A: Diplomate is the designation given to veterinarians that have passed a specialty board and have received the diploma for that specialty college. For example, a board certified surgeon is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. There are presently 20 specialties in veterinary medicine today, such as the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology. For more information on veterinary specialties, see the AVMA Specialty Organizations Page.

A:This means that a veterinarian has completed an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) approved residency training program in a specific specialty and passed an examination given by that specialty. The guidelines of the American Board of Veterinary specialties of the AVMA state that "Only veterinarians that are board certified may advertise and refer to themselves as veterinary specialists."

A: It's up to you to know the credentials of the person who will be caring for your pet. Some veterinarians may state or advertise that they are "specializing in" or have a "special interest in" a particular field. This is not a reliable indicator of formal training (residency) or board certification. The following are good sources of information to help determine the credentials of the veterinarian you are seeing:

American Veterinary Medical Association - Specialty Organizations Page.

American College of Veterinary Surgeons - Surgeon Locator.

"Only veterinarians that are board certified may advertise and refer to themselves as veterinary specialists."
From the American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines.

A: Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Board certified specialists offer the latest diagnostics and treatments available. In many cases, this aids in obtaining prompt resolution of your pet's condition. This may result in significant cost savings over the cost of not seeing a specialist.

A: As in human medicine, veterinary medicine has become highly specialized. While it's true that a general practitioner is licensed to perform medicine and surgery, it does not mean that he/she has acquired formal post-graduate training (residency) and practices the most current advanced procedures. You and your pet deserve access to an opinion from a veterinarian who has not only "experience", but also formal training (residency), and board certification in the appropriate specialty for your pet's condition.

A: If you find yourself asking this question, then your pet would probably benefit from seeing a Board Certified Specialist.