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Guidelines for the Use of Diplomate Status
The College authorizes the use of the designations "Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons," "Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Large Animal," "Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Small Animal" or "Diplomate, ACVS" for individuals approved for membership in the College and are members in good standing. These designations can only be used by Diplomates accepted as Charter Members or who have passed the examination of the College. The indication of the Large Animal or Small Animal specialization must be used by Diplomates receiving certification in 2004 or later. An individual conferred honorary membership shall be designated as "Honorary Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons."
I. Use of Specialty Titles: It is the position of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons that the term "specialist" be reserved for the exclusive use of those veterinarians who have successfully completed a residency training program and passed a certifying examination in their claimed discipline.
II. Definitions
Diplomate of the ACVS - The ACVS Constitution states that members of the ACVS will be known as "Diplomates." This title implies that the member has successfully completed a residency program, had his or her credentials application approved, has successfully completed the certifying examination and is in good standing.
Board Certified by the ACVS - The use of this term implies successful completion of the certifying examination. In addition, this is the term to be used by individuals who at one time were "Members in Good Standing," but for some reason (e.g., resigning from the ACVS, failure to pay current dues) are no longer "Members in Good Standing" of the ACVS.
Limited to the Practice of Surgery - An individual who has completed residency training but is not board certified may indicate only that his or her practice is "limited to the practice of surgery." No connection to the ACVS may be implied. The terms "board eligible" or "board qualified" should not be used. An individual who identifies their professional credentials using these terms may be eliminated from the credentials application or examination process.
III. Telephone Directory Listing: Diplomates may choose to list themselves under the separate heading "Veterinarians - DVM - Surgeons," per guidelines outlined by the AVMA in the Advertising Regulations: Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics. Only individuals who are board certified should present themselves as specialists. To comply with the recommendations of the AVMA, the ACVS can condone the use of this section of the telephone directory only by Diplomates.
IV. Job Listings in Professional Journals: An advertisement should outline specifically the type of individual desired, i.e.: 1) Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, 2) individual who has completed residency training, and/or 3) individual with credentials accepted by ACVS.
V. Letterheads and Business Cards: It is appropriate to indicate Diplomate status on letterheads and business cards. The full designation "Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons," "Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons," "Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Large Animal" or "Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Small Animal" should be used. This is done by indicating the Diplomate status directly below the name:
John Doe, DVM, MS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
or
Jane Doe, DVM, MS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Large Animal
VI. Veterinary Journals: When an ACVS Diplomate publishes an article in a veterinary journal, it is appropriate to use an acronym to identify the ACVS, such as:
Jane Doe, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVS
or
Jane Doe, DVM, MS, DACVS
or
John Doe, DVM, MS, DACVS, LA
It is preferable to not use acronyms in publications directed to the general public because they are unlikely to be understood.
VII. ACVS Logos
ACVS Seal: The logo seal of the ACVS may only be used on official communications and letterheads of the College.
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ACVS Veterinary Surgeon Logo: Diplomates may use a specially designed ACVS Veterinary Surgeon logo on their practice and professional stationery, business cards and advertisements but may do so only in accordance with the Authorized Uses of the ACVS Veterinary Surgeon Logo. The ACVS Veterinary Surgeon logo and guidelines for its use are available to all Diplomates through the ACVS office.
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