Member Spotlights

Being exposed to the exam year after year [and] double-checking the answers to the items and the references is always a great reminder of just how much the residents are expected to know and a great refresher for me as well. Effectively taking the exam over and over again is a great reminder of how important it is to be a lifelong learner if you are to excel in this profession.
”

What motivated you to volunteer with the ��, or how did you first get involved with the organization?

Truthfully, I missed engaging with other neurologists and wanted to continue to be involved in the more “academic” side of this career while maintaining connections with other neurologists. I think it is important, particularly in private practice, where we can become so inundated with larger caseloads, to always stay engaged in active learning and moving the needle forward with our profession.

Could you describe the work of the committee and how this work contributes to the overall mission/goals of the ��?

We are a group of specialists from different backgrounds that are volunteering our time to review the entire certifier exam prior to administration. Our goals are to ensure that the questions are appropriate, keyed properly, and that the references listed for the question are updated (when possible) to reflect the materials and date ranges on the test preparation document. Sometimes we augment questions that need minor tweaking to be kept on the exam, but other times, entire questions are sent to a figurative graveyard for a variety of reasons. Because the items are being pulled from a large bank, we are also checking for duplicate questions or repeat items that would be redundant or too similar.

As the chair of this committee, what responsibilities and duties do you undertake? 

All of the same responsibilities I have described above, plus I review the final form (effectively take the exam) to ensure that the changes made during our meetings are reflected in the final product. After the exam has been administered and the statistics are available, I also take part in reviewing the overall performance of the candidates to identify potentially problematic items that may not have performed well. There is a lot of discussion during this review because we want to make sure that a poorly written or potentially inappropriate question did not “unfairly” impact the success of the exam takers.

Can you share a successful collaboration story that highlights the positive impact of teamwork within your committee?

Updating the references for some of these questions takes a tremendous amount of time. We all work together to divide questions that need updated references, and if someone doesn’t have access to the newest edition of some text or journal, we have been able to work together to figure it out. Rell Parker, my co-chair, was constantly searching through some of her texts to find the most precise and updated references.

How has your involvement with the �� and chairing this committee personally enriched your professional experience and contributed to your growth in the field of veterinary internal medicine?

It’s been really nice to engage with other specialists from different training programs and paths within this field. Being exposed to the exam year after year, double-checking the answers to the items and the references is always a great reminder of just how much the residents are expected to know and a great refresher for me as well. Effectively taking the exam over and over again is a great reminder of how important it is to be a lifelong learner if you are to excel in this profession.

I’ve also made some friends during this process who I chat with regularly about cases and life in general, which has been so valuable and honestly unexpected.

What advice would you give to other Diplomates considering volunteering with the ��?

I would absolutely encourage other specialists to get involved! It can be challenging, of course, volunteering your free time (which most of us probably do not have in abundance) for work-tangential tasks, especially when you are trying to coordinate meeting times with people in different time zones with different schedules. But ultimately, this has been a rewarding experience for me, and I look forward to being involved in other volunteer opportunities within the organization.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the committee and its impact within ��? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you are particularly excited about?

My first year on the committee was the first year that the entire format of the exam changed, which resulted in a myriad of challenges. A lot of the initial issues were technical in nature and have improved tremendously, but I do think I would like to see more discussion, if possible, across the different committees to make the form as strong as it can be with the current format My hope is that we will continue to see the pursuit of generating a fair examination that is reflective of the breadth and depth of baseline knowledge that a boarded neurologist should possess at the end of their training program.

Member Spotlight: Megan Sprinkle, DVM, D�� (Nutrition)

Michelle — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:43:52 +0000

Member Spotlight: Megan Sprinkle, DVM, D�� (Nutrition) Michelle Fri, 16 Jan 2026 - 15:43

They say the more you know, the more you realize how much there still is to learn - and that perspective matters. No one has all the answers, and everyone has something to contribute. Becoming a Diplomate has reminded me that expertise is most powerful when it’s shared, grounded in humility, and used to strengthen the relationships at the heart of veterinary care.
”

What inspired you to become a Board-certified veterinary specialist?
In the early, star-eyed days, I wanted to work with marine mammals and zoo medicine, but as I took note of what I was enjoying in my different experiences, I found I was fascinated most by the nutrition components, so as a vet student, I started on a path to focus on nutrition and aim for a nutrition residency. Little did I know where the journey would take me.

