Specialities and Board Certification in Veterinary Medicine in the United States

Abstract

The establishment of specialties and board certification in veterinary medicine in the United States has resulted in higher standards for the profession and improved patient care. The initiation and development of a specialty requires a commitment by the entire veterinary medical profession and veterinarians interested in the discipline or special species. Many of the veterinary specialties in America have been equally successful in academia, and in practice. A successful and progressive specialty maintains high but reasonable standards for entry of candidates. The future of all specialties depends of well-structured and demanding residency programs, and a continuous source of highly trained and motivated specialists.