Clean Run - January 2018 - 26

Ever wonder what all those letters mean on veterinary business cards? Or why two people may be able
to give you advice about the same injury while a third feels they need to refer you elsewhere? It can get
confusing, even for veterinarians. Every year the number of accreditations and certifications increases,
which helps us all make important strides toward improving veterinary medicine, even if we do feel
like we may need a decoding device to help us clarify our roles within it.
Several additional professional certifications are available for those working
closely within the rehabilitation and
pain management field. The American
Association of Veterinary Chiropractic
(AAVC) provides chiropractic certification to those currently doctors of human
chiropractic, those currently enrolled or
graduates of veterinary school, and those
who have graduated from a basic animal
chiropractic program. Certification requires candidates to pass both a written
and practical competency examination
and allows them to practice on both large
and small animals.

tion process that requires case based and
continuing education learning, as well as
passing a written examination.

The American Academy of Veterinary
Acupuncture (AAVA) provides certification to veterinarians and students
through an application and examina-

Though there are hundreds of letter
combinations out there, with more added each year, the end game is to be able
to offer comprehensive medical care to

The International Veterinary Academy
of Pain Management (IVAPM) offers
certification to veterinary pain practitioners (CVPP) with a minimum of 5 years
in practice and 2 years of veterinary pain
management. Applicants must complete a minimum number of continuing
education hours and case based studies
followed by a written examination to
achieve certification.

The End Game

your loved one, or refer them to someone
who can. And even if you're not sure if
your dog's problem falls under their purview, your veterinarian should be able to
tell you what they feel comfortable treating, and what they don't. Because at the
end of the day, we may all love an individual aspect of veterinary medicine, but
veterinarian or technician, we all took an
oath to do no harm, and we are in this
profession to heal.
Further information on each veterinary
specialty can be found on the American
Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS)
section of the American Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA) website
(www.avma.org). D

David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS-SA is a board-certified surgeon at Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. He is trained
in the use of minimally invasive procedures, regenerative medicine, as well as a number of orthopedic procedures for the treatment of ruptured cruciate ligaments. Dr.
Dycus also earned stem cell certification from Vet Stem and certification as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. To remain on the cutting-edge of research, Dr.
Dycus holds an appointment on the research committee of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Along with being a scientific reviewer for multiple veterinary
journals, he serves on the editorial review board for Veterinary Surgery, the official publication of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary Surgeons.
Renee McDougall, DVM, MPH is a surgical intern at Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. A graduate of Cornell University's
College of Veterinary Medicine, she spent a year training in a general internship at the Animal Medical Center of New York City prior to arriving at VOSM. Following her surgical
internship, she plans to pursue surgical residency. In addition to orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, Dr. McDougall has a strong interest in research and public health.
Tyler Clough, BVetMed is currently an orthopedics and sports medicine intern at the Veterinary Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Group. Originally from the Boston area,
Dr. Clough attended veterinary school at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. He then went on to complete a rotating internship in Brooklyn, New York and
a surgical internship in Las Vegas, Nevada. His professional interests include orthopedics and emergency surgery.

Hit the Road with Kurgo!
The top of the Kibble Carrier rolls down and clips
securely so you can make the bag as small as possible
for storage. Zippered side pocket. Bowl storage in
bottom. Holds up to 5 lbs. of dry food.
The Voyager Canteen has a BPA-free bladder inside
a handy ripstop shoulder bag. Ditch the wasteful
water bottles and go green with this reusable
solution. Zippered storage pockets. Holds 32 oz.

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Clean Run | January 18

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - January 2018