What is a Specialist?

What is a Specialist?

A veterinary Specialist is a qualified vet who has undergone significant further training to achieve the highest clinical accolade in our profession. To use the term Specialist, a vet must be recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or the European Board of Veterinary Specialists (EBVS). Many of the European Veterinary Colleges, including the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) are affiliated to the EBVS.

Due to the rigorous training and examination process required to gain Specialist status you can rest assured that when referred to a Specialist you are in the most highly clinically trained hands possible.

TO BECOME A EUROPEAN RECOGNISED SPECIALIST IN SMALL ANIMAL SURGERY REQUIRES:

• Minimum 2 years postgraduate experience including completion of a rotating internship or the equivalent.
• Completion of three years minimum ECVS Residency Training Program supervised by a recognised Specialist.
• During the Residency Training Program the candidate needs to:
  • Perform a minimum number of supervised and primary surgeries
  • Successfully publish at least two manuscripts in peer reviewed journals
  • Complete externships in
  • Anaesthesia
  • Pathology
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Internal medicine
• Once the candidate’s credentials have been accepted, the entrant must then sit a qualifying examination consisting of three sections (written, case based and practical).
• The Diploma is received on successful completion of the examinations and the candidate is then qualified as a Specialist.
• Specialist status is time-bound. Individuals must apply for reaccreditation every five years to maintain their status to make sure their knowledge remains current.
• European Specialists can obtain RCVS recognised Specialist status by demonstrating an active contribution to their speciality. Re-accreditation is again mandatory every five years.