News

Financial Separation Between Certification and Membership

The live question-and-answer session during the recent Diplomates’ town hall session at the Surgery Summit raised several important questions about the proposed new governance structure. Members were particularly interested in how the financial separation between the Certification Council and the Board of Regents would work since the Board of Regents will retain fiduciary responsibility for […]

Membership Categories and Eligibility

The live question-and-answer session during the recent Diplomates’ town hall session at the Surgery Summit raised several important questions about the proposed new governance session, including how membership categories and eligibility would be defined. Defining certification independent from membership With the separation of certification functions from membership activities, ACVS must define certification criteria independent from […]

2025-2026 Board of Regents announced

President-elect is Denis J. Marcellin-Little, DEDV, DACVS, DECVS, DACVSMR; large animal regent is Timothy B. Lescun, BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVS; and small animal regent is David Dycus, DVM, MS, DACVS (Small Animal). Each year, the ACVS Nominating Committee submits a proposed slate of candidates for president-elect, one large animal regent, and one small animal regent […]

2025 ACVS and ACVS Foundation award recipients announced

The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and the ACVS Foundation announced the recipients of three prestigious awards at the recent 2025 ACVS Surgery Summit in Seattle, WA: the ACVS Founders’ Award for Career Achievement, the Al and Carolyn Schiller Distinguished Service Award, and the ACVS Foundation Legends Award.    ACVS Founders’ Award for Career […]

ACVS launches new online community–ACVS Connect

ACVS is excited to announce the launch of a new ACVS online community platform, ACVS Connect. Built to strengthen relationships, spark collaboration, and keep conversations going year-round, ACVS Connect will serve as the central place for Diplomates, residents, and credentialed candidates to connect, collaborate, and grow through all stages of their careers. Click here to […]

Recording available from the Certification Council Information Session

On October 7, ACVS held a virtual information session to share details with Diplomates about the proposed Certification Council. The recording from the information session and materials describing the council’s structure and positions are available on the governance change webpage. 

Have an idea for an ACVS laboratory in 2026?

ACVS is calling on Diplomates to consider sharing your expertise and skills by facilitating practical hands-on training for veterinary professionals at the 2026 ACVS Surgery Summit.  Click here to learn more about laboratory topic suggestions, and to submit your proposal by November 3,

Change in director of the Examination Committee

Dr. Yvonne Elce ended her term as director of the ACVS Examination Committee (EC) in September 2025. Dr. Alison Morton was appointed as the new director. Dr. Elce was the first committee director, bringing experience from two terms on the EC during the transition to the two-phase examination. Through Dr. Elce’s collaboration and leadership, the […]

Certification Council Information Session for ACVS Diplomates

ACVS Diplomates are invited to register for the virtual Certification Council Information Session on October 7. As part of the proposed governance change to separate certification functions from membership activities, ACVS plans to establish an autonomous Certification Council (council). The council will report to the Board of Regents, but will independently oversee all aspects of […]