ABVP Residency Program Guide

Table of Contents

• Objectives
• Summary of the ABVP Residency Program
• Detailed Description of the ABVP Residency Program
• Resident Responsibility
• Responsibilities of the Program Advisor
• Responsibilities of the Residency Committee
• Review of Proposed ABVP Residency Program
• Program Evaluation

I. Objectives

A. To promote expertise and proficiency in all disciplines associated with the practice of veterinary medicine in a species specialty area.

B. To provide instruction and guidance for the resident in the basic science and clinical practice disciplines in a species related area.

II. Summary of the ABVP Residency Program

An ABVP residency program shall consist of a minimum of two years (104 weeks) of supervised training and clinical experience in the science and practice of all disciplines and related disciplines in a species specialty.

Each residency program must be supervised by at least one ABVP diplomate or a diplomate of another AVMA recognized specialty who has been approved by the ABVP Council of Regents.

Resident candidates will be required to have completed at least 12 months of training in clinical veterinary medicine and surgery in a rotating internship or clinical practice.

Graduate studies may be included in the residency program for achievement of an advanced degree; however, a total of 104 weeks must be devoted specifically to training in the species specialty area including case responsibility.

An evaluation of the resident shall be performed by the program supervisor at 6 month intervals. Residents are also required to submit materials to the ABVP Residency Committee every 6 months for evaluation of the program the progress of the resident.

Application for credentialing can be made during the second year of the training program. The application is made to the ABVP Credentials Committee to determine eligibility for certification by examination.

The examinations are given in November each year and all residency requirements must be completed and approved one month prior to examination.

III. Detailed Description of the ABVP Residency Program

A. Scope of the training program:

Rotation of the resident through various disciplines in a species specialty must provide the development of knowledge and skill by exposure to a wide variety of clinical diseases and problems of the species involved. In the case where more than one species or subspecies is involved an attempt should be made to provide exposure to each.

1. The Canine/Feline or Feline residency training must involve all phases of practice i.e. medicine, anesthesiology, dermatology, surgery, radiology/diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, theriogenology, population based preventative medicine, and clinical and gross pathology.
2. The Equine residency must involve all phases of equine practice, i.e. medicine, anesthesia, dermatology, surgery, radiology/diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology theriogenology, population based preventative medicine, and clinical and gross pathology.
3. The Food Animal residency must involve medicine, surgery, and theriogenology. There must be adequate exposure to diagnostic pathology, clinical pathology, clinical nutrition, epidemiology, preventative medicine, and microbiology. Herd data analysis including disease prevention and control should be included. The food animal residency is designed for multi-species in-house and field experiences. This program should include exposure to individual animal medicine and surgery as well as population medicine and management.
4. The Beef Cattle, Dairy, and Swine residency programs must include adequate exposure to economics, reproduction, nutrition, growth, mortality, epidemiology, her records, statistics, ventilation, milking systems, milk quality, food safety (dairy) and immunology, disease diagnosis/prevention/treatment, environmental studies, animal welfare, genetics, and regulatory issues. Herd data analysis is essential. Although the treatment of individual animals may be a part of this program, the major emphasis should be on herd or population-based medicine and management.
5. The Avian Practice residency must involve medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, radiology/diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, clinical and gross pathology, clinical nutrition, epidemiology, preventive medicine, population-based preventive medicine and avi-cultural medicine. This experience should include exposure to a wide variety of avian species.

B. Duration of the residency program

1. The ABVP Residency Program is based on the common clinical residency duration of 24 months. A minimum of 70% of the resident’s time should be devoted to rotations crucial to advanced training in the particular species specialty (core rotations); the remaining 30% of time can consist of related rotations. Since the 24 month program includes 2 weeks of vacation per year, the program must contain at least 16 months of core training and 7 months of related rotations for a total of 23 months of supervised clinical training and practice.
2. Residencies with advanced degree (minimum of 36 months) should base calculations on a minimum of 23 months even through various disciplines may be scheduled over the entire three year period. This will leave time for the formal course work and research projects as required by the graduate training.

IV. Resident Responsibility

A. Case responsibility

Case responsibility will be determined by the nature of the case and resident’s level of training. The resident will be expected to have responsibility in all aspects of case management including receiving, examination, diagnosing, daily management, client communication, clinical teaching, discharging, and follow-up communications. Residents are expected to participate in emergency case management. Residents in some species categories are responsible for population-based case studies, client contact, investigation, diagnosis, follow-up communications and recommendations.

