Purdue University

Definition Of A Diplomate

What is a Diplomate/Specialist?

Definition
The title “Diplomate” refers to a veterinarian who is board certified in some veterinary speciality area.  Board certified specialists commonly have 4-8 years of additional training after veterinary school which includes a 3-year residency.  Residencies provide specific training in an area of specialization not available as part of a typical veterinary education.  This process is strictly supervised by a national organization made up of those types of specialists and these colleges ensure consistency in training and adherence to high standards.  Once the program has been completed, the resident must sit for and pass a rigorous examination.  Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of Diplomate and can be considered a specialist in that particular veterinary area.

Innovation
Diplomates are on the forefront of disease research.  They are the pioneers of the finest new techniques and are responsible for the advancement of veterinary medicine in their area of specialization.

Proficiency
Diplomates perform more procedures in their area of specialization than any other veterinarian.  A highly focused caseload means they have an unequaled understanding of veterinary medicine in their area of specialization and so can perform it with exceptional skill.

Expertise
Diplomates are the experts in their area of veterinary specialization.  They have advanced expertise founded on a strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and clinical medicine.  They are the teachers of students and veterinarians alike. 

Areas of Specialization                                           # of Specialists at PU School of Vet Med

ACLAM – American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine                                   2                         

ACPV – American College of Poultry Veterinarians                                                 1

ACT – American College of Theriogenologists                                                       3

ACVA – American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists                                    2

ACVB – American College of Veterinary Behaviorists                                              1

ACVCP – American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology                            0

ACVD – American College of Veterinary Dermatology                                            1

ACVECC – American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care                1

ACVIM – American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

              Small Animal/Large Animal Internal Medicine                                         10

              Neurology                                                                                                2

              Oncology                                                                                                 1

              Cardiology                                                                                               2

ACVM – American College of Veterinary Microbiologists                                       1

ACVN – American College of Veterinary Nutrition                                                 0

ACVO – American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists                                   3

ACVP – American College of Veterinary Pathologists

              Clinical Pathology                                                                                    4

              Anatomic Pathology                                                                                 11

ACVPM – American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine                               2

ACVR – American College of Veterinary Radiology

              Diagnostic Imaging                                                                                 5

              Radiation Oncology                                                                                 1

ACVS – American College of Veterinary Surgery (LA and SA)                                 12

ACZM – American College of Zoological Medicine                                                0           

ACVT  - American College of Veterinary Toxicology                                            1

American Board of Veterinary Practitioners - The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners advances the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence in species-oriented clinical practice.  ABVP Diplomates have a common desire and willingness to deliver

superior, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary veterinary service to the public. The ABVP board certified veterinarian has demonstrated by the certification process that they are capable of providing a level of clinical practice that is clearly superior to the norm of the profession. A 3-year residency is not part of the credentialing process for this certification.  It is the goal of the ABVP that practitioners who excel in the art and science of clinical practice would seek certification.

ABVP is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association to offer species-based certification in following practice categories:  Avian, Beef Cattle, Canine and Feline, Dairy, Equine, Exotic Companion

Mammal, Feline, Food Animal, Reptile and Amphibian, and Swine Health Management.  At Purdue University, School of Veterinary Medicine, we have 4 clinicians that have their Veterinary Practitioner Boards.