Are there any resources or pieces of advice that helped you along the way? Is there any advice you would specifically give to aspiring Diplomates?
Stay open and curious! You never know what possibilities are out there. Don’t be afraid to try something new and different. Build good relationships – this takes intention and effort. Success will come from more than head-down work. Talk to people, ask them about their own journeys, and care about them.

Don’t chase a title; chase the work you can do with the title. Specialty training can be rewarding but also demanding; the credential alone won’t sustain your happiness. Understand your “whys" behind the pursuit of a certain goal. Make sure it’s not just for a title or to impress others.

No two career paths look the same, and they are rarely completely linear. Growth and meaning are often found off the “official” track. And the relationships you build along the way will be the most rewarding, so be intentional about them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try something different. The best things are often beyond what we can see today.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
Unpredictability: that’s my typical. I currently work for a start-up company that is close to launch. I wear a lot of hats and get pulled to whatever the shifting urgency is in the moment. I work from home most days, but we have an office that is a commute away. My work can range from sharing my specialist opinion and perspective, to doing calculations, to creating content or communication materials, to talking with current or potential partners.

What do you consider one of your career successes? How did you achieve it?
I think one of my biggest career successes was having someone think of me for a role. This has actually happened a couple of times. This comes from building relationships, sharing your ideas, interests and passions thoughtfully, and being remembered for something. There’s a lot that goes into building relationships, but I give a lot of credit to building Vet Life Reimagined. VLR is a podcast, but it’s also become a brand – showing up consistently, building trust, and building connection. I feel my true career success is not the job role, it is the fond human connections.

What do you consider a challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it? Becoming boarded was a huge challenge. My time as a resident was in the middle of a lot of challenges and changes in the nutrition college. I overcame it by understanding (1) what could I control, and (2) what was most important to me in the end. I continued to participate – I have been part of the AAVN Executive Board since immediately after my residency in 2017, I continued to learn and stay close to mentors in the area. Eventually, changes moved forward, I was able to be eligible to sit for the board exam, and pass.

What impact has the �� had in shaping your career?
A Diplomate title and recognition can open up more job opportunities, but regarding �� specifically, �� is a new relationship for nutrition specialists. I’ve been very impressed by how much �� does for members – how much they ask and listen and try to constantly work to do more for the specialists. I’m excited to continue to participate and support their efforts.

Since becoming a Diplomate, how has your perspective as a veterinarian changed?
I became an official Diplomate in 2024 - quite a ways from finishing my residency in 2017. It required patience, a little fight, and a lot of humility. Along the way, I continued to work toward the things I enjoyed. I don’t think I did things differently, but earning the title has reaffirmed something important for me: expertise is less about certainty and more about structured reasoning under uncertainty.

They say the more you know, the more you realize how much there still is to learn - and that perspective matters. No one has all the answers, and everyone has something to contribute. Becoming a Diplomate has reminded me that expertise is most powerful when it’s shared, grounded in humility, and used to strengthen the relationships at the heart of veterinary care.

I also see how crucial it is that we continue to communicate with one another - among specialists, with primary care veterinarians, and with owners - to truly understand each situation and, together, develop solutions that support both people and their animals. These solutions don’t have to be earth-shattering. Sometimes it’s the “small” changes in diet, communication, or expectations that have the greatest impact. I have even more respect for general practitioners, and I hope specialists can serve as true partners in care rather than siloed consultants.

