Diplomate

News

Recording available: February 3 governance information session: bylaws

On February 3, 2026, ACVS hosted the third governance information session for Diplomates that focused on the College’s proposed bylaws update. ACVS presented the proposed bylaws in full, highlighted key areas that have changed, and explained the rationale behind the proposed updates. Find the session recording and PowerPoint here.

Redesigned Veterinary Surgeon logo available

The ACVS Veterinary Surgeon logo symbolizes Diplomates’ expertise and the importance of the veterinary surgery specialty. Diplomates in good standing are encouraged to proudly use the redesigned ACVS Veterinary Surgeon logo on practice and professional printed material, websites, business cards, and advertisements.   Guidelines for using the Veterinary Surgeon logo and downloadable logo files are available through the website.  

New ACVS Fellows

Congratulations to the four new ACVS Fellows! Having trained at an ACVS-approved fellowship training center, ACVS Fellows have exemplary training and experience in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients in their respective fellowship discipline.    Colin Punchuen Chik, DVM Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgens (Small Animal) ACVS Fellow, Surgical Oncology Maureen A. […]

Diplomates: share photographs with ACVS

ACVS is committed to portraying Diplomates accurately and appropriately in promotional material for ACVS events, across ACVS digital assets, and in communication intended to raise awareness of the veterinary surgery specialty among animal owners.   Diplomates are encouraged to share their best photos taken at their practice or institution. Photos captured on traditional and cell phone cameras are […]

Strategic plan efforts continue to update training and certification

The College continues to make progress toward updating training and certification as part of the 2022–2027 ACVS Strategic Plan. The Board of Regents (BOR) has accepted a proposal to develop a new examination structure that will combine the Phase II practical and case-based sections into one examination. A working group was recently formed to fully […]

dvm360: new articles published

ACVS Diplomates continue to support the College strategic objective to raise the importance of the veterinary surgery specialty among primary care veterinarians. Working with the ACVS Communication Committee, Diplomates recently contributed three new articles to the dvm360 newsletter, an initiative that has been ongoing for many years. Large Animal Managing equine back pain The challenges […]

Strengthening the membership section of the bylaws

Over the last few months, ACVS has highlighted necessary and suggested Constitution and Bylaws amendments that support the proposed governance change. The following proposed updates and additions to the membership section of the bylaws facilitate the separation of certification from membership and aim to provide additional operational flexibility in the new governance structure.  Defining membership eligibility  As part of the proposed bylaws, ACVS is taking a streamlined and consistent approach to defining […]

Planning ahead: nominations for Board of Regents and applications for Certification Council positions

Diplomates are encouraged to consider two leadership opportunities.   In February, ACVS will call for nominations for president-elect and regents and call for applications for Certification Council (council) positions. Appointment to the council is contingent upon ACVS membership approval in the coming months of the proposed bylaws that would establish the council. ACVS will begin the application process before the membership vote to allow prospective council members to plan to […]

Six new Small Animal Health Topics

ACVS recently added an additional six new Small Animal Health Topics. Angular Limb Deformity (ALD) in Dogs Femoral Capital Physeal Fractures Glossectomy Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Prophylactic Gastropexy Tibial Fractures in Growing Dogs   Find a board-certified veterinary surgeon near you.

Strengthening the Board of Regents and Officer sections of the bylaws

Over the last few months, ACVS has highlighted necessary and suggested Constitution and Bylaws amendments that support the proposed governance change. The amendments aim to improve clarity, strengthen governance practices, and ensure that the bylaws remain focused on essential structure and authority while operational details are managed through board-approved policy. This article provides details on […]