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ACVS Diplomates:


Greetings and Happy New Year—I hope your 2025 is off to a fantastic start. ACVS has certainly hit the ground running. 


I am reaching out to share an important update that will strengthen ACVS's ability to execute its core mission and allow the College to fulfill your membership needs. The College is proposing a governance change to separate ACVS credentialing functions and membership activities. Despite this separation, the College will remain a unified, cohesive organization.  


We realize this change will result in many questions. Some questions we will address here, and we will continue to keep you informed, both virtually and in person.  


Why?  

Since its inception, ACVS has expanded its programming beyond certification as the needs and expectations of Diplomates have evolved. The objectives of many program areas, especially those relating to membership and continuing education, can conflict with certification interests. Separating certification functions from membership and continuing education activities would allow our organization to meet best practices for the governance of specialty organizations. This would result in the avoidance of conflicts of interest and minimize our risk of litigation. Additionally, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) is encouraging organizations to pursue this change based in part on the advice of legal counsel. Two specialty colleges (ACVIM and ACVO) have already separated their certification and membership activities.  


The ACVS Board of Regents has been discussing this potential change for the past five years and devoted considerable time during the past 18 months to understanding the issues and potential impacts to the College. This initiative has been spearheaded by ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery. The board agrees that although ACVS is not aware of any conflicts having occurred, the College must proactively protect the value and reputation of the certification programs to ensure that the designation of “board-certified veterinary surgeon” remains highly distinguished and respected and fully separate from its membership role.  

How?  

To facilitate the separation of certification oversight from membership, ACVS will establish a Certification Council within the College that will provide independent oversight of all certification-related activities. The Certification Council will govern all certification-related committees, including the Examination Committee, Resident Credentialing Committee, Maintenance of Certification Committee, and Fellowship Committee, as well as working groups and task forces responsible for certification processes.  


"ACVS will continue to uphold the rigorous certification standards that Diplomates have long recognized and the public expects."

The certification process will not change based on this governance change. ACVS will continue to uphold the rigorous certification standards that Diplomates have long recognized and the public expects.


Shifting all credentialing oversight to the Certification Council will give the board enhanced flexibility to serve as strategic leaders to identify programs, services, products, and activities that address the diverse needs and expectations of ACVS’s changing membership. It would also remove the board from potential conflicts of interest between its certification and membership responsibilities.  


When? 

Updating ACVS’s governance structure is a multi-layered process and will take time to ensure a seamless transition. Changes to the structure will require updates to the bylaws. In the latter part of 2026, members will need to vote to accept any necessary amendments to the bylaws before implementation. The goal is to establish the Certification Council for the 2027 calendar year. 


Continue the conversation  

ACVS has created a dedicated governance webpage that includes frequently asked questions (FAQ) to help Diplomates, residents, and other stakeholders understand this transition. ACVS realizes that additional questions will arise and will update the FAQ as more information becomes available. ACVS is committed to open and transparent communication with Diplomates throughout this process.  


The College will host a series of virtual information sessions and town halls for Diplomates. ACVS invites you to the first information session on Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7–8 pm (ET). While the session will be recorded for future viewing, ACVS strongly encourages you to join live, participate by asking questions, and embrace the transformation ahead. Diplomates will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance during the registration process and the live event.  


ACVS will send a similar communication to residents and candidates within the next week to inform them of this change.  


We are here to answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding these changes. I encourage you to send any questions regarding the proposed separation of certification and membership to Adam Seery, membership director, at aseery@acvs.org


Thank you for your continued support of the College. 


 

Ann T. Loew, EdM, CAE 

Chief Executive Officer 

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