Specialty Medicine Awareness
Our Work to Promote Specialty Medicine
As part of our ongoing commitment to increasing public understanding of veterinary specialty medicine, we’ve created the following resources to keep members informed about how the ACVIM is promoting the expertise and value of Board-certified specialists.
About the Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee (SMAC)
The Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee (SMAC) works to increase public understanding of the unique value of Board-certified veterinary specialists. With a representative from each of the six ACVIM specialties and one primary care veterinarian, the committee collaborates on projects that enhance consumer awareness, contribute content to VetSpecialists.com, and identify opportunities to partner with other veterinary specialty organizations. SMAC also provides insight into emerging challenges that affect ACVIM Diplomates.
In 2024, SMAC broadened its impact by launching a multi-year research initiative to better understand how animal owners and referring veterinarians perceive Board-certified specialists. After identifying Trone Research Company as a partner, the committee defined research goals, audiences, and the framework for data collection. This two-year project (2025–2026) will first focus on animal owner perceptions, followed by primary care veterinarian perceptions, with plans to publish findings and use them to strengthen ACVIM marketing efforts. SMAC also developed a survey for ACVIM Diplomates on referral relationships, which will inform the research design.
VetSpecialists.com
VetSpecialists, a website powered by the ACVIM, is curated to both animal owners and primary care veterinarians as a way to search for veterinary specialists.
Keep your information up-to-date
As a member of the ACVIM, it is crucial to ensure that your information is up-to-date on the VetSpecialists website. By updating your info you open the door for animal owners and primary veterinarians to discover your practice while increasing your potential for new clients.
Beyond the Clinic Podcast
Beyond the Clinic is a VetSpecialists podcast featuring in-depth conversations with ACVIM Diplomates as they share their insights and expertise in veterinary specialty medicine. Join host Brendan Howard as he sits down with leading professionals in the field to discuss a range of topics designed to educate and empower pet owners.
Triad of Care Insider
The Triad of Care Insider is a quarterly VetSpecialists newsletter crafted to support primary care veterinarians in connecting with specialists for patients needing advanced care. Inside, you’ll find tips on using the VetSpecialists website, links to animal health articles, success stories, and more!
