The 2026 ACVS leadership conversation with Diplomates followed the Annual Business Meeting held during the recent Surgery Summit in Charlotte, NC.
ACVS President Kelly Farnsworth, Board of Regents Chair Bryden Stanley, and CEO Ann Loew reflected on the College’s progress over the past year and shared priorities for the future. The discussion emphasized strengthening the value of Diplomate credentials, enhancing member benefits, and building a more connected and supportive community for career and life. The leaders also answered Diplomates’ questions.
Raising awareness of Diplomate credentials
The College’s communication team continues to build awareness of the value of board-certified veterinary surgeons through updated branding, consistent messaging, and expanded digital marketing. These efforts are showing results: from January through August, active visitors to the online Diplomate directory increased by 17 percent compared with the same period last year.
Diplomates are encouraged to review and update their directory profiles, including contact information, specialties, and photographs, to help animal owners and referring veterinarians find them.
Evolving governance and membership
The recent bylaws modernization established a Certification Council dedicated to the certification process, allowing the Board of Regents to focus more directly on membership needs and benefits.
This shift creates new opportunities to better serve members at every career stage. The College is expanding its emphasis on resident engagement, professional development, and the overall membership experience.
The College is also strengthening support for residents through a resident membership category starting January 1, 2027. For 2027, the ACVS Foundation will cover membership dues for all residents and candidates. Beginning in 2028, the Foundation will cover dues for first-year residents.
Supporting Emeritus Diplomates
Leadership acknowledged concerns about recent communications regarding potential Emeritus Diplomate membership dues and reaffirmed that Emeritus Diplomate status is permanent. Emeritus Diplomates do not pay certification fees, and the proposed optional membership dues for additional benefits will not be implemented in the coming year.
The College plans to engage Emeritus Diplomates over the next year to better understand their needs and improve communication, recognizing their longstanding contributions to the profession and the College.
Building community through connection and mentorship
The online community platform ACVS Connect offers opportunities for members to exchange ideas, discuss cases, participate in research surveys, and support development of upcoming ACVS initiatives like a journal club. The College encourages Diplomates to explore the platform and share feedback on how it can best support their professional needs.
Mentorship is another important priority. Leadership emphasized that even small interactions can make a lasting difference in a colleague’s career. The College is working to expand the matching capabilities of the Mentorship Network on ACVS Connect to help residents, recent Diplomates, and experienced Diplomates build meaningful connections.
Expanding continuing education and well-being resources
The College continues to develop educational opportunities that respond to Diplomates’, residents’ and candidates’ needs. Planned initiatives include a webinar on contract negotiation in December 2026, recorded resources on imposter syndrome, and options to make continuing education more accessible to international Diplomates through alternative webinar times and self-paced learning bundles.
Well-being resources for residents, resident supervisors, and Diplomates are also available through the College’s website, with opportunities for Diplomates to suggest additional support.
Get involved
The College’s continued progress depends on Diplomate participation and feedback. Together, Diplomates and ACVS can continue building a College that supports Diplomates, residents, and candidates, strengthens professional ties, and advances the value of board-certified veterinary surgeons throughout their careers.
