1. ABVP Board Certification Highly Rewarding, Extremely Challenging

2. ABVP Mission Statement The mission of the ABVP is to advance the quality of veterinary practice through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence in species-oriented clinical practice. Practitioners who excel in the art and science of veterinary practice are encouraged to apply for certification.

3. In 1978 proposal accepted by the AVMA First exam 1981: Of 103 candidates, 41 succeeded to become Diplomates Initial species categories: –Companion Animal –Equine –Food Animal Over time, ABVP has expanded and refined its categories: –Canine and Feline –Feline –Equine –Food Animal –Dairy –Beef Cattle –Swine Health Management –Avian –Exotic Companion Mammal History of ABVP

4. Canine and Feline: 451 Avian: 129 Equine: 82 Feline: 78 Dairy: 36 Food Animal: 23 Swine Health Mgt: 23 Beef Cattle: 12 As of 02/2008 ABVP: Over 800 Diplomates Strong

5. Next step for clinicians in high quality private practice Certifies practitioners with skill, knowledge and competency in the care of the “total patient” Demands self improvement Expects maintenance of competency To become CERTIFIED, you must be one of the following: Graduate of AVMA-accredited veterinary college or Certified by ECFVG or Licensed to practice in any country EXCEPTIONAL COMPASSIONATE DRIVEN FOCUSED PROUD Why Become Certified?

6. “Diplomate” status is granted by the ABVP under the approval of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, an official committee of the AVMA Intended as a professional and public recognition of advanced knowledge, skills and competency Unlike other veterinary specialties that are narrowly focused (e.g. ophthalmology, cardiology, pathology), ABVP Diplomates demonstrate excellence in the care of the total patient Referrals are not the goal of ABVP, although many Diplomates have earned the trust and respect of colleagues What Does Certification Really Mean?

7. What is the process? Application Credentials Review Studying Examination ABVP Diplomate = Exceptionally talented veterinarians who reach beyond the expected and embrace challenges because it is their passion

8. Applications due January 15 Credential review completed April 15 Notification letters sent out June 1 Study, Study, Study Register for exam by September 1 Exam 1 st or 2 nd weekend in November Application Timeline

9. Application 1.Curriculum vitae 2.Synopsis of Veterinary Practice since graduation 3.Self-report job experience form 4.Applicant evaluation forms 5.Manuscripts (2 Case Reports) except approved residencies and SHM 6.Continuing education last 5 years (90 hrs) 7.Fee

10. A. Personal Information B. Professional Information  Synopsis of veterinary practice since graduation  Match-up with ABVP practice category  Self-report job experience form What Should the Curriculum Vitae Include?

11. Applicant Evaluations Three evaluations One from a Board Certified Diplomate Evaluation of practice abilities and personal qualities

12. Two case reports concerning animals personally diagnosed and treated (in practice category) Designed to demonstrate professional expertise and ability to practice at a high-quality Diplomate level Cases must be seen in the past five years Previously published reports are acceptable (if publication date within five years) –Important note: Submissions must be in ABVP-specified format which differs from professional journals Writing the Case Report

13. Must have adequate literature review Demonstrate a logical thought process Must be well defended Follow ABVP guidelines! Do not choose an unusual case Use cases that relate to your practice category The most common reason for failing to credential is inadequate case reports!!! Both case reports must pass to qualify. (If one or both reports fail, they may be rewritten and resubmitted the next year.) Choose Your Cases Carefully!

14. Show What You Know Significant presenting signs Diagnostic characteristics Problem lists Pathophysiology Differential diagnoses Treatments Management options

15. Table for ALL lab work Supporting visual aids (photos, imaging, graphics, tables, copies of radiographs) Correct terminology Citation of products Citation of references Do not send original dx records Show What You Have Done

16. Follow Instructions Proper format Double spaced, quality paper quality printing, numbered pages All Five (5) copies of original quality Check spelling Keep a copy for your files!

17. Mentors are available from ABVP –interested in your success Outside review is OK! Encouraged! Choose outside reviewers carefully (they offer an opinion, not a guarantee) This is your work to become a Diplomate. Take pride in it! Case Report Review

18. The Credentials Committee, made up of volunteer Diplomates in each species category, will evaluate and score each application. By June 1, applicants will be informed if their credentials and case reports have been accepted or rejected. The Review Process

19. Studying for the Exam Systematic organized study plan Start early Read frequently Recognize and develop your weak areas Use active cases to learn and reinforce knowledge Studying for the Exam

20. Preparing For The Exam General Texts, Medical Dictionary Physiology: Guyton or Ganong Others: Compendium, JAVMA, JAAHA

21. One Time. One Place. All category exams taken at the same time* 1 st or 2 nd weekend in November Central Location – Chicago O’Hare Marriott Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday morning * Exception: Swine Health Management exams are given at the annual AASV conference The “Unified” Examination

22. Examination format Friday evening 5:00 p.m. –Practicals Saturday morning 8:00 a.m. –Specialty, Part I Saturday afternoon 2:00 p.m. –Specialty, Part II Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. –Practicals EXCEPTIONAL COMPASSIONATE DRIVEN FOCUSED PROUD Check in begins 30 minutes before examination time

23. Application..…………………$330 Reapplication……………….$220 Examination…...……………$440 Re-examination…...………..$440 Recertification………………$275 Diplomate Renewal………..$220 Emeritus Renewal ………….$50 updated 02/2008 ABVP Fees

24. Qualifying exam is first step Establish a formal mentor Plan of study Two (2) case reports and refereed publication Oral exam (multi-subject “phone” type info) Problem solving (record review, analysis) Essay (core information) SHM Exam administered at Annual AASV Convention Swine Health Management

25. ABVP Recognizes quality practitioners Recertification required - eligible in year 8, 9, or 10 Membership driven Responsive to changing needs of Veterinary Medicine

26. Join us in Austin, Texas! Make plans to attend the 14 th Annual ABVP Symposium, April 16-19 at the downtown Omni Hotel in Austin, TX. Species tracks will include Canine, Feline, Avian, Bovine, Equine, Small Ruminant & Exotic Companion Mammal. Open to all Veterinarians

27. PROUD TO BE ABVP! FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jeff Allen, Executive Director 618 Church St., Suite 220 Nashville, TN 37219 800-697-3583 www.abvp.com abvp@xmi-amc.com