What is Board Certification?
Surgeons are certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS). This is the only credentialing body for veterinarians specializing in surgery in North America. Surgeons certified by the ACVS are termed Diplomates and have undergone an intensive 3 or 4 year residency program (typically preceded by a one-year internship), followed by submission of credentials and passage of a rigorous three day examination.
Confusion sometimes arises when veterinarians state that they are “certified”. This usually means that they have been “certified” to perform a certain procedure (ie TPLO) by the company manufacturing particular instruments or surgical implants. Often, only a two day training course is required to become “certified” to perform a certain procedure. These veterinarians are not necessarily surgical specialists- ask your surgeon about his qualifications and experience.
Diplomates certified by the ACVS are the only individuals who can truly call themselves specialists in veterinary surgery.