Finally, what is something unique about your career, or career path?
I consider my career path quite nontraditional. Everything from starting a career path in industry right after my residency, and I have continued to present both a clinical perspective as well as an understanding of the complexity behind products. But one of my proudest accomplishments is also creating a podcast, Vet Life Reimagined, that is almost four years old now. It’s crossed the 200 episode mark, which represents 200 conversations with veterinary professionals across veterinary medicine: specialists, general practitioners, full-time entrepreneurs – sometimes all three at some point in their careers. The relationships I have built and all the unique perspectives I’ve been able to hear and appreciate keep me enthusiastic about the future of our field.

Committee Spotlight: LAIM Equine Forum Program Subcommittee

Michelle — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:55:18 +0000

Committee Spotlight: LAIM Equine Forum Program Subcommittee Michelle Mon, 15 Dec 2025 - 09:55

Chairing the �� Forum’s Equine committee has helped deepen my organizational knowledge of the ��, improved networking with colleagues and helped foster a sense of connection with the professional community at large.
”

What motivated you to volunteer with the ��, or how did you first get involved with the organization?
Looking back quite a few years ago, case reports were an integral part of the ��’s credentialing process. My involvement with the �� started as a member of the Credentials Committee evaluating these submissions and offered a chance to be part of a larger community of specialists maintaining and advancing veterinary internal medicine education.

Could you describe the work of the committee and how this work contributes to the overall mission/goals of the ��?
The Equine Committee collates all submissions for the upcoming �� Forum, ranking each in order of importance, before making a collective decision on the final program’s structure. Should a certain knowledge void exist in the proposed program, we also actively pursue experts and attempt to solicit their participation in the Forum. Quite an effort is placed on creating an Equine Program that we believe is current, providing novel medical information while ultimately strengthening the community of professionals in an environment conducive to learning.

As the chair of this committee, what responsibilities and duties do you undertake?
A few of the roles include keeping the committee focused, facilitating online meetings, keeping communication flowing, assisting with decision-making, ensuring that deadlines are achieved in advance and resolving any conflicts. Ultimately, I wanted to ensure that there was a strong sense of collaboration and inclusivity amongst all the committee’s members.

Can you share a successful collaboration story that highlights the positive impact of teamwork within your committee?
We recently hosted another online meeting and although one of our committee members was bedridden after extensive surgery, this colleague still wanted to be present and contribute to the Equine Committee’s overall success. Being part of a committee, we all realize that ultimately, we’re part of a bigger picture.

How has your involvement with the �� and chairing this committee personally enriched your professional experience and contributed to your growth in the field of veterinary internal medicine?
Chairing the �� Forum’s Equine committee has helped deepen my organizational knowledge of the ��, improved networking with colleagues and helped foster a sense of connection with the professional community at large. It is both nerve-racking but also exciting to assist in setting the conference theme, managing the peer-review process and maintaining the overall quality of the �� Forum’s program!

What advice would you give to other Diplomates considering volunteering with the ��?
Come on, what are you waiting for?! If you have some spare time, would like to reconnect with colleagues, develop new skills, contribute to the ��’s mission while being part of a larger community, do it!

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the committee and its impact within ��? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you are particularly excited about?
The Equine Committee should continue to entertain submissions that advance internal medicine, improve patient care and identify causes and treatments for diseases. Presented research needs clinical significance to ensure a real-world benefit with tangible improvements for patients and promoting evidence-based clinical practice.

Member Spotlight: Gianira Candelario Acevedo

megan — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:21:55 +0000

Member Spotlight: Gianira Candelario Acevedo megan Tue, 11 Nov 2025 - 10:21

Working in this field brings a full spectrum of emotions: sadness, joy, worry, and even laughter. Each case is unique and often challenging, but what stands out is the sense of purpose behind every decision and every treatment plan. At the end of the day, I can say with confidence that I gave my best to every patient and provided the highest level of care possible.
”

What inspired you to become a Board-certified veterinary specialist?
From the start of my veterinary career, I was driven to pursue a specialty to advance patient care. While I initially considered orthopedic surgery, my clinical rotations revealed that internal medicine was my true calling. Its complexity and diagnostic challenges inspired me, and becoming Board-certified allowed me to deepen my expertise and share that knowledge through teaching and mentorship.

