In recent years, veterinarians around the world have faced insurmountable odds caring for their patients and themselves while violence surrounds them. ABVP Diplomates and their families live and work in Israel, Ukraine, and other places of unrest. ABVP is a veterinary specialty organization not a political one. However, any violence against innocent civilians is never acceptable. We stand with our colleagues and wish them peace and safety.
President's Message
Renee Rucinsky, DVM, DABVP (Feline), President
For those of you who attended Pints with the President, thank you so much. I had no idea what to expect, and was really happy with the conversations we had. We’ll do it again after the new year! There were some people I knew well, some I barely knew, and completely new Diplomates that I really enjoyed meeting. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
A couple of weekends ago, I spent several days with 6 of my oldest friends, women I’ve known since we met in our first classes in high school. Every other fall we take a girls trip together, and gather somewhere different every time. We were extremely lucky to have been able to attend an all girls college prep school, and we all tested well enough to be in honors classes from the jump (read: nerds. I was the token jock). Anyway, the bonds that we made when we were 13 have held strong over the years, even though we have spread ourselves all over the country and led entirely different lives. The discussions that we have over beverages range from kids to social justice to hormones and beyond, but the one thing that has remarkably always been present and acknowledged is that we are stronger together. Even when we aren’t in the same place, we support each other. Some of that was our family upbringing, but so much of it was ingrained in us in high school, as our school motto was Not I, But We. We used to make fun of it. Not much of a battle cry to a bunch of teenage girls. But now? I think it permeates almost everything I do.
When I first became involved in ABVP committee work, I was the Feline Credentials Vice Chair. I and all of the other RVS vice chairs were summoned to Nashville by the Credentials Chair, Carondelet Nollner. As a young Diplomate, it was incredibly scary and intimidating. But I was welcomed with open arms by everyone there, and formed important relationships that have shaped me to this day. I remember sitting at a large table at a restaurant with all the other vice chairs, Diplomates of species groups that I happily forgot about after state boards. I didn’t have much in common with them except for the degree after my name, or so I thought. I had the coolest conversations about swine production with a really passionate swine Diplomate. I learned more about bird nutrition in 10 minutes from an avian dip than I ever wanted to know. And cows! I actually love to talk about farm work and mastitis and all cow things… What a group I had joined -we all worked together to ensure that future diplomates had the best chance to be successful specialists. What an organization we have! We are diverse, we are smart, we are leaders in our fields. There really isn’t any other specialty organization like ABVP. We are better together. Not I, But We.
Next month, we’ll be welcoming our first crop of Fish Practice Diplomates. With the addition of Fish Practice, we are now 12 RVSs strong. How cool is that?
No doubt everyone gets tired of me talking about the community of ABVP. Whether you use it or not, it’s there. When you need that community, reach out for it. One of the ideas presented at the Pints with the President was that we create some cohort groups to continue supporting each other, to have the ability to discuss things that affect us as leaders in our field, as specialists, and as friends. Of course, I think that’s a brilliant idea, and look forward to getting that moving forward. Not I, But We may be striking again!
Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Update
Sonnya Dennis, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline), MOC Chair
Bookmark it and check for updates!
MOC webpage, and Journal Club!
Contact info@abvp.com to be added to the Google Group/Listserv to discuss JC or chat with colleagues!
Tips: Last month, we shared “How to Avoid Uploading Duplicates.” Here are a couple more tips for you!
Where do I see my Application status? Is it Approved, Under Review, Needs Information or In Progress (started but not submitted)?! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ddy0v59QxYdrHO8Dqo03zwEvfWRLr-Xz56lihb9CE9g/edit?usp=drivesdk
While it is important to upload as you go, remember that after you complete your MOC, you need to wait until your next cycle begins for items to count in the next cycle. You can't get credit for things you did in your last cycle for your next cycle! Find your cycle start and end dates under Credentials >> My Certifications, then use the pull-down menus under Conferral Cycle (see image below).
Credentials Update
Scott Leibsle, DVM, DABVP (Equine), Credentials Chair
The Credentials Committee is actively recruiting volunteers to serve as case reviewers for the 2024 credentialing cycle. In particular, we are in need of additional reviewers in the Exotic Companion Mammal and Food Animal/Dairy/Beef RVS, but we are looking to expand our pool in all RVS. The time commitment varies for each RVS and is largely dependent upon the # of cases submitted from year-to-year, but typically each reviewer will have 2-3 case reports and 3-5 case summaries assigned to them. Cases will be released to reviewers in mid-January and they will have 2 months to complete their reviews and upload scores/comments into Prolydian. Everyone who participates in the review process will receive 25 points toward their MOC. Please contact the Credentials Chair if you are interested in joining the credentialing committee @ credentials@abvp.com
Outreach Committee Updates
Sarah Eaton, DVM, DABVP (Equine), Outreach Chair
Please tell Outreach about yourself (or a colleague) so that we can share it with the world! You can send your information via our humble brag form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSekmozTPvabrOrD9-HUr0wI-wo9Kf8Z2c3dAc1NqDe5Qcc01A/viewform?usp=sharing
Interested in volunteering? Can't figure out WHERE on the website to do so? Here is a shortcut:
Remember, volunteering earns you MOC points!
Exciting News: AVMA-Recognized Veterinary Specialties Gain Access to Select ACE Courses!
Mike Dutton, DVM, MS, DABVP (CF, Av, ECM, RA), CVPP, CertAqV, CE/Symposium Chair
The ACVIM ACE programming has long been recognized for its exceptional quality and relevance in delivering top-notch veterinary education. With the addition of this exclusive offering, Diplomates of ABVP will now have the chance to participate in carefully curated ACE courses, designed to provide cutting-edge insights, foster professional growth, and promote excellence in veterinary practice.
Charges apply for available courses.
November 4, 2023
- Certification Exam
December 31, 2023
- Final date to be called a Diplomate for those who failed to MOC on time
January 15, 2024
Credentials deadline for both Initial Applications and Re-Applications. All documentation must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Central Time
Swine Health Management Entry Exam registration and fee deadline. Registration must be completed online account by 11:59 PM Central Time
Semi-Annual Residency Logs deadline. Logs must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Central Time
April 25-28, 2024
- ABVP Symposium, New Orleans, Louisiana
July 1, 2024
- 2023-2024 Diplomate and Emeritus Diplomate fees payable
July 15, 2024
Semi-Annual Residency Logs deadline. Logs must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Central Time
Residency and Job Postings
Don’t forget that ABVP has classified listings for open positions all over the USA!
