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Background:

The ���������� Fellowship Program was approved by the Board of Regents in 2023 based on work done by the Fellowship Task Force comprised of representatives from all ���������� specialties. As part of the Task Force’s work, the ���������� leadership collaborated with leaders of other specialty colleges and leaders from the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) to ensure alignment with similar programs and forthcoming ABVS guidelines. This development marks a new era of excellence in the ���������� community.

Purpose:

Fellowships have been helpful in both human and veterinary specialized medicine, where like-minded specialists create a formal means to advance the science of a focused area of study, providing learning opportunities beyond what residencies may provide. Knowledge and skills can be passed on from mentors to trainees in a narrowed and more in-depth aspect of the specialty. Fellowships may also provide a conduit for inter-specialty collaboration and learning that residencies may not provide. It is anticipated that fellowships will include a period of intensive applied training that should prepare its enrollees to successfully interact with other disciplines and to provide a leadership role in the area of study. It is expected that most graduates of fellowship training programs will devote a major portion of their professional effort to their fellowship discipline.

Program details: 

• ���������� approves programs (not individuals) who meet the established criteria.
• ���������� Diplomates will register with the ����������.
• The ���������� will review applications from programs at least twice per year, with specific deadlines defined that allow time for the ���������� Fellowship Committee to review the program plan and render a decision. Requests for consideration of program applications outside the published deadlines may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • The applications will be open in September and January each calendar year.

What does this mean for ���������� Diplomates?

• ���������� Diplomates who complete an ���������� Fellowship may use the title “���������� Fellow (e.g., Gastroenterology)"
• ���������� Diplomates may also use the postnominal F����������, followed in parentheses by the chosen field. Ex: F���������� (Gastroenterology)
  • This allows recognition of that individual’s completion of such a program which has been approved by ����������.
  • It allows the public to understand their level of expertise, much like fellows in human medicine are recognized.
• To earn the title "Fellow (chosen field)" the individual must first achieve Diplomate status with the ����������. An individual cannot become an ���������� Fellow until they are Board-certified by the ����������.
• Individuals that complete an Approved Program that are Diplomates of another RVSO or an international specialty organization cannot use this postnominal designation to avoid confusion as to the level of training/achievement in an ���������� specialty.

Benefits:

1. Gain distinction – Fellows who complete the criteria of an ���������� Fellowship Program will be set apart as experts in a specific area of study. Animal owners looking for specialized care will know that additional training criteria has been achieved making the Fellow an elite expert.
2. Attract top quality trainees – By providing specific training programs unique to a specialized area of study, it gives the facility a prestigious status in the profession.
3. Advance the science of veterinary special medicine – The ���������� Fellowship programs not just about individual growth; it’s about contributing to the global advancement of veterinary medicine. Fellows will be empowered to shape the future of veterinary medicine.

Find more information in the FAQs under Fellowship Programs here.