Are there any resources or pieces of advice that helped you along the way?
Yes! One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was to take one thing at a time. The path to becoming Board-certified can feel overwhelming because there are so many steps, from mastering clinical skills to preparing for rigorous exams. Breaking the process down into manageable goals helped me stay focused and motivated.

Is there a story or experience that stands out in your mind that reaffirmed your decision to work in specialty veterinary medicine?
There isn’t just one story, there are countless experiences that have touched my heart and reaffirmed my decision every day. Working in this field brings a full spectrum of emotions: sadness, joy, worry, and even laughter. Each case is unique and often challenging, but what stands out is the sense of purpose behind every decision and every treatment plan. At the end of the day, I can say with confidence that I gave my best to every patient and provided the highest level of care possible. Those moments seeing a critically ill patient recover or supporting a family through a difficult diagnosis remind me why I chose this path.

What is something you wish the general public knew about veterinary specialists?
I wish people understood the level of training and expertise required to become a veterinary specialist. After earning a veterinary degree, we complete years of additional training through internships and residencies, followed by arduous Board examinations. This ensures we can manage complex cases and provide the highest standard of care. I also wish more people realized how challenging our work can be because, unlike human medicine, our patients can’t tell us what’s wrong. I once had a client say, “Being a veterinarian isn’t like being a human doctor,” and I chuckled and said, “You’re absolutely right.” We often rely on our knowledge, diagnostic skills, and experience to piece together the problem and find the right solution to save a life. It’s a combination of science, critical thinking, and compassion that makes this profession so unique.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
Transitioning from private practice to academia has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience. In private practice, I loved working directly with patients and their families, guiding them through the journey from diagnosis to recovery. Those moments were often challenging but deeply fulfilling because I could see the immediate impact of my care. In academia, the focus shifts from individual patients to shaping the future of the profession. I now have the privilege of sharing the knowledge and skills I gained in practice with veterinary students, helping them build confidence and competence. Watching students grow and knowing that I’m contributing to the next generation of veterinarians is just as meaningful as treating patients. It’s a different kind of impact, but one that feels incredibly rewarding.

What do you consider one of your career successes? How did you achieve it?
By far, obtaining my Diplomate status is my proudest achievement. The journey was not easy. After completing my residency and passing my boards, I went through a very difficult period where my mental health suffered significantly. It’s hard to admit, but I almost became a statistic in a profession that faces high rates of burnout and mental health challenges. I made the decision to prioritize my well-being, even if it meant putting my goals on hold for a time. After years of hard work and personal growth, I was finally able to achieve Diplomate status a milestone that represents not only professional excellence but also resilience and perseverance. It’s something I am deeply proud of because it reflects both my commitment to veterinary medicine and my determination to overcome adversity.

What do you consider a challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the greatest challenges I faced was maintaining my mental health after completing my residency and passing my Board exams. The pressure and demands of the process were overwhelming, and I reached a point where I had to step back and prioritize my well-being. To overcome this, I focused on self-care and sought the support I needed, even if it meant putting my professional goals on hold for a time. That decision allowed me to heal and regain balance. This experience reinforced the importance of mental health awareness in our field and the need to support one another through these challenges.

What is something unique about your career, or career path?
What makes my career path unique is the balance between two worlds private practice and academia. Every stage has been inspiring and has pushed me to be the best version of myself. I truly miss the direct connection with patients and families in private practice, where every case carried its own challenges and rewards. At this point in my life, I find immense fulfillment in teaching. Sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years with students is my way of paying it forward. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing their excitement when they finally grasp concepts they once feared especially in areas like Small Animal Internal Medicine. Watching that transformation reminds me why I chose this path and how meaningful it is to help shape the future of our profession.

