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Areas of Interest Individual veterinarians may indicate that they have a personal interest in treating particular animals or conditions. Such an indication does not necessarily mean that they have earned a specialty degree or pursued extra education in a particular field. How to choose a Veterinarian Selecting a veterinarian for your pet is a personal choice, as is selecting your family physician or dentist. And, the criteria you use in choosing a physician or dentist is similar. What is important to you? Location? Convenient hours of service? Friendliness and service commitment of doctors and staff? Fees? In selecting a veterinarian, your goals should be to find the doctor that best meets your needs and to establish a long-term relationship. The veterinarian will maintain a history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, behavior traits, etc. So, it's important to see your veterinarian for all your pet's health care needs. Your veterinarian will know the best preventive and critical care to provide with your pet's individual health care needs in mind. Where to look for a veterinarian ... Ask a Friend Breed Clubs Pay a visit ... Things to consider when selecting a veterinarian and a veterinary hospital…. OFFICE HOURS PROFESSIONAL STAFF FEES AND PAYMENT SERVICES EMERGENCY CARE FACILITY PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS POLICIES As the pet owner.... You must communicate your pet's health care needs to the veterinarian. Many signs of illness are subtle. Your veterinarian will rely on your awareness of small changes in your pet's behavior or habits. All veterinarians are special. All pets are special. Take the time to choose the right veterinarian for your special pet. What is a board certified specialist? A board certified specialist is a veterinarian who has not only received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary school, but has also completed considerable post-graduate education, passed a series of certification examinations and achieved the status of a board certified specialist, or "Diplomate", in their specialty (internal medicine, dermatology, cardiology, etc.). The majority of colleges require a 1 year internship and a two to three year residency program before the candidate can take the final certification tests. The exception is the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). The ABVP does not require post-graduate training such as an internship or residency but does require a series of tests that allow a veterinarian to become a specialist in certain species such as Canine and Feline Practice, Avian Practice, Food Animal Practice, etc. Each specialty is governed by a college that oversees the rules and regulations regarding board certification. For example, the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) oversees board certification of veterinary dermatologists and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons oversees the board certification of veterinary surgeons. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) oversees a variety of specialties including Neurology, Cardiology, Oncology, and Internal Medicine. Each college is approved by, and is overseen by, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a national organization. A board certified specialist is identified by the initials, after his/her name, of the college to which he or she belongs. For example, a veterinarian who is a board certified ophthamologist would have the letters ACVO, which stands for the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology, after his/her name: John Doe, DVM, ACVO Because the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine oversees multiple different specialties, the specific specialty will often be placed after the initials ACVIM. For example a board certified Neurologist would have the words "ACVIM (Neurology)" after his/her name: John Doe, DVM, ACVIM (Neurology) A veterinarian is not allowed to use the words "specialist" or "specializing in" unless he/she has completed a board certification program approved by the AVMA. Why would I use a board certified specialist? Your veterinarian may consult with, or refer you to, a board certified specialist. The board certified specialist has received intensive training in his or her field of expertise and is often involved in current research dealing with new diagnostics and therapeutics for veterinary patients. This consultation is intended to supplement the services provided by your veterinarian to help diagnose and treat your pet's problem. How do I find a board certified specialist? Below are listed the initials of each college, a short description of the college, and any links that are available to that college. These links may help you learn more information about a specific specialty and help you to identify board certified specialists within your geographical area. ACVIM - American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine ACVD - American College of Veterinary Dermatologists ACVO - American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists ACVS - American College of Veterinary Surgeons ACVECC - American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care ACVB - American College of Veterinary Behaviorists ABVP - American Board of Veterinary Practitioners
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