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) certification examination. Training is supervised by four diplomates of the ACVR and includes didactic course work, participation in radiology service to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and teaching conducted by the department.

Courses include:

• Anatomy (with emphasis on radiographic anatomy)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiation Physics
• Radiobiology
• Radiation Oncology & Radiation Protection
• Ultrasound
• Radiographic Special Procedures
• Pathophysiology

During the first year of the program, the resident will attend all lectures of the radiology course taught to third year veterinary students. In the following two years, the resident will give selected lectures and conduct laboratories in that course. Continuation in the program from year to year is contingent on satisfactory performance.

The Department is equipped with a high frequency special procedures x-ray unit with digital fluoroscopy and electronic linear tomography, and a computed radiography unit with a computer workstation. Additional equipment includes five other x-ray units, four ultrasound machines, nuclear medicine equipment, and a helical CT scanner. Four new digital radiography systems and a PACS were recently installed. A 3.0 Tesla MRI unit is also available.

When not attending classes or teaching, the resident will be in the radiology clinic. A common radiology clinic area serves both the small and large animal hospitals. Each week, residents are assigned to either routine radiographic and special radiographic procedures, ultrasound, or CT/MRI/nuclear medicine. Residents also participate in radiation therapy to some degree.

Residents are required to complete a research topic and to present a paper based on their research project at an ACVR meeting. The resident will participate in continuing education courses offered by the radiology section. The resident is required to submit for publication a paper based on his or her project and is strongly encouraged to submit case reports or other papers for publication. The residents will participate in the radiology emergency service on a rotating basis.

A Georgia Veterinary Practice License is required and can be obtained through the institutional employment licensing agreement after arrival. Professional liability coverage and a life insurance plan are provided. Fifteen vacation days and 12 holidays are permitted each year.

For additional information contact:

Kim McCannon
Department of Veterinary Biosciences & Diagnostic Imaging
College of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
Phone: 706.542.8309
Fax: 706.542.0051

« Board Certified Radiologists

Our program has produced numerous board-certified radiologists.

These include:

• Dr. Steve Kneller, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Micheal Walker, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. John Losonsky, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Robert Badertscher, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Daniel Feeney, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Mary Mahaffey, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Robert Toal, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. James Douglass, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Kristina Schwenson, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Kent Wallace, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Lisa Neuwirth, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Elizabeth Watson, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Susan Newell, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Sarah West, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Paul Frank, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Julie Ekedahl, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Halise Diamond, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Wendy Gwin, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. LeeAnn Pack, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Jessica Basseches, Diplomate ACVR
• Dr. Tasha Axam
• Dr. Mason Holland
• Dr. Cody Laas

 

Last reviewed July 26, 2010