Committee Spotlight: Advanced Continuing Education

megan — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:05:22 +0000

Committee Spotlight: Advanced Continuing Education megan Mon, 13 Oct 2025 - 09:05

As we look forward to 2026 and beyond, I am most excited that �� remains committed to providing in-person learning opportunities for Candidates and Diplomates. Connecting face-to-face and learning together is one way that we can continue to build and support our specialist community.
”

What motivated you to volunteer with the ��, or how did you first get involved with the organization?
I first started volunteering for the �� in 2022 when I joined the ACE committee as a LAIM Liaison. I got involved because I had attended two ACE courses – Equine Cardiology in 2016 and Equine Neonatology: Advanced Approaches for the Critically Ill Foal in 2019 – and found them to be both highly educational and a great opportunity to connect with colleagues. I wanted to be a part of planning future courses and play a small role in the continued success of the ACE program.

Could you describe the work of the committee and how this work contributes to the overall mission/goals of the ��?
The ACE committee helps to develop Diplomate-focused and Resident-focused continuing education offerings throughout the year in various formats including in person, live virtual, on demand and hybrid supporting the education mission of the organization.

As the chair of this committee, what responsibilities and duties do you undertake?
It has been my absolute pleasure to chair the ACE committee. In doing so, I get to work with the dedicated and supportive �� staff, colleagues from across specialties who graciously volunteer their time to work on the committee, course leaders who are experts in their fields, and our generous sponsors who help make the courses possible. My duties are to support the liaisons and �� staff during course planning. It is very easy because everyone is so excited to develop new course offerings (e.g., Advanced Equine Neurology, an in-person and on-demand course launched last fall) and continuously improve fan-favorites such as Large Animal Candidate Boot Camp and North American Neuroscience Course (aka Brain Camp).

Can you share a successful collaboration story that highlights the positive impact of teamwork within your committee?
It is difficult to pick just one story! I am so proud of the work that the ACE committee does to support the educational mission of the College. The whole process from brainstorming ideas for new courses, to identifying potential course leaders, to developing course agendas, to launching the offerings is a team effort. Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedicated �� staff who support the committee every step of the way.

How has your involvement with the �� and chairing this committee personally enriched your professional experience and contributed to your growth in the field of veterinary internal medicine?
Getting to work with wonderful colleagues from across the �� specialties has been the most enriching experience. �� Diplomates are so generous with their time and willingness to contribute to developing educational opportunities for Candidates and Diplomates. It is truly inspiring to get to work alongside such talented individuals.

What advice would you give to other Diplomates considering volunteering with the ��?
I would definitely recommend it! Volunteering is definitely worth it. The �� staff is very supportive and understanding that Diplomates have a lot of demands on our time! Volunteering is a great way to connect with colleagues, make new friends, and contribute to the learning experience of Candidates and our fellow Diplomates.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the committee and its impact within ��? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you are particularly excited about?
In 2024, the ACE committee developed and offered over 230 CE hours of new, impactful ACE programming enabling members to earn over 40,000 ACE CE credits. Over 1,500 members have participated in ACE courses led by 80 top expert speakers and instructors. These courses earned an overall ACE program satisfaction rating of 98.98%. In 2025, we were able to offer 10 courses in 6 specialties and looking ahead to 2026, we are planning an exciting lineup of courses. As we look forward to 2026 and beyond, I am most excited that �� remains committed to providing in-person learning opportunities for Candidates and Diplomates. Connecting face-to-face and learning together is one way that we can continue to build and support our specialist community. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the ACE committee.

Interested in volunteering with the ��? Learn more here

View a list of current �� committees here

Member Spotlight: Flavia Vaduva, MS, DVM, MBA, D�� (Nutrition)

megan — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:59:35 +0000

Member Spotlight: Flavia Vaduva, MS, DVM, MBA, D�� (Nutrition) megan Mon, 15 Sep 2025 - 08:59

I wanted to pursue nutrition specifically because I think it is a field that affects every single pet and is a crucial component of pet health. It also plays a significant and important role in the human-animal bond and I wanted to be part of supporting that bond through nutrition care.
”

What inspired you to become a Board-certified veterinary specialist?

