ACVIM Coronavirus Preparedness

Upcoming ACVIM ACE Course Updates

The ACVIM continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19. Given the ongoing uncertainty, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming, in-person Advanced Continuing Education (ACE) courses for the remainder of 2020. 

Our top priority continues to be the health and safety of our community and to continue bringing you high-quality education designed for specialists. The ACE committee has been working with course leaders to examine which courses we can effectively deliver in a remote environment and which courses will be postponed to 2021. 

We are currently working on all the requirements to postpone courses and create online learning opportunities. Please view the changes to our 2020 ACE offerings below and know that the ACVIM is dedicated to being the go-to organization for your CE needs, now and as we navigate the future.

Online and Virtual Offerings
ACVIM Brain Camp Online: Will consist of 3 courses diving into Diagnostic Imaging Electrodiagnostics and Neuropathology. each estimated at 6 hours plus a live Q&A opportunity

Bridging the Divide - Enhanced Communications for Specialists: Online Modules will be developed to support communication skills needs at a specialist level.

Virtual Course - SAIM Endocrinology: Will be developed into a virtual offering available in the fall.

Courses Postponed to 2021:
*ACVIM North American Neuroscience Course (Brain Camp)
Advanced Techniques in Neurosurgery
LAIM Candidate Boot Camp
*Bridging the Divide: Enhanced Communications for Specialists
Endoscopy Resident Boot Camp
Advanced Equine Cardiology: Delving into the Heart of the Matter
*courses will have an online component developed in 2020.

The Next Steps 

Information will be updated and shared on a continual basis as we have more details on what is to come. We know many people were anticipating course registrations opening and looking at travel logistics. We are sharing our decision now, hoping to avoid unnecessary time spent on hotel and flight plans. All registration fees will have the option to be refunded or transferred to the online offering and registrants will receive a separate communication with next steps. Please visit us online and check back often to access the most up-to-date information. 

We hear from our members that they support prioritization of public and individual health considerations.  We appreciate that support, as this was a difficult decision for the committees and staff to make. Please do not hesitate to reach out to learning@ACVIM.org with questions you may have not addressed in the information on webpages provided above.

What is happening? After much discussion, the ACVIM is formally announcing the cancellation of the 2020 ACVIM Forum scheduled for June 10-13, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland.  We regret any inconvenience and uncertainty the delay in official cancellation may have caused. We thank you for your understanding and continued support through these challenging times. As a resource, our Coronavirus FAQ page includes all of the information below in greater detail and answers more questions you might have.

Why did it take so long to cancel? The ACVIM has been in negotiations with the City of Baltimore, the Baltimore Convention Center and our headquarters hotel for the past month. All parties have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19.  The rapidly changing situation has meant the city and hospitality community have had to make day-to-day adjustments, knowing that circumstances continued to evolve. We are relieved to report that our arduous negotiations are complete and have minimized the financial impact on our organization.  

Will any content from the ACVIM Forum be available virtually? Yes, we will be delivering selected content virtually and are currently working diligently to finalize the platform suitable for our content needs. With the breadth of what is offered at the ACVIM Forum and the time we have to work with, we will be offering a limited selection of content. Our plan is to focus efforts on delivering RACE-approved CE sessions featuring new research or time-sensitive updates and additional sessions from the specialty program and technician tracks. In addition, the interactive Solutions Center floor plan will be available for attendees to check out the latest industry products and services. All speakers and abstract presenters have received initial information regarding next steps. We don’t yet know the exact number of sessions that will be available and pricing information will be shared as soon as this information is determined.  

What about my registration fees and hotel reservations? The ACVIM wants to make this as easy as possible, offering options when it comes to your registration fees. We hope you will join us and choose to participate in our virtual offerings for a reduced registration fee, however you may elect to have your registration fees refunded in full. Additional information will follow in the next few weeks allowing you to select your preferred option. No action is currently necessary as we are updating our registration system to handle these new options. 

For hotel reservations made through our official ACVIM housing provider, Experient, Inc., reservations will be automatically cancelled, with no further action required. If you have booked outside of the official ACVIM housing provider, you will be responsible for cancelling your reservations. 

