Fellowship is the highest level of credentialing available to candidates. Award of Fellowship in the Academy is conferred upon veterinarians who are eligible to sit for and pass the Fellowship examination.

Fellowship in the Academy signifies that those who qualify demonstrate a high level of interest and competency in the area of veterinary orthopedic surgery. This level of competency is evidenced by a standard of knowledge and understanding, practical skills, attitude, methodology and communication that make the Fellow suitable to give professional advice and practice the art and science of veterinary orthopedic surgery with a level of skill that would allow the Fellow to practice consultant or referral level orthopedic surgery.

Fellowship candidates must have graduated from an AVMA accredited institution or those recognized as equivalent by the AVMA. Membership in the AVMA is not necessary.

Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of practice experience in the area of veterinary orthopedic surgery.

Candidates must submit 6 written case reports suitable for publication in a professional, refereed veterinary journal. Case reports should be carefully selected to show the candidates ability to work up and treat orthopedic cases and demonstrate surgical skill.

Candidates must also provide documentation of at least 150 hours of continuing education in veterinary orthopedic surgery within 5 years of applying for Fellowship.

Candidates must also provide documentation of a minimum of 150 orthopedic cases with sufficient variety to show the candidates ability to practice orthopedic surgery and work through problems and complications associated with orthopedic surgery.

Candidates must also sit for and pass the Fellowship Examination with a passing grade of no less than 70%.

The process for appealing adverse decisions is found in the Fellowship Guide.

Further information on Fellowship qualifications and examination can be found in the Fellowship Guide.