As we reflect on 2024, I’m proud to share the progress we’ve made together. This year, the ACVIM expanded educational offerings, advanced diversity and inclusion initiatives, and deepened our commitment to the veterinary community.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our Diplomates, residents, partners, staff and volunteers, all of whom continue to shape the future of veterinary specialty medicine.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the continued opportunities for innovation and collaboration as we strive to improve animal care and support those who provide it.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the ACVIM’s mission.
Sincerely,
Sarah Gillings, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)
ACVIM President
In 2024, the ACVIM continued to strengthen its educational offerings, providing progressive resources and expanding access to high-quality continuing education (CE) for our members. From in-person courses to virtual learning opportunities, we ensured that our members had the tools and support they needed to advance their skills and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of veterinary specialty medicine.
CE credits were earned via 253 unique users within our online learning platform
CE credits were earned during our in-person offerings
CE credits were earned during our live virtual offerings
"These specialized courses are unique in that they are small enough to allow for more questions and improved learning for those passionate about a topic."
"I love that virtual CE is offered - it allows participants to not need to spend time traveling and allows us to integrate work and life more easily."
"Hands on procedures are fantastic. We can look at videos and texts books but the in-person interactions with skilled lecturers can’t be beat."
In 2024, the ACVIM transitioned over 6,200 users to a new and improved Learning Management System (LMS), ACVIM Elevate ensuring learners have:
The ACVIM developed the new, complimentary product spotlight webinar, which highlighted highly applicable content around SGLT2 inhibitors.
The ACVIM partnered with IDEXX to endorse free resident-focused educational content, to better meet the needs of our residents.
The ACVIM partnered with VIN to support our members and provide much needed financial resources with a debt Free webinar series.
The 2024 ACVIM Forum in Minneapolis was a remarkable gathering of professionals from around the globe. This year, we welcomed thousands of attendees, both in-person and virtually, who engaged in more than 600 sessions presented by world-renowned experts. The ACVIM Forum continues to be an unparalleled opportunity for members to share knowledge, collaborate, and celebrate the incredible achievements of the veterinary specialty community.
"The 2024 Forum in Minneapolis had the strongest schedule of speakers and presentations than any other conference that I have been to in years. The Forum planning committee really did a fantastic job with all aspects of the Forum this year."
"We have grown as a company exponentially, since our first year at ACVIM. The organization's support for our brand has been instrumental in that growth. There's an abundance of opportunity each year and we've really been able to execute on our strategic plans thanks to the interest we receive at the ACVIM Forum. I just hope they can come to Oklahoma in the future, so I can show them a really good time!"
The following programs applied in the first cycle and were accepted:
Two individuals were approved and are now the first official ACVIM Fellows (both individuals had completed programs that were approved in 2024: one in Interventional Cardiology and one in Veterinary Diabetes).
We are also taking steps to ensure quality in our own programs by implementing a series of activities developed by the Residency Training Program (RTP) Oversight Taskforce. Ultimately, the data derived from this program will result in a dashboard that illustrates program quality metrics. This quantifiable approach will provide clear, actionable insights into program performance, further demonstrating ACVIM’s leadership and our desire to help all stakeholders have an optimal residency experience.
Building on the work for the RTP-Oversight Taskforce, the Training Optimization Taskforce (TOTF) was established to guide a college-wide review of program requirements. This was the first time that all specialties have come together and viewed requirements as a collective body, which allows for a holistic review of college-wide program requirements and possible alignment among specialties.
Building a strong, engaged community is at the heart of everything we do at the ACVIM. In 2024, we saw significant growth in our membership engagement, fostering deeper connections among Diplomates, Candidates, and residents. By celebrating member achievements and expanding networking opportunities, we are creating a vibrant, supportive community that advances the profession as a whole. Volunteerism played a vital role, with dedicated members contributing their time and expertise to key initiatives, events, and committees. Additionally, our strategic partnerships with industry leaders have helped us expand educational opportunities, strengthen professional connections, and support research efforts, furthering ACVIM’s mission to advance veterinary specialty medicine.
ACVIM's social media channels experienced significant growth in 2024, enhancing engagement and expanding our reach:
Increase in likes
Increase in reach
Increase in engagement
Increase in engagement
Over the past year, the Members in the News campaign celebrated the remarkable achievements of ACVIM Diplomates, sharing 24 member accomplishments, including interview spotlights and career milestones. This initiative fostered member-to-member connections and showcased the profound contributions of our Diplomates to veterinary medicine.