Special thanks! The ACVIM sincerely thanks all parties that dedicated their time to the 2020 ACVIM Forum development, including the Forum Program Chairs, all Subcommittees, Associated Specialty Veterinary Groups, Special Interest Groups, exhibitors, sponsors, presenters, attendees and other contributors who support this conference. The team dedicated to delivering a successful event will continue to work to create a strong virtual offering to ensure high quality continuing education is available. 

We wish you good health during these challenging times and look forward to seeing you in person next year at the 2021 ACVIM Forum scheduled to take place on June 9-12, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky.  

For immediate and urgent questions not addressed in our Coronavirus FAQ page on ACVIM.org, please reach out to forum@ACVIM.org.  As always, we appreciate your patience as we’re responding to queries as quickly as we can and still working to finalize all information with this change.  

Message from Dr. Laura Garrett, President of the ACVIM Board of Regents:

What is happening? The ACVIM Board of Regents and staff have made the difficult decision to cancel all ACVIM examinations for June 2020.

Why did we make this decision? Each day the global situation with the COVID-19 pandemic becomes more serious and the ability for anyone to predict what resources will be available in June diminishes dramatically. Without knowing if we'll have the proctors available or the places to administer exams at the times needed, it is not only too risky to ask candidates to spend months studying, only to have the exam cancelled at the last minute, it is also profoundly unfair to those candidates. From the questions and comments we've been hearing from multiple sources across the US and the world, the uncertainty is causing significant distress for candidates, for mentors, and for program directors alike. We recognize that while different geographic locations are experiencing the impact of the pandemic variably, we know that things are changing rapidly everywhere. We have been closely monitoring the situation, reassessing constantly in hopes that there might be improvement in the projections. Since the situation has instead grown more dire, we find a need for even greater caution and risk mitigation. There are very real concerns about candidates or proctors becoming ill, or at minimum, being at the mercy of travel restrictions that are not uniform nor predictable. Additionally, there is a growing potential that veterinarians may be asked to play a role in supporting efforts to care for humans impacted by the coronavirus. It is difficult to anticipate the ways we may be called upon to help as a profession, nor how such a new role would impact candidates, mentors, and program directors. We all believe that human healthcare must take top priority at this time, this decision also reflects that value.

What does this mean for candidates? We plan to offer the General, Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, and SAIM Specialty examinations in June 2021. The LAIM Specialty exam will go forward as scheduled in January 2021. Those scheduled to sit for the general examination this year will have the option of taking both the general and specialty exam next year or staggering the two exams. We recognize the impact of trying to sit two exams simultaneously is especially hard for everyone taking exams at Forum as it means preparing for two dissimilar exams. Additionally, we recognize that LAIM candidates scheduled for the General Examination this year will now be taking the Specialty Exam prior to their taking the General Exam.

Candidates completing their residency programs in 2020 will be able to practice as residency-trained veterinarians until they achieve board certification. We understand that some job seekers might be impacted as they compete with applicants that have already achieved board certification and that as a result, their negotiations may be more challenging. It is our hope that most employers would approach discussions with a willingness to accommodate applicant's unique circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we've come from a time where specialists have been in high demand, allowing them to choose from many opportunities, we also understand the feeling of economic uncertainty makes it hard to predict how the job market might change.

We have heard from many of you with questions about how to successfully meet residency training requirements in this new environment. A working group has been formed to address those questions and more information will be following as soon as it is available. Our goal is to do everything possible to set candidates up for success as we all navigate our way through an unprecedented and rapidly changing situation.

How can candidates be sure we won't run into a similar situation in 2021? While no one is certain of what will be happening with coronavirus next year, we can plan proactively, starting now, to have virtual test-taking capabilities, including virtual proctors, in place for future examinations. Although this technology is relatively new in the veterinary profession, it has been well-received by other groups which have used it. We estimate that it will take a minimum of 6-9 months to set up virtual test-taking, therefore work will start quickly so that we can try to be ready for 2021, regardless of how long it takes to resolve the current pandemic.

What action is needed now? We are actively working through some of the logistical details, so no action is needed by candidates right now. Keep an eye on the FAQ section of the ACVIM website https://www.acvim.org/COVID-19 and your ACVIM360 community for updates. We will be in touch with each candidate to go over options for handling examination fees already paid.

