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Chapter 1 – The ACVS

About the ACVS

History

The College Seal

Mission

Objectives of the College

Organizational Structure

Policy on Patenting Surgical Procedures


About the ACVS

ACVS SealFounded in 1965, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons is the American Veterinary Medical Association specialty board which sets the standards for advanced professionalism in veterinary surgery.

Following the 2009 certification examination, ACVS includes more than 1,400 Diplomates.  Approximately 65 veterinarians earn their Diplomate Credentials every year.  More than 60 percent of the ACVS Diplomates operate in private and specialty practices that accept cases on a referral basis from primary care practitioners.  The remainder are primarily employed by academic institutions and industry where they teach, conduct research, practice in teaching hospitals, and participate in the development of new products and treatments which improve the quality of veterinary and human health care.

The ACVS defines the standards of surgical excellence for the profession, promotes advancements in veterinary surgery, and provides the latest in surgical educational programs. By fostering the highest standards of excellence in veterinary surgery, the ACVS is helping the veterinary profession achieve its goals of providing outstanding service to the public and care to animals.


History of the ACVS

Between 1950 and 1965, veterinary specialty boards, under the jurisdiction of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), began to emerge. It was during this period that the need for a veterinary specialty board became apparent to a number of leaders in the field of veterinary surgery. Foremost among this group was Dean Mark Allam of the University of Pennsylvania, who was the motivating force in forming an organizing committee.

This organizing committee consisted of Drs. J. Archibald of Ontario, W. O. Brinker of Michigan, E. A. Churchill of Maryland, R. L. Rudy of Ohio; with J. Jenny of Pennsylvania as Chairman. The objectives of this committee were to draft a constitution and bylaws and certify the credentials of charter members of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).

The organizing committee examined the credentials of numerous veterinarians and accepted 35 as charter members. On December 16, 1965, the College was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois as a nonprofit educational organization.

The first annual meeting of the College was held in Chicago, Illinois on February 4, 1966. The Constitution was adopted and a slate of officers was elected with Dr. Jenny as President and Dean Mark Allam as Chairman of the Board of Regents.

The AVMA granted probationary approval to the ACVS on July 9, 1967, and the first examination of candidates for membership was given in Boston, July, 1968. The ACVS received full approval from the AVMA on June 22, 1970.

ACVS assures improved veterinary medical services are offered to the public by establishing and monitoring veterinary surgical residency programs; maintaining fair and reasonable examination standards; abiding by a policy for humane care and use of animals; promoting and funding surgical research; disseminating new knowledge to Diplomates, residents and practitioners at the annual ACVS Symposium and through the official ACVS journal Veterinary Surgery; and, encouraging the ethical representation of specialty certification status.

Read about the first 25 years of ACVS 

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Mission and Objectives

The mission of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons is to advance the art and science of surgery and promote excellence in animal health care through research, education and service to the public.

The Constitution of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons states:

The objectives of the College shall be the advancement of the art and science of surgery by:
  • Establishing the standards for post-graduate residency training and education for veterinary surgeons.
  • Acting as the agency by which veterinarians are certified as specialists in surgery.
  • Encouraging and supporting research and the dissemination of the results of these investigations.
  • Offering educational opportunities for Diplomates, other members of the veterinary profession, and the public.
  • Promoting the College as the specialty organization representing excellence in veterinary surgery to the profession and the public.


Organizational Structure of the ACVS

Under the Constitution, management and control of the business and professional affairs of the College are vested in the Board of Regents. All elected and appointed officers of the College are members of the Board for their term of office. The officers are: Chair of the Board of Regents, President, President-Elect, Executive Secretary, and Treasurer. Six additional members are elected to the Board of Regents for terms of three years. In addition to the officers, the following Standing Committees assist in the administration of the College:

  1. Annual Meeting Committee
  2. Awards Committee
  3. Resident Credentialing Committee
  4. Examination Committee
  5. Nominating Committee
  6. Publications Committee
  7. Public Relations Committee
  8. Research Committee
  9. Symposium Committee

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