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.
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.
• 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
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
All ACVIM official service providers will automatically cancel all services and provide refunds within 2-4 weeks.
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.
Be sure to check the individual course information when you register for cancellation deadlines. If you must cancel your registration, you will need to notify the ACVIM at 800.245.9081 or Learning@ACVIM.org. No refunds will be given if you cancel your registration after the deadline set forth during the registration process. If ACVIM cancels a course for any unforeseen reason, you will be notified immediately via email and will receive a full refund of your registration.
In Person Courses: Individual travel expenses incurred by you for the course will not be reimbursed should the ACVIM cancel the course.