What's the take home? The staff and Board of Regents, Program Directors and ACVIM membership all feel a strong sense of responsibility for helping the next generation of specialists. This decision was one of the most profoundly difficult decisions made in the history of the ACVIM. All involved found it to be gut-wrenching, as it is one we can all empathize with having gone through the experience of studying for and taking the exams ourselves. Having explored all reasonable possibilities and concluded that it is the wisest and most appropriate one does not alleviate the disappointment we all feel on behalf of our candidates. We know that this will be keenly felt by all, none more than by the candidates who've worked so hard to get to this point. Please know that this decision was treated with the gravity and deliberation it deserves, and that we are all truly saddened to have to cancel the exams this year. It may be of some small consolation to realize that other veterinary specialty colleges are also facing these same challenges, having to cancel examinations and to find ways to facilitate residency training during a pandemic. We are not alone in facing this challenge.

Who can I speak with about questions? Please reach out to Certification@acvim.org with urgent questions only. As you might imagine, everyone is working very hard to navigate the evolving situation. Responses to emails may be delayed for that reason.

We’d like to update you on the status of the ACVIM Forum and examinations for candidates scheduled in Baltimore, Maryland this June. As the situation with the pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, we’ve had to make difficult decisions and do some creative planning to minimize impact to as many people as possible.  

What is happening?  We are actively exploring the process of cancelling the ACVIM Forum for this year.  Although we have not made a final decision, all signs indicate that will be the decision made.  We are planning to go ahead with the candidate examinations, however, will not be holding them in Baltimore.

How did we arrive at these decisions?  The staff and Board of Regents have carefully considered ramifications to all parties associated with the ACVIM Forum and examination process. We feel strongly that we have an ethical obligation as a group of highly trained veterinary medical scientists to do our part to minimize disease transmission and ensure the safety and well-being of those who participate in these events. We reviewed recommendations by expert physicians and scientists in infectious disease and epidemiology, as well as evolving recommendations from government and health leaders. 

How will this impact me or my group?  The list of groups of people that would be affected by this decision is long. We have not worked through all the details yet. More information will follow as it becomes available.

• Candidates are already experiencing significant stress with the uncertainty of whether the examination will be able to take place and all the associated logistics and potential barriers to getting there. We envision administering examinations at the local level to avoid travel wherever possible. There are many details to follow about how that will be implemented, and we will provide more information as quickly as we can. Because of the uncertainty about the next few months, we realize that well-intended plans may have to be altered to incorporate the restrictions that are in place in June. We will continue to provide updates as quickly as decisions are made and want all candidates to be aware that they are our highest priority. In addition, many candidates present abstracts or posters at the ACVIM Forum. We intend  to move posters and abstracts to a virtual format, making them widely available in the event of cancellation.

• Once final, attendees would be severely affected by this decision, as the ACVIM Forum is our major annual continuing education events and the place we go to connect with our colleagues and friends. While we will be working on an approach to virtual content in some areas, we know we would not be able to replace the entire roster of sessions offered. There would be simply no way to pull that all together in the relatively short amount of time we have. 

• Residency Program Directors will be called upon to help with logistics around examination administration or other aspects of residency requirements. Working groups are forming now, including a Credentials Working Group, who will work with Program Directors to address some of the anticipated issues, such as residency training requirements that may be difficult to meet on schedule.

•  Award and certificate presentations would need to be adjusted. We will be able to mail certificates to new Diplomates if needed. When the details for determining who would like certificates mailed and how we will honor other award recipients are known, we’ll share them with everyone, knowing that we all find meaning in seeing the hard work of these individuals honored. 

•  Working with our Specialty Subcommittees and Affiliated Specialty Veterinary Groups, selected content will be considered for virtual delivery, knowing that travel bans are unlikely to be lifted completely, focusing on sessions where we want to prioritize sharing of critical new information. Speakers in those areas will be asked to deliver their content virtually. We will be in contact with every speaker with additional information as the situation unfolds

What do I need to do next? There are many things we need to work through, so for now, you do not need to take any action.  In the event the ACVIM Forum is officially cancelled, you would need to cancel your travel arrangements. In that event, all hotel reservations made through the official Experient Housing Site will be cancelled on your behalf. No further action would be needed. However, if a reservation was made directly through the hotel or another source you would need to cancel your own reservation. The ACVIM is unable to cancel any individual travel plans or hotel reservations made outside of our official housing provider. More information will follow soon about registration fees, virtual attendance options, exam logistics, etc. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and your patience as we work through the substantial logistics associated with this situation. 