After being a general practitioner for a number of years, I realized that I wanted to be able to focus on one specific area of veterinary medicine. I wanted to pursue nutrition specifically because I think it is a field that affects every single pet and is a crucial component of pet health. It also plays a significant and important role in the human-animal bond and I wanted to be a part of supporting that bond through nutrition care.

Are there any resources or pieces of advice that helped you along the way?

I used medical school online boot camps to prepare for Board exams – I found them very helpful to review general physiology and biochemistry concepts! A piece of advice I held onto was from one of my former coaches who said “if it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” I pursued residency training because I wanted my future to look different than my past and I knew I had to be challenged in order to change and continue my professional development.

Is there a story or experience that stands out in your mind that reaffirmed your decision to work in specialty veterinary medicine?

I once had a client say “You saved her life thus far with this nutrition plan. I just wanted you to know she is thriving and that we are grateful.” That reaffirmed both my decision to specialize and showed me how important nutrition can be, especially for pets with health conditions.

What is something you wish the general public knew about veterinary specialists?

I wish the general public knew the level of detail that goes in most treatment plans developed by specialists.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I work in industry so each day can be very different from the last. From attending meetings, or workshops to reviewing documents and completing independent work, hosting webinars and presenting at meetings, conferences and other events – each day is unique!

What do you consider one of your career successes? How did you achieve it?

One of my career successes was getting the opportunity to join Hill’s Pet Nutrition as Scientific Communications Specialist in 2024. I believe I achieved it by having the good fortune of having wonderful mentors and connections during my residency. I have learned so much and I have gotten so many opportunities to develop professionally since joining the company and am very grateful for this.

What do you consider a challenge you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?

A challenge I have faced in my career is trying to balance my business studies (including MBA, and PhD) with working either full time or being in an internship or residency program. I overcame this by following the quote from Sheryl Sandberg, “Done is better than perfect.” Some of the MBA work was completed during lunch breaks; most of my PhD is currently being completed evenings and weekends and sometimes on airplanes and in hotel rooms if I am traveling for work events during those times. My assignments oftentimes aren’t perfect, but at least they are completed!

What is something unique about your career, or career path?

I think the blend of clinical and business/industry experience and the eventual merger of these skills into my current role is unique. Looking back on my professional development, I am so glad I heard and followed the advice of Steve Jobs who said “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

Committee Spotlight: Governance

megan — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 21:44:02 +0000

Committee Spotlight: Governance megan Mon, 14 Jul 2025 - 14:44

Do not be afraid to volunteer. When I speak to my colleagues, many are afraid of the time commitment or they feel they are not qualified to contribute. None of this is true. Everything that �� does is directed by volunteers. If there is something you wish �� did that they are not doing, then get involved.
”

What motivated you to volunteer with the ��, or how did you first get involved with the organization?
The idea of service was something my parents instilled in me. I was a part of two Americorps programs before veterinary school. When I finally got my Diplomate status, the first opportunity I had to sign up to volunteer, I did. For me, I want to know that I contributed to the profession and hopefully made it a little better or easier for the people behind me. My first committee was the Exam Rating Committee for oncology and I have also served on the Achieving Board Certification taskforce, the Oncology President Nominating Committee and the Education and Research Committee.

Could you describe the work of the committee and how this work contributes to the overall mission/goals of the ��?
The Governance Committee was a new committee when I started. Under the leadership of Dr. Leah Cohn, our first big task was to update the �� bylaws. The bylaws were over 20 years old and the organization had grown tremendously in that time. This committee is also tasked with identifying leaders to be on the ballot for president-elect and the Board. Now that the bylaws have been revised, we are moving on to finding ways to engage members to volunteer and to empower Diplomates to become leaders.