B. Continuing Education

1. Residents are required to obtain fifty hours (50 hrs.) of continuing education per year in the candidate’s specialty area. This requirement may be met by attendance at local, academy, regional or national meetings.
2. Formal university lectures, rounds and journal clubs can help fulfill this requirement; however, greater than 50% of the requirement must be fulfilled by formal CE meetings. [See logs in Appendix B]
3. Bi-monthly formal rounds, case presentations, journal clubs or lectures are required as well (recommended on a weekly basis). [See logs in Appendix B]
4. Residents must make a minimum of two presentations of at least 15 minutes duration in a formal setting per year. These may be given to faculty or students in a teaching institution or to local, regional or national professional meetings. An ABVP diplomate or designated substitute must be present to critique each presentation and provide a written evaluation for the semi-annual report.

C. Case logs

1. A case log must be maintained by the resident which must list the following:
   1. Running total of the cases
   2. Date assigned or examined
   3. Case number
   4. Signalment
   5. Diagnoses
   6. Surgical and medical procedures performed
   7. Responsibility of the resident as primary or secondary, elective or emergency
   8. Board certified diplomate or advisor present
   9. Disposition of the case on discharge and a systems code (SC). [See logs in Appendix B]
2. The case log for specialties in which population based medicine is a major portion may have an alternative log format. This log must list the following:
   1. Running total of the number of herd visits
   2. Date
   3. Case number
   4. Signalment
   5. Diagnosis
   6. Analysis performed
   7. Resident responsibility as primary or assistant
   8. Supervisor or diplomate present.
3. A resident is considered primary when he/she can document a significant role in the examination, diagnosis, determination of treatment, implementation of treatment and care, client communication and follow-up on progress.

D. Procedures log

1. The resident is required to maintain a separate procedure log which must list a running total of special procedures performed, including the case number, signalment, procedure performed, and results. [See Appendix B]
2. Special procedures are those diagnostic or treatment procedures required beyond routine physical examination, such as ultrasonography, endoscopy, scintigraphy, spinal tap, arthrocentesis, etc.
3. Routine radiographic examinations should not be included, only those special examinations such as contrast studies, CAT scans, MRI, myelogram, etc.

E. Morbidity/mortality log

The resident is responsible for maintaining a separate morbidity/mortality log which must contain case number, signalment, date, diagnosis, complications/reason for mortality, and post mortem diagnosis, if applicable. [See Appendix B]

F. Program summary

Every 6 months, the resident must submit a Resident Log and Program Summary form. This form is a summary of the resident’s activity over a 6 month period and includes time spent in various disciplines, presentations given, total number of cases by system, emergency cases, summary of resident’s role in all cases, degree of supervision by advisor, and progress on case reports and manuscript. [See form in Appendix B]

G. Semi-annual evaluation

1. Every 6 months residents must submit materials which include three copies of the following:
   1. Case logs
   2. Special procedures log
   3. Morbidity/mortality logs
   4. Residency summary sheet
   5. Documentation of continuing education
   6. Documentation or oral presentations
   7. Resident log and program summary form
   8. A letter from the residency supervisor indicating satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress over the last six months.

H. Referreed publication

1. In addition to the 2 case reports which are required of all applicants at the time of submission of credentials, residents must prepare a manuscript, as first author, to be submitted for publication in a refereed journal.
2. The manuscript topic must be in the species specialty for which the resident is seeking certification.
3. The manuscript format will depend on the journal to which it will be submitted.
4. Evidence of publication or official acceptance for publication must be in the hands of the Resident Committee chairperson by one month prior to expected examination date.
5. Official acceptance for publication means that the resident must have in his/her possession a letter from the journal indicating that the manuscript has been accepted for publication.
6. Beginning January 15, 2008, residents will have the option of submitting a publication in lieu of one of the case reports. If this option is elected, this publication must fit the above criteria, and in addition:
   1. The journal in which it is published must either be included in the recommended reading list for that species specialty, or approved by the Regent prior to submission.
   2. The format and approximate length of the publication must also be approved by the Regent prior to submission.
   3. As a general guideline, publications in a refereed veterinary journal will be considered if they are:
      1. Original research,
      2. Comprehensive retrospective study
      3. Case Reports similar in depth and content to those submitted for credentialing.
7. A publication that is accepted for credentialing in lieu of one case report will also serve as the resident’s required publication (See I [1-3] above).
8. When this option is elected, the subject/topic of the publication and that of the case report must be distinct.
9. Proof of acceptance or publication of the manuscript substituted for one of the case reports must be submitted to the ABVP by October 1 of the year in which the examination is taken.