For immediate and urgent questions only, please reach out to forum@ACVIM.org or certification@ACVIM.org.  As always, we appreciate your patience as we’re responded to queries as quickly as we can.  

Stay safe and healthy, 

Linda Fineman, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Chief Executive Officer, ACVIM

As veterinary medical specialists, our organization and its members recognize that we have a societal obligation to lead through practicing behaviors that limit or slow the spread of COVID-19, and that contribute to the protection of human and animal health and welfare through collaboration with human health care professionals and governmental agencies.  We recommend members find ways to minimize exposure of their colleagues, staff, and clients in clinical settings and to conserve resources that may be needed by healthcare providers treating people suffering from COVID-19. We endorse the AVMA’s recommendations addressing ways for veterinary practitioners to adjust their workflows.  We strongly urge members to stay home while sick and recommend practicing social distancing and/or self-quarantine when appropriate as recommended by the CDC and WHO.  Please use the following links for up to date information:

• ACVIM website FAQ https://www.acvim.org/COVID-19
• AVMA website https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19
• CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• WHO website https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 
• Johns Hopkins website https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

Dear ACVIM Diplomate,

I'm writing today to update you on the status of the upcoming ACVIM Forum and examinations for candidates in Baltimore, Maryland this June. Many of you have reached out with questions and suggestions about what action should be taken. I want to reassure you that tremendous time and thought is going in to how best to react to the unprecedented situation we are in as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

What is happening? The ACVIM staff and Board of Regents have discussed pros and cons of delaying, cancelling or holding the conference and examinations as planned. The conversations have looked at the perspectives of all parties affected, including ACVIM members, candidates, speakers, allied groups that hold meetings at the ACVIM Forum, sponsors, exhibitors, award recipients, international attendees, residents delivering presentations and staff. Additionally, because the situation is changing rapidly and is complex, it is difficult to project what the coming days, weeks or months will look like.

Why are we considering how to proceed? We have two functions to consider: the educational component and the examination component. In addition, we need to consider our societal obligations. The ACVIM is a medical group, and as such should be taking a leadership position in limiting disease spread. We are choosing to look at the situation first through the lens of social ethics. Knowing that social distancing is the primary recommendation for slowing the rate of disease spread and thus limiting the risk of overwhelming medical capacity, we must consider following the recommendations to avoid group settings. While there are many details that must be dealt with as we consider the impact to the various groups described above, we believe it is our obligation to prioritize social responsibility and our commitment to ensure individual's health and safety. At this time, no final decision has been reached.

What about the educational component? Many organizations are delivering continuing education through virtual events, online presentations and other means. We are exploring ways those options might apply to the mission of the ACVIM Forum. 

What about the examinations? We have heard from many members and candidates that ensuring the examinations take place is the top priority. As an ACVIM Diplomate myself, I remember well what it feels like to prepare for the exams and am personally committed to the goal of administering the examination in some capacity, with a variety of approaches under consideration. All parties involved see this as the highest priority. Many different scenarios are actively being explored with this goal in mind. Communication is going out now directly to the candidates so that they know we are actively working on contingency plans around exams.

When will more information become available? We are actively monitoring the spread of disease and recommendations of epidemiologists and other medical experts. We will share decisions and plans with you as soon as decisions are made and are committed to do so promptly.

What should I do right now? Please hold off on buying plane tickets and making other travel arrangements if you have not already done so. Airfares are dropping as people avoid traveling, so there is little downside to waiting to make reservations. More information will be shared about next steps as it becomes available.

Who can I reach out to with questions? We ask you to try to wait for the next communication to come out if possible. We know many of you have a lot of questions and concerns about the uncertainty of the situation and are committed to sharing detailed information as soon as it becomes available. In addition, the FAQ section of our website will be updated frequently. The link is ACVIM.org/covid-19. If you have a question that cannot wait, please email me directly at linda@ACVIM.org. I'll appreciate your patience as I try to field questions as quickly as possible!

------------------------------
Linda Fineman
Chief Executive Officer
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

March 4, 2020

ACVIM Members, 2020 Exam Participants and 2020 ACVIM Forum Attendees,

 
We are looking forward to seeing our global community at the 2020 ACVIM Forum and administration of the examinations in Baltimore, Maryland, this June (still 14 weeks away). We want to assure you the ACVIM is actively monitoring the latest information on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, including reports and travel advisories from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other global public health authorities.

