Committee Spotlight: LAIM Credentials
Jennifer Halleran, DVM, DACVIM (LAIM) | Chair, LAIM Credentials Committee
Dr. Jennifer Halleran is originally from New Jersey and grew up wanting to work as a small animal emergency veterinarian. She attended the University of Rhode Island for undergraduate studies and graduated with a BS in Animal Science and Microbiology. She then attended veterinary school at Colorado State University, where she fell in love with food animal medicine. Following veterinary school, Dr. Halleran completed a ruminant health internship at North Carolina State University and then a Large Animal Internal Medicine Residency at Oklahoma State University with an emphasis on food animal medicine. Following her residency, Dr. Halleran earned a PhD in Infectious Disease at NCSU, where she was then hired as a tenure tract faculty member. Her current position is split between teaching, clinical service and research, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance in food producing species and clinical research focused in small ruminant medicine (urolithiasis).
What motivated you to volunteer with the ACVIM, or how did you first get involved with the organization?
After I completed my residency in 2018, I received an email looking for volunteers to serve on different ACVIM committees. I honