The 2024 ACVS member needs assessment made Diplomates’ priorities clear:
- connection and community
- recognition of the veterinary surgery specialty
- resident and Diplomate well-being
These priorities give ACVS direction toward the initiatives, programs, and services to explore for possible implementation. Here is some of what responding Diplomates shared.
Many expressed an interest in an online community setting and mentorship opportunities.
- More than half of all Diplomates and more than two-thirds of early career Diplomates (35 years old and younger) say they are likely to use an ACVS online community platform and participate in a peer-to-peer mentorship program.
Many said efforts to promote and enhance recognition of the value of board certification are important and needed.
- More than three-quarters indicated that improving awareness of the veterinary surgery profession among animal owners is important.
- Nearly three-quarters indicated that resources to promote board-certification status to both primary care veterinarians and animal owners are important.
Additionally, Diplomates look to the College to support the next generation of surgeons with well-being.
- Nearly two-thirds of Diplomates indicated that providing mental health and well-being resources is important to their future success as a veterinary surgeon; three-quarters of women and early career Diplomates said the same.
- Half of Diplomates indicated that expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is important to their future success as a veterinary surgeon; two-thirds of women and people of color said the same.
Exploring the possibilities
The ACVS team is exploring programmatic options that align with the strategic plan and reflect responses to the member needs assessment. These include:
- assessing available marketing resources and will recommend additional resources to help amplify the value of ACVS board-certification.
- expanding outreach via social media and by highlighting the Find a Surgeon directory on acvs.org.
- acknowledging the notably unique needs of early- and later-career Diplomates by emphasizing inclusivity.
- strengthening the rapport between Diplomates and primary care veterinarians and their primary care teams via a seminar at the 2024 Surgery Summit.
- re-envisioning the recent Diplomates focus groups, held at the Surgery Summit and virtually, to encourage connections and the opportunity to share early-career experiences.
- supporting first-year residents’ well-being by holding a webinar this fall to help them understand what is in store day-to-day as a resident.
ACVS encourages Diplomates to review the full summary report, which will be posted to the Diplomates-only section of the website in mid-September.