At this time, we are planning for a successful conference and currently have no plans to postpone or cancel our continuing education events or exams. We recognize that there have been some other groups cancelling their events, especially those with many international attendees. Because this unprecedented situation is changing daily, the ACVIM remains watchful and sensitive to everyone’s concerns. We will be doing everything we can to help those who attend the 2020 ACVIM Forum and exams feel welcome and comfortable, while focusing on delivery of what is an extremely important event for our global veterinary community.

The 2020 ACVIM Forum and exams are primarily taking place at the Baltimore Convention Center and the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. The teams at both locations have issued statements and have confirmed enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures, while taking new actions in accordance with recommendations from government agencies and industry leaders for preventative measures in the spreading of this virus. 

While we are not in a position to recommend a specific course of action for travel in June, the health and safety of our participants is our top priority. We recommend monitoring your government’s travel advisories and restrictions to understand any changes that may arise as a result of your country’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

In addition to suggesting recommendations like frequent hand washing and other travel advice from the CDC, we are mindful of your care while in Baltimore. The ACVIM is carefully considering and consulting with experts on what the appropriate sanitary, health and other measures should be and can assure our group that all appropriate measures will be in place at the conference.

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is presenting an unprecedented global challenge and we believe it’s important not to overreact but to keep this global health issue in context. Below we’re sharing some of the sources we believe to be the most reliable, independent and credible. 

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel information and alerts
• World Health Organization advice for the public
• World Health Organization planning recommendations for mass gatherings
•  Johns Hopkins University live tracker

We want your time at the ACVIM 2020 Forum and exam experience to be smooth, comfortable and a positive experience. If you are not able to travel to Baltimore due to travel restrictions by your organization, home country or discomfort, please reach out to the ACVIM via email to let us know. Questions regarding the 2020 ACVIM Forum should be directed to forum@ACVIM.org and all exam questions should be directed to certification@ACVIM.org. 

We will continue to monitor the latest information available from global public health authorities and will provide updates when possible through the conference’s Frequently Asked Questions section.

Thank you,

Linda Fineman, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Chief Executive Officer, ACVIM 

Given the continued spread of COVID-19, the newest guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control, as well as executive orders issued by the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland, the ACVIM is officially cancelling the 2020 ACVIM Forum, June 10-13, 2020.

he ACVIM wants to make this as easy as possible, offering options when it comes to your registration fees. We hope you will join us and choose to participate in our virtual offerings for a reduced registration fee, however you may elect to have your registration fees refunded in full. Additional information will follow in the next few weeks allowing you to select your preferred option. No action is currently necessary as we are updating our registration system to handle these new options. 

All hotel reservations made through our official housing provider, Experient, Inc., will be cancelled automatically. Credit cards used to hold rooms in the ACVIM block have not been charged and credit card information will be discarded properly. No further action is required on your part.

If your reservation was made outside of the ACVIM room block via a travel site or at another hotel, you must cancel your individual reservation directly with the hotel or the specific booking site.

The ACVIM is unable to provide refunds for any individual travel costs. If you purchased travel insurance, please contact your provider for information and next steps. Most airlines are showing greater flexibility in allowing future use of tickets and/or extending refunds for changes due to the pandemic. Please contact your airlines as soon as possible to inquire about refunds and cancellation policies. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you.

Yes, the ACVIM is committed to delivering select content from the 2020 ACVIM Forum virtually. With the breadth of what is offered at the ACVIM Forum and the time we have to work with, we will be offering a limited selection of content. Our plan is to focus efforts on delivering RACE-approved CE sessions featuring new research or time-sensitive updates and additional sessions from the specialty program and technician tracks. In addition, the interactive Solutions Center floor plan will be available for attendees to check out the latest industry products and services. All speakers and abstract presenters have received initial information regarding next steps.

We are working diligently to quickly finalize the platform suitable to deliver our content needs. Detailed information to access the site will be shared as we get closer to the event. We plan to have content available On Demand in June and accessible for at least 6 months. 

There will be a cost to access the virtual offerings at a reduced rate. We are working with Forum Subcommittees and ASVG groups, in addition to speakers to identify the content that will be made available virtually. Once the exact number of sessions we are able to offer is finalized, pricing will be confirmed and communicated.  