As the chair of this committee, what responsibilities and duties do you undertake?
At first, being chair of a committee or even on a committee might seem like it would require a lot of time. However, �� is not only well staffed, but the staff are just great. They structure the meetings, research our many questions and implement our plans. My role is to be the point person to run the meetings and help direct what the committee members see. I am also the face of the committee to our members and the Board.

Can you share a successful collaboration story that highlights the positive impact of teamwork within your committee?
I have been so impressed with my colleagues on this committee. They share great ideas and we have productive conversations. When we were planning the Volunteer Breakfast at the recent 2025 �� Forum, I proposed three different ideas for the format. As we discussed it, we ultimately decided to do a hybrid of the three different formats I had proposed. The volunteer breakfast went well and my committee members who were at Forum were a key part in making that happen.

How has your involvement with the �� and chairing this committee personally enriched your professional experience and contributed to your growth in the field of veterinary internal medicine?
We discussed this exact question at the Volunteer Breakfast and our panel all agreed that the best aspect of being a volunteer is meeting other diplomates you would not meet otherwise. Being a volunteer enables to me to understand our profession by seeing the different sides of our industry. I was privileged to be a part of the Leadership Symposium at Forum this year and was able to network with other leaders and will likely form lasting professional relationships from this one event. One of our panelists at the Volunteer Breakfast was offered a job by a colleague that had served with her on a past committee.

What advice would you give to other Diplomates considering volunteering with the ��?
Do not be afraid to volunteer. When I speak to my colleagues, many are afraid of the time commitment or they feel they are not qualified to contribute. None of this is true. Everything that �� does is directed by volunteers. If there is something you wish �� did that they are not doing, then get involved. If you have applied for a particular volunteer position and did not get it, do not be discouraged and apply again. With any membership organization, it is not uncommon for new volunteers to start in specific roles that have duplicity before moving to ‘larger’ roles. This is twofold, one to get the volunteer to understand the organization and two to ensure that the goal of that committee is completed.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the committee and its impact within ��? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you are particularly excited about?
The Governance Committee is a new entity to ��. I think we are still in the process of defining what our role will be. I would really like to find a way to engage newer Diplomates to get involved and help move our profession forward. I am also excited to look at different potential opportunities to empower our colleagues to serve in leadership roles.

Interested in volunteering with the ��? Learn more here

View a list of current �� committees here

Committee Spotlight: LAIM Credentials

megan — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:14:05 +0000

Committee Spotlight: LAIM Credentials megan Mon, 14 Apr 2025 - 14:14

I am a young faculty member. My involvement with this committee has allowed me to meet and work with many people, as well as have some leadership opportunities.
”

What motivated you to volunteer with the ��, or how did you first get involved with the organization?
After I completed my residency in 2018, I received an email looking for volunteers to serve on different �� committees. I honestly was not aware of all the committees available but had wanted to become involved and get to know other members of the ��. I was eager to see how I could help and how I may be able to help shape residency programs for future residents.

Could you describe the work of the LAIM Credentials Committee and how this work contributes to the overall mission/goals of the ��?
The LAIM Credentials Committee is responsible for reviewing our current large animal internal medicine Candidates’ progression through their respective residency programs. We have a very invested group of large animal Diplomates focused on ensuring our current Candidates are fulfilling all their residency requirements.

As the chair of this committee, what responsibilities and duties do you undertake?
I am responsible for organizing meetings with committee members to review Candidates' progression through the program. I am also responsible for providing the final approval of the requirements for Diplomate status in the large animal internal medicine specialty. This year, the committee had detailed discussions regarding certain requirements for Board-certification. We made strong recommendations to the College and were able to alter requirements to build a stronger certification process for our current and future residents.

Can you share a successful collaboration story that highlights the positive impact of teamwork within your committee?
Over the past year, the LAIM Credentials Committee had been tasked with a recommendation of whether the clinical writing assessment (CWA) requirement should be kept as-is for large animal internal medicine Candidates, or if this requirement needed to be changed. This is a very controversial topic with many big opinions. The committee had ongoing virtual discussions and virtual meetings to voice concerns and opinions and ultimately developed a recommendation letter for the College. It was an excellent example of teamwork and compassion for our Candidates. I am very proud of each committee members’ contribution, thoughts and ideas regarding the CWA. As a team, our recommendation to the College was very strong and I think allowed for an improved credentialing process.