As the ACVIM's leading social media campaign of the year, it drove significant engagement across platforms, amplifying the expertise and impact of specialty medicine within the veterinary community.
The ACVIM welcomed 181 new Diplomates in the Class of 2024.
New Diplomate welcome gifts were deployed this year to congratulate our newest members upon Board-certification. New Diplomates in the US and Canada received celebratory Welcome Boxes and Diplomates outside the US and Canada received e-gift cards.
New Candidates also began receiving either welcome future member themed boxes or e-gift cards this year upon registration with the ACVIM. A special thank you to Sage Veterinary Centers for their sponsorship of the New Candidate box!
ACVIM staff traveled to the Large Animal Candidate Boot Camp and the Advanced Cardiology Review Course with the intention of developing connections with future members and offering support in navigating the Board-certification process.
The Membership Committee, among other initiatives, worked with the Membership Team and in partnership with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) to develop a Salary Benchmarking Survey for Diplomates to be deployed in the first quarter of 2025. Data from the survey will be aggregated into an interactive dashboard called the Specialty VetMed Compensation Compass. The dashboard will be the first of its kind for veterinary specialty medicine, serving as a new benefit for the ACVIM and ABVP members.
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Retention RateWe continued our partnership with the Veterinary Hope Foundation and offered virtual support groups tailored to the ACVIM Community, including a Parents Support Group and a Late Career Support Group.
30 recently Boarded Diplomates received full scholarships from Chewy Health to participate in a new program, MentorVet Lead for New Diplomates.
Sponsored by Chewy Health
Two new veterinary journals were added to the Ovid Discovery Platform, a central online library providing members and Candidates with access to scientific textbooks and subsidized journals. Platform traffic peaked this year since its launch in 2022.
The ACVIM proudly recognizes MedVet as a valued Strategic Industry Partner. Through their sponsorship of the ACVIM Forum and Advanced Continuing Education (ACE) courses, MedVet supports veterinary education, professional development, and networking opportunities. Their dedication to students, residents, and candidates highlights their commitment to the future of the profession. MedVet joins Purina Institute and Royal Canin as esteemed ACVIM Strategic Partners.
ACVIM continues to drive innovation in veterinary research, supporting the dissemination of critical scientific knowledge that advances animal care. In 2024, we saw notable improvements in our editorial processes, alongside a growing international presence for our Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM). Through our research grants and newly established Endorsed Statements program, ACVIM is empowering researchers to lead the way in developing solutions to the most pressing challenges in veterinary medicine.
In 2024, 17 ACVIM residents were honored with Resident Research Abstract Awards, recognizing their exceptional research contributions. These awards provide a platform to showcase work, build professional networks, and gain visibility within the veterinary community. Recipients develop presentation skills and connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, driving innovation and advancing their careers in veterinary medicine.
Special recognition to each of the 2024 Resident Research Abstract Award recipients, Sponsored by Purina Institute and the ACVIM Cardiology Pacemaker Resident Research Abstract Winners.
In 2024, the ACVIM reinforced its commitment to advancing the veterinary profession through a range of impactful initiatives. Efforts to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion included programs to support underrepresented communities and promote equal opportunities. Beyond DEI, the Recognition Awards honored six Diplomates for their exceptional contributions, while Success Stories on VetSpecialists.com showcased the transformative work of ACVIM Diplomates in specialized care. The Triad of Care Insider newsletter enhanced collaboration among specialists, primary care vets, and pet owners, and the Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee worked to highlight the vital role of specialty medicine in advancing animal health.
Edward Feldman, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM) received the Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence.
Susan “Suzi” White, DVM, MS, DACVIM (LAIM) received the Lee and Inge Pyle Distinguished Service Award.
François-René Bertin, DVM, MS, PhD, FHEA, DACVIM (LAIM) received the William R. Fenner Early Career Award for Outstanding Service.
Neil K. Harpster, VMD, DACVIM (Cardiology) received the Cardiology Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stephanie J. Valberg, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVSMR received the LAIM Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dennis Chew, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), Honorary ACVNU received the SAIM Specialty Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Triad of Care Insider, a VetSpecialists newsletter sent out quarterly throughout the year, focused on the importance of collaborative veterinary care. Targeting primary care veterinarians, each edition featured insights on enhancing the referral process and bridging the roles of specialists, primary care veterinarians, and pet owners. With tips and suggestions, the newsletter served as a valuable resource for improving patient care collaboratively. In 2024, the newsletter had an average 47% open rate.
