Diplomate is a title that refers to a veterinarian who is board certified in a veterinary specialty area. Board certified specialists, also known as diplomates, commonly have 4-8 years of additional training after veterinary school which includes a 3-year residency.
Residencies provide specific training in an area of specialization that is not available as part of a typical veterinary education. This process is strictly supervised by a national organization made up of those types of specialists. These colleges ensure consistency in training and adherence to high standards.
Once the program has been completed, the resident must pass a rigorous examination. Only then does the veterinarian earn the title of diplomate and is considered a specialist in that particular veterinary area.
Diplomates are on the forefront of disease research. They are the pioneers of the finest new techniques and are responsible for the advancement of veterinary medicine in their area of specialization.
Diplomates perform more procedures in their area of specialization than any other veterinarian. A highly focused caseload means they have an unequaled understanding of veterinary medicine in their area of specialization and so can perform it with exceptional skill.
Diplomates are the experts in their area of veterinary specialization. They have advanced expertise founded on a strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine. They are the teachers of students and veterinarians alike.
The Purdue University Veterinary Hospital has veterinarians in the following Areas of Specialization:
The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) advances the quality of veterinary medicine through certification of veterinarians who demonstrate excellence in species-oriented clinical practice.
ABVP Diplomates have a common desire and willingness to deliver superior, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary veterinary service to the public.
The ABVP board certified veterinarian has demonstrated by the certification process that they are capable of providing a level of clinical practice that is clearly superior to the norm of the profession.
A 3-year residency is not part of the credentialing process for this certification. It is the goal of the ABVP that practitioners who excel in the art and science of clinical practice would seek certification.
ABVP is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to offer species-based certification in following practice categories: Avian, Beef Cattle, Canine, Dairy, Equine, Exotic Companion Mammal, Feline, Food Animal, Reptile and Amphibian, and Swine Health Management.
At the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, we have clinicians who are certified in Beef Cattle, Equine, and Canine.
