specializing

[TangerineKik]

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So I'm sure I'm going to sound really naive (but hey, everyone is at some point...) but could someone explain the process of becoming specialized? I mean, to be a board certified specialst. I know after you graduate with your DVM and take licencing exams you can do an internship (and then a residency?) but they're not usually affiliated with the school right, so how do you get accredited from them? Is it that you have to get a Masters to become a specialist?

Thank you so much - I'm a bit confused.

K

 

[246202]

Here is what the AVMA states:
A veterinary specialist is a graduate veterinarian who has successfully completed the process of board certification in an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization (ie, board or college). To become board certified, a veterinarian must have extensive post-graduate training, sufficient experience, and pass a credential review and examinations set by the given specialty organization. One representative from each of the 20 recognized veterinary specialty organizations serves on the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS). The ABVS, which was established in 1959, annually reviews each of the specialty boards or colleges according to established criteria in order to ensure uniform standards and performance by all recognized veterinary specialty organizations.

Here are some useful links:
http://www.avma.org/press/profession/specialties.asp

I think each school has differing requirements. Take ABVT as an example:
http://www.abvt.org/public/candidate/candidateappstart.cfm

I hope this helps. I do not have all the answers, but this is something that I am looking at myself. Perhaps someone else may have better information to share.

 

[Caninerepro]

Kinda a long post, but here is the info from the Therio site.

q 1. Through the standard route, a candidate shall have completed at least one (1) year of clinical practice, or its equivalent, subsequent to attainment of a veterinary medical degree, and completed a minimum of two (2) years in an established / supervised training program which includes experience in teaching, research, and/or practice of theriogenology. This training program shall be completed following attainment of a veterinary medical degree. This training program shall include a Diplomate of either the American College of Theriogenologists or European College of Animal Reproduction, or a Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (Animal Reproduction).

q 2. In the alternative route, to be eligible to sit for the examination, an individual lacking formal advanced training shall have a minimum of six (6) years of practice experience with a major emphasis in theriogenology, including successful completion of a 2-year pre-approved study and mentorship program. This study and mentorship program shall include a Diplomate of either the American College of Theriogenologists or European College of Animal Reproduction, or a Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists (Animal Reproduction). The potential candidate may apply to take the Certifying Examination two (2) years after the onset of approval of the program of study and must apply within four (4) years of approval of the program of study.

 

[Bill59]

As pointed out above, each specialty college has their own rules. But in general, you complete a residency where you train under the guidance of one or more boarded specialist. This is often at a veterinary school, but not always. Then you pass one or more examinations.

Post-graduate degrees (MS, PhD) don't have anything directly to do with becoming board certified although some residency programs also offer or even require a graduate degree.

Many specialty colleges have additional requirements such as completing research projects and publishing scientific papers. And most but not all require a 1-year rotating internship or equivalent experience.

 

[TangerineKik]

Thanks guys that's great. Funny, therio is actually one of the specialties I'm considering. Good example!