In January 2024, ACVS notified Diplomates that ACVS reached out to the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) with concerns about the planned formation by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) of an orthopedic surgery fellowship. ABVS met in early March and following the recommendation of the Veterinary Specialty Organizations Committee, ABVS is considering creating a recognition for fellowship programs.
ACVS also reached out directly to ABVP with concerns about the planned orthopedic surgery fellowship. ABVP expressed interest in a collaborative fellowship. However, ACVS does not view this collaboration as a tenable option. ACVS’s primary concern is protecting the public from confusion about the training and qualifications of board-certified specialists. The difference between a board-certified veterinary surgeon and a board-certified veterinary practitioner who completes an orthopedic surgery fellowship, including a collaborative fellowship, would likely be indistinguishable by animal owners.
The process to create such ABVS recognition of fellowships is anticipated to take some time. ACVS will monitor the progress and interject as needed. In the meantime, ABVP is moving forward with its plans for the orthopedic surgery fellowship program.
