What is a board-certified surgeon?

A board-certified surgeon, (also called a diplomate), is a specialist in veterinary surgery. They have completed 4 years in veterinary school to obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM), followed by a one-year internship, then completion of a three year residency in surgery. During their residency they are trained in all aspects of veterinary surgery and other areas of veterinary medicine including anesthesia, internal medicine, emergency medicine, radiology, pathology, and clinical pathology. Following the residency, they are required to pass all parts of a rigorous test before becoming board certified in veterinary surgery.

A board-certified veterinary surgeon is part of a team that works with your regular veterinarian to treat your pet. A board-certified veterinary surgeon does not see patients for general practice and are not out to “steal” you as a regular client from your veterinarian. A surgeon will likely refer you back to your veterinarian following completion of your pet’s surgery and for follow-up care with your pet. Board-certified veterinary surgeons are dedicated to helping you, your pet, and your regular veterinarian with difficult diagnoses and treatment of surgical diseases. narian. A surgeon will likely refer you back to your veterinarian following completion of your pet’s surgery and for follow-up care with your pet. Board-certified veterinary surgeons are dedicated to helping you, your pet, and your regular veterinarian with difficult diagnoses and treatment of surgical diseases.

Back To Top