I. Independent study

Independent study is highly encouraged. Development of a suitable research project, including its design, execution, evaluation, and publication is encouraged. However, the time required to complete such a project should not reduce the recommended time to be spent in the necessary core disciplines. Advanced degree programs require a minimum of three years.

J. Submission of credentials

1. The resident is responsible for submission of all materials for credentials evaluation for the examination process set forth by the ABVP credentials application procedure.
2. The application for credentials and examination approval for a residency track candidate, for the most part, is the same as that for a practice track candidate.
3. Case reports:
   1. Residents must prepare two case reports in their species specialty area of certification.
   2. Case reports must adhere to ABVP format as set forth by the Credentials Committee.
   3. Beginning January 15, 2008, residents will have the option of submitting a publication in lieu of one of the case reports. See guidelines above.
4. Applications and all other materials must be in the hands of the Credentials Committee by January 15th of the year in which the candidate desires to sit for the examination. The examination is given the following November.
5. Most residency programs end in July. Candidates who complete their training programs at this time may submit their credentials application by January 15th of their last year in the program. Those whose program will end after October 1st and before January 15th will not be able to apply in their last year, but will be able to submit their credentials the following January to sit for the exam in November of that year. If a candidate does not complete their program before January 15th, they will have to submit their credentials the following January.
6. Some candidates may elect to apply after the completion of their program and take the examination at a later date. It is recommended that the candidate sit for the examination within 2 years of completion of the residency program.

V. Responsibilities of the Program Advisor

A. In-house supervision and appropriate case consultation. Direct supervision of the candidate is required by a diplomate of ABVP or a diplomate of another specialty group approved by the AVMA and approved by the Council of Regents of the ABVP. Supervision must include consultations, discussions, and help in management of actual cases. Daily supervision does permit the intermittent absence of the supervising diplomate when other faculty that may be in charge of a particular service are present. Other faulty in direct support of the program and their credentials should be supplied with information concerning the extent of their supervision.

B. Verification of all resident logs, oral presentations, and continuing education

C. Evaluation of resident’s progress via semi-annual resident evaluation letters.

VI. Responsibilities of the Residency Committee

A. Reviewing proposed residency programs.

B. Evaluating each resident’s progress with communication of any deficiencies to the resident and resident supervisor.

C. Final evaluation of the resident’s program.

D. Reviewing credentials submitted by the resident for ABVP certification and approving or disapproving of the candidate for the credentials process.

VII. Review of Proposed ABVP Residency Program

A. Application for approval of new residency program

1. Institutions and private practices wishing to establish an ABVP species specialty residency program must apply to the Chairman of the Residency Committee of the ABVP . Please note, it is no longer necessary for a residency candidate to be identified at the time of the initial application for approval of the program.
2. Applications for approval must include the following:
   1. A description of the facilities, equipment and developing technologies.
   2. A description of the total case load and other various aspects of the case load.
   3. A general outline or schedule of the resident's activity for the entire program and should include the approximate number of weeks in each discipline and the total length of the residency program.
   4. Identification of the residency advisor and inclusion of that person's current curriculum vitae.
3. Whenever a residency candidate for the program has been identified, a letter introducing the residency candidate along with a copy of the candidate's current curriculum vitae must be sent to the Chair of the Residency Committee prior to the commencement of the residency program.

B. Continuation of existing ABVP residency programs

Institutions and private practices who have approved ABVP residency programs must send a letter to the Chair of the Residency Committee prior to enrolling a new resident. This letter must include the following:

1. Changes in the facilities, caseload, schedule, program length, advisor or any other aspect of the residency program. If no changes have occurred then the letter should indicate that the program will continue without change.
2. The letter should also introduce the new resident and a copy of that person's curriculum vitae should be included.
3. Without such notification the program is not considered officially continued by ABVP.

C. Dual residency programs:

Residencies to prepare a candidate for more than one specialty board are not feasible unless the length of such a program allows completion of the specific requirements of all pertinent specialties. For instance, it would be difficult to fulfill ABVP species specialty requirements concurrently with ACVIM requirements because ABVP residency programs require some surgical experience not required by internal medicine. Conversely, a surgical residency does not require the amount of internal medicine needed to complete an ABVP program.

