#138: Veterinary Specialisation Without The Residency: The ’Scenic Route’ You Didn’t Know Existed. With Dr Matt Booth (Part 2)

“Did you know the AVMA doesn’t actually require a residency to become a specialist?”

Yeah, neither did we—until Dr. Matt Booth dropped that fact-bomb.

And it’s bigger than just an interesting fact - it’s a mindset shift that cracks the door wide open to alternative routes to specialisation—for veterinarrians who want to grow their careers, but can’t jump through the hoops of the traditional residency pathway.

So, if you are:
- Ambitious, but feeling a bit stuck

- Limited by the realities of life outside the clinic

- Or just curious about your options in veterinary medicine

This one’s for you.

Join us for part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Matt Booth—former ER practice owner and  ER practice development lead at Ethos Veterinary Health—as we rethink what’s possible in the future of specialisation.

Topics and Time Stamps

02:04 Alternative Specialisation Routes

03:17 Challenges and Benefits of Non-Traditional Paths

09:17 Exploring the Hybrid Credentialing Path

19:31 Podcast Recommendations

21:54 Pass along question

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ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS TO VETERINARY SPECIALISATION

✅ Key Clarifications

• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) does not directly control specialty certification. Instead, it recognises Recognised Veterinary Specialties Organisations (RVSOs), which are responsible for setting the standards for their diplomates (specialists).
• While the AVMA does require RVSOs to offer residency pathways to board certification, it does not require that residencies are the only pathway. Some specialty colleges also offer alternative or experiential paths to board certification.
• Importantly, alternative paths are still rigorous, structured, and require significant documentation of training, experience, and examination.

Alternative Paths to Board Certification

1. American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)

• The ABVP certifies veterinarians as specialists in species-oriented clinical practice areas such as:
  • Canine and Feline Practice
  • Avian Practice
  • Equine Practice
  • Food Animal Practice, among others.
• The ABVP's certification is often described as producing "board-certified generalists," acknowledging advanced knowledge across a broad field of practice.
• Pathways to ABVP certification are flexible. Unlike many RVSOs, a formal residency is not required. Veterinarians can pursue credentialing via an autonomous, practice-based pathway, meeting experience requirements and completing rigorous case documentation.
• ABVP credentials are robustly validated through regular job task analyses and psychometric validation of exams to ensure they reflect the current demands of practice.

2. Alternative (Experiential) Pathways with Other Colleges

• Note: Alternative or experiential pathways (sometimes called "non-traditional" or "mentored" pathways) typically require extensive case logs, mentorship, publications, and rigorous examinations.

🔹 Hybrid Credentialing Pathways

Ethos Veterinary Health – ER ABVP Path

• Ethos Veterinary Health has created a structured 36-month hybrid training program designed to support veterinarians pursuing ABVP certification in Emergency Practice.
• The program blends aspects of traditional residency training (mentorship, case reviews, didactic learning) with the flexibility of experiential pathways, including:
  • Synchronous and asynchronous learning
  • Case report preparation
  • Research and publication opportunities
  • Regular performance feedback and guidance

Other Advanced Training Options (Non-Board Certification)

1. Fellowships

• Typically only available to already board-certified specialists.
• Examples include:
  • The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) offers fellowships in areas like surgical oncology.
  • The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) has options for subspecialty fellowships.
  • The ABVP offers a Fellowship in Emergency Practice for ABVP diplomates to complete an additional 18-month advanced training program.

2. Postgraduate Certificates (UK and beyond)

• In the United Kingdom, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) offers postgraduate certificates (e.g., CertAVP – Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice).
• These are modular, flexible programs designed for practicing vets seeking advanced clinical knowledge without the full commitment of a residency or diploma.

3. Memberships – Australia and New Zealand

• The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) offers Memberships (MANZCVS) as a credential signifying advanced knowledge and skill in a specific area of practice.
• Achieving Membership involves a significant study commitment and passing a rigorous examination, positioning vets between general practice and specialist-level expertise.
• For some fields, Membership may lead to eligibility to pursue Fellowship (FANZCVS), which is the region's specialist-level credential.

🔹 Have We Missed Any?

• Master’s-level programs (e.g., MSc in advanced clinical practice).
• Microcredentials and digital badging from universities and online providers.
• Expanding industry-led training pathways (especially in ECC, imaging, and surgery).

WHY VETERINARY MEDICINE NEEDS TO RETHINK SPECIALISATION ROUTES

• Tradition vs. progress: Sticking to traditional methods can be limiting. It may be beneficial to consider new approaches.
• Residency limitations: The practicalities of the residency pathway to specialisation is a key reason why many people don't end up specializing. A traditional residency may involve long hours, bad pay, and relocation, which is not feasible or desirable for everyone.
• Alternative paths: Alternative paths to board certification offer means of specialisation that do not require a residency.
• Hybrid approach: A hybrid credentialing path blends the good aspects of a residency with those of an experiential path to board certification, offering accountability, motivation, and direction.
• Catering to the generalist: Creating specialisation and training opportunities for generalists can improve patient care and support for referring vets.