How has your involvement with the �� and chairing this committee personally enriched your professional experience and contributed to your growth in the field of veterinary internal medicine?
I am a young faculty member. My involvement with this committee has allowed me to meet and work with many people, as well as have some leadership opportunities. I have loved working with Adam Lanier (�� Certification & Accreditation Specialist) -- he is the absolute best! Dr. Julia Montgomery was the past committee Chair, and she was excellent to work with as well. She was very encouraging and helpful with all my questions when I started on this committee. Our current Assistant Chair, Dr. Hannah Leventhal is also just lovely to work with. While our communication has only been virtual, every email is happy! And I truly enjoy all the discussions we have had to really improve the residency program. Aside from meeting incredible individuals, I have enjoyed learning so much more about the ��.

Interested in volunteering with the ��? Learn more here

View a list of current �� committees here

Committee Spotlight: Specialty Medicine Awareness

megan — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 21:40:52 +0000

Committee Spotlight: Specialty Medicine Awareness megan Mon, 17 Feb 2025 - 14:40

We want to promote awareness and value of veterinary specialists and enhance collaboration between veterinary specialists, referral partners, and pet owners. We aim to connect with a large population of pet owners and general practitioners and highlight real-life cases where referral and collaboration with specialists enhanced patient care and potentially saved lives.
”

What motivated you to volunteer with the ��, or how did you first get involved with the organization?

I originally volunteered with the scientific editorial board and assisted with writing and editing information for VetSpecialists.com. Following that, I was asked to join the Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee (SMAC) of which I am currently the chair.

Could you describe the work of the committee and how this work contributes to the overall mission/goals of the ��?

We want to promote awareness and value of veterinary specialists and enhance collaboration between veterinary specialists, referral partners, and pet owners. By creating and providing content for VetSpecialists.com as well as the Beyond the Clinic Podcast and Triad of Care Insider, we aim to connect with a large population of pet owners and general practitioners and highlight real-life cases where referral and collaboration with specialists enhanced patient care and potentially saved lives. We hope that this will encourage new referrals and that owners may start to request referrals for the pets if it is not offered.

Can you share a successful collaboration story that highlights the positive impact of teamwork within your committee?

I think adding one a general practitioner to the committee has been a great collaboration. Given that our goals are to focus on awareness and collaboration with referral partners, having a general practitioner's perspective has been invaluable to the discussion. There have been times where their perception of something we are debating has been opposite of ours (the specialists) and so having to address things from a completely different angle has help enhance our committee.

How has your involvement with the �� and chairing this committee personally enriched your professional experience and contributed to your growth in the field of veterinary internal medicine?

Focusing on the best ways to achieve awareness of specialty medicine is personally very appropriate for me. In Hawaii, we have a growing specialist community, but many of our general practitioners are not used to or aware of the benefits of working with specialists. The work we do in this committee is directly applicable to my day-to-day professional experience.

What advice would you give to other Diplomates considering volunteering with the ��?

Volunteering is very easy and really doesn’t take up a lot of your time. It also helps give you a new appreciation for how the �� functions.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the committee and its impact within ��? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you are particularly excited about?

I am very excited for our current project: we are conducting a large survey of pet owners and then referral partners to better understand perceptions of specialty medicine. As specialists, I think we all feel that our care enhances patient well-being and outcomes, but we are attempting to objectively prove that. We are hoping to define the value of specialty medicine and publish this research in an academic journal. I hope that this research will not only prove what we hope it will, but that it will allow us to develop new and better ways to collaborate with our referral partners and pet owners to enhance our patients’ care.

Interested in volunteering with the ��? Learn more here

View a list of current �� committees here

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