D. Retroactive approval of residency programs:

The Residency Committee does not encourage the submission of existing non-ABVP residency programs for retroactive approval. However, requests for conversion of a program from another specialty board residency to an ABVP residency program can be made to the Residency Committee of ABVP and will be reviewed by that committee. In some cases, conversion may be allowed if there is sufficient time to assure that all of the time requirements in core disciplines can be achieved. All the requirements of ABVP residency programs must be fulfilled, including, but not limited to, the continuing education, oral presentation, and the case log requirements. Case logs from other specialty programs must be converted to ABVP format. Logs must also be retro-active to the beginning of the program from which the candidate is converting.

E. Description of facilities and equipment:

Those who desire to establish a residency program must describe the physical plant and equipment available at the institution or practice. The general areas that should be described should include, but are not limited to:

1. Physical plant.
   
2. Equipment.
   
3. Professional and ancillary staff
   
4. Diagnostic laboratory.
   
5. Records.

For more specific requirements, please see the individual sections on species specialties (Appendix A). The facilities and equipment should be applicable to the individual practice category. The facilities should be adequate to support a satisfactory education environment. This information should be included in the residency proposal.

F. Case Accession and Case Management

1. Caseload: The following information must be supplied.
   1. Total accessions in the particular practice area. In beef, dairy, and swine total herds and average number or animal per herd may be more appropriate.
   2. Average daily number of accessions presented to the hospital.
   3. Average number of accessions treated as outpatients.
   4. Average number of patients in the hospital daily.
   5. Average number of surgeries performed daily.
   6. Average number of anesthetic procedures performed daily.
      
   7. Number of faculty in direct support of the residency program.
2. The caseload of the institution or practice must be large enough to afford the candidate adequate exposure to all phases of practice within the specialty. The minimum acceptable number of accessions will depend upon the difficulty of the problem and the extent of the treatment provided.
   
3. While a minimum caseload is necessary to develop clinical experiences, the candidate must also be provided with sufficient time to evaluate patients properly, study, and participate in rounds and lectures.
   
4. In the case where a resident may spend time on an external experience at another site, information should be provided concerning the experience at that site including all details that are being submitted for approval of the primary site.

G. General Estimation of Activities

1. The residency proposal should include a general outline or schedule of the resident’s activity for the entire residency program. This outline should include the approximate number of weeks spent in each discipline or area. The percentage of time in each area should be determined.
   
2. A minimum of 70% of the resident’s time should be spent in core rotations (rotations crucial to adequate, advance training in the particular species specialty). A maximum of 30% of the resident’s time may be used for ancillary-related training areas, CE, projects, lectures, manuscript preparation, etc.
   
3. Residencies associated with an advance degree (minimum 36 months) should base calculations of minimum time on 23 months even though the rotations through various disciplines maybe scheduled over the entire three year period. This will leave time for formal course work (as it becomes available), projects, etc.

VIII. Program Evaluation

A. Initial Proposal Submission:

The intended residency supervisor at the institution or in the practice must submit a proposal based on these guidelines. The proposal should include the vitae of the residency candidate, the vitae of the advisor, and a letter of introduction of the candidate sent by the advisor. This information must be sent to the Chair of the Residency Committee and the program must be approved by the ABVP Residency Committee before the resident begins the program.

B. Semi-Annual Reports

1. Progress reports must be submitted to the Residency Committee semi-annually. These reports must include all of the following in triplicate:
   1. Case logs, herd visit logs, copies of herd reports.
   2. Procedures log.
   3. Morbidity/mortality logs.
   4. Residency summary sheet which also summarizes the above logs.
   5. Documentation of CE.
   6. Documentation of presentations.
   7. A letter from the residency supervisor or mentor, indicating satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress of the candidate in the program.
2. Semi-annual reports must be submitted every 6 months from the date that the candidate started in the program. In most teaching institutions this is a July, January cycle. However, programs do not always start in July. We would like to have everyone on the same cycle if possible. Those programs that begin after July should turn in reports from the starting date to January. Those starting after January should turn in reports from the start date to July.
3. The final semi-annual report at the end of the program will contain all of the above materials. The advisor’s letter should indicate successful or unsuccessful completion of the entire program.