Simply put, the term “ACVS Diplomate” refers to a veterinarian who has been board certified (received a diploma) in veterinary surgery. Only after completed the certification requirements of the ACVS are Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and have earned the right to be called specialists in veterinary surgery.

Veterinarians wishing to become board certified must complete a three-year residency program, meet specific training and caseload requirements, and perform research and have their research published. This process is supervised by current ACVS Diplomates, ensuring consistency in training and adherence to high standards. Once the residency has been completed, the resident must sit for and pass a rigorous examination. Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of ACVS Diplomate.

What Questions Should I ask My Veterinarian?

• How often has the veterinarian performed this type of surgery?
• Does the surgery require special equipment? Is it available?
• Does my pet’s surgery require a specialist?
• What should I expect the outcome of the surgery to be?
• What follow-up care is necessary?

These specialists have dedicated 3 to 6 years of their professional career to advanced training in veterinary medicine. Only veterinarians who have successfully completed ACVIM’s rigorous training and testing requirements are certified as Diplomates, and have earned the right to be called Board-certified specialists in veterinary internal medicine.

“The amount of training an ACVIM Board-certified specialist is required to have goes far beyond the technical aspects of veterinary care,” said Bruce Madewell, DVM, incoming ACVIM Board Chair. “Our training includes an extensive amount of time dedicated to all aspects of cardiology, neurology, oncology and internal medicine. This breadth of training helps ensure that we provide an optimum level of care for all our patients.”