ABVP Board Certification ABVP Board Certification

Highly Rewarding, Extremely Challenging

ABVP Mission StatementABVP 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.

• 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

• 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 StrongABVP: Over 800 Diplomates Strong

• 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?

• “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?What Does Certification Really Mean?

What is the process?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

• 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 1st or 2nd weekend in

November

Application Timeline

ApplicationApplication

1. Curriculum vitae 2. Synopsis of Veterinary Practice since

graduation3. Self-report job experience form4. Applicant evaluation forms5. Manuscripts (2 Case Reports) except

approved residencies and SHM6. Continuing education last 5 years (90 hrs)7. Fee

A. Personal InformationB. 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?

Applicant EvaluationsApplicant Evaluations

• Three evaluations• One from a Board Certified

Diplomate• Evaluation of practice abilities

and personal qualities

• 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 ReportWriting the Case Report

• 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!

Show What You KnowShow What You Know

• Significant presenting signs

• Diagnostic characteristics• Problem lists • Pathophysiology• Differential diagnoses• Treatments• Management options

• 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 DoneShow What You Have Done

Follow InstructionsFollow 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!

• 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 ReviewCase Report Review

com ments

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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

Studying for the ExamStudying 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 ExamStudying for the Exam

Preparing For The ExamPreparing For The Exam

• General Texts, Medical Dictionary• Physiology: Guyton or Ganong• Others: Compendium, JAVMA, JAAHA

One Time. One Place.

• All category exams taken at the same time*• 1st or 2nd 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

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

• Application..………………… $330• Reapplication………………. $220 • Examination…...…………… $440• Re-examination…...……….. $440• Recertification……………… $275• Diplomate Renewal………..$220• Emeritus Renewal ………….$50

updated 02/2008

ABVP FeesABVP Fees

ABVPABVP

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

Medicine

Join us in Austin, Texas!Join us in Austin, Texas!

Make plans to attend the 14th 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

PROUD TO BE ABVP!PROUD TO BE ABVP!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jeff Allen, Executive Director618 Church St., Suite 220Nashville, TN 37219800-697-3583www.abvp.comabvp@xmi-amc.com