Membership Guide

For The

North American Academy

of

Veterinary Orthopedic Surgery

Membership

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

Membership 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 Member suitable to give professional advice and practice the science and art of veterinary orthopedic surgery with a level of skill not often encountered or used in general practice.

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 3 written case reports suitable for publication in a professional, refereed veterinary journal. Case reports should be carefully selected to show the candidate’s ability to work up and treat orthopedic cases and demonstrate surgical skill.

Candidates must also provide documentation of at least 75 hours of continuing education in veterinary orthopedic surgery.

Candidates must also provide documentation of a minimum of 100 orthopedic cases with sufficient variety to show the candidates ability to practice orthopedic surgery and to work through problems and complications associated with orthopedic surgery.

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

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

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