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 membership criteria. Here is an example of how ACVS could approach this in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Current language
Membership: The members of the College shall be known as “Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons…”
Future language example
Certification: Individuals who meet the requirements for board certification by the College shall be known as “Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons…”
Membership: Individuals who meet the requirements for Diplomate certification status are eligible for Diplomate membership.
In ACVS’s current structure, the terms “Diplomate” and “member” have been used interchangeably. In the proposed structure, “Diplomate” will exclusively be used to designate individuals who meet ACVS board certification requirements. “Member” will be used to signify those who choose to be a member of ACVS. As noted above, Diplomate members must be Diplomates of the College.
Financial separation
Along with defining certification independent from membership, ACVS must also separate certification-related fees from membership dues. ACVS is currently determining how this process will work and how it will affect Diplomates when the proposed governance structure goes into effect in 2027. ACVS’s goal is to make the annual renewal process simple and straightforward for Diplomates. More information on the renewal process will be shared with Diplomates in subsequent communications. ACVS will continue to provide regular updates as the College moves through the governance change process. Questions and comments are encouraged and should be sent to ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery at aseery@acvs.org or posted in the new Governance Updates and Questions discussion group in ACVS Connect.