We plan to hold all BOR and Committee meetings virtually and will work with each group that holds an in-person meeting at the ACVIM Forum to identify the best method and schedule to host these meetings.

Congratulations on your accomplishment and we are disappointed not to share in this achievement in person. We have two options for receiving your specialty certificate. The class of 2020 new Diplomates will be recognized during their specialty luncheons at the 2021 ACVIM Forum and you can choose to receive your certificate during that time, or specialty certificates may be mailed directly to you. An ACVIM staff liaison will reach out to all new ACVIM Diplomates in May to determine if you would like your certificate mailed this year. Please reach out to membership@ACVIM.org if you have any additional questions.  

The 2020 Lee & Inge Pyle Distinguished Service award recipient and Robert W. Kirk award recipient have been selected and notified. We are actively working to find alternative means to present their awards, as well as recognize them college-wide. More information will be posted on ACVIM360 and in these FAQs, as soon as it is available. It is our hope that you will join with us to honor our distinguished recipients later in 2020. Both will also be recognized again during the Awards Luncheon at the 2021 ACVIM Forum.

All groups that meet at the ACVIM Forum have received our official cancellation notice and will reach out to their participants directly.  

The ACVIM exhibits and sponsorship team has already been in initial contact with sponsors and will continue to discuss sponsorship options with each company.

Yes, the ACVIM will cancel your booth registration and refund your booth payment within 4-5 weeks. 

Freeman is the general service contractor and they will reach out directly to any companies that have shipped freight or ordered services. 

All ACVIM official service providers will automatically cancel all services and provide refunds within 2-4 weeks.

• Freeman - Booth services, furnishings
• Cogent Global Solutions, Inc. - AV provider
• EDLEN - Convention center electrical provider
• M.C. Dean - Convention center internet and phone services
• Centerplate - Convention center catering

The 2021 floor plan will be available in June, 2020. Separate communications will be sent out to each exhibitor. The space selection schedule will be sent to exhibitors using the ACVIM Partner Priority Point system.

For immediate and urgent questions not addressed in the FAQs, please reach out to forum@ACVIM.org. We will get back to you as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience as we will respond as quickly as we can.

ACE courses are developed for ACVIM Diplomates and candidates, as well as ECEIM, ECVIM-CA and ECVN Diplomates and candidates only. Guests or children are not permitted to attend ACE courses. 

Meeting rooms at the Viticus Center are flexible in size to accommodate large and small groups, and include a state-of-the-art surgery suite for hands-on labs. Easy access to Las Vegas from most airports and reasonable airfares make it an attractive destination for travelers all over the nation, especially during the winter months. Protocols for hands-on labs are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Control and Use Committee (IACUC) under regulations set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture at the Viticus Center. The ACVIM’s Animal Use Policy is strictly enforced at the facility. 

Yes, June exam administration was cancelled in 2020.

After exploration and careful consideration of all options, cancellation of 2020 administration was the only reasonable path forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The voting members of the Board of Regents consists of elected representatives of the membership that are charged with making decisions in the best interests of their constituencies.  All voting members are Board-certified Diplomates and as such are aware of the ramifications of a decision of this magnitude.  In addition, all of them have trained or are currently training residents, making them strong, passionate advocates for prioritizing the needs of the next generation of specialists.  When making decisions of this magnitude, a vote of the membership is often called.  Our policies require a one-month period of discussion followed by the same length of time to vote.  Given the early June timeframe scheduled for administration of the exams, two months for a vote is not feasible, as the vote would end essentially one week before the examination.  This uncertainty would not be fair to candidates who would be actively studying during that time. In this case, even if we had called a vote, the logistical challenges of being able to execute on a different decision would not have changed the outcome.

Yes, administration of all 2021 ACVIM exams is moving forward. Please see the  2021 exams FAQs page for additional information.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards is tracking all recent state actions regarding regulatory changes in CE requirements or telemedicine due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Updates are being tracked frequently through a news article: https://www.aavsb.org/news/article/83, providing you with access for changes in guidelines for various states.  

• World Health Organization Twitter: @WHO
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Twitter: @CDCgov
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Twitter: @ECDC_EU
• AMA Resource Center for Physicians
• Johns Hopkins University