Professor Michael J. Day BSc BVMS(Hons) PhD DSc DiplECVP FASM FRCPath FRCVS

Michael Day is Professor of Veterinary Pathology and Director of Laboratory Diagnostic Services at the University of Bristol. Michael is a 1982 graduate of Murdoch University (Western Australia) where he also completed a PhD and Residency Programme. After postdoctoral positions at the Universities of Bristol and Oxford, Michael came to the Bristol veterinary school in 1990. He has expertise in histopathology, cytology, haematology and clinical immunology laboratory diagnosis. Michael's main research interest lies in immune-mediated and infectious diseases of companion animals.

Course content

In this two day course, participants will focus on the pivotal role of laboratory testing in clinical diagnosis. Case studies will be selected in which the diagnostic procedures of haematology and bone marrow analysis, cytology, biopsy, microbiology or immunodiagnostic testing were requisite to making a final diagnosis. Some cases will be presented to the group in an interactive fashion. Others will be undertaken initially as individual exercises using original microscope slides in combination with relevant laboratory data, with subsequent discussion by the group. Where appropriate, theoretical information related to a particular diagnostic test will be presented. On the final day a 'spot test' assessment will enable delegates to evaluate their performance.

Who should attend:

This course should enhance understanding of disease pathogenesis and the role of laboratory diagnosis in companion animal practice. This course is designed for veterinary surgeons in general small animal practice. Those with an interest in, or responsibility for, laboratory medicine in the practice setting should find this course particularly useful. Some experience of cytology or previous attendance at a basic cytology course may be advantageous but is not a pre-requisite.

What the course will help the attendees to do:

• Revise fundamentals of laboratory data interpretation
• Become updated on newly available diagnostic modalities
• Develop understanding of the role of laboratory diagnostics in practice
• Practice practical cytology interpretation skills
• Develop a structured approach to laboratory diagnosis

Learning objectives 

By the end of this course delegates should have a thorough understanding of:

• The application and interpretation of a range of selected laboratory procedures to clinical diagnosis in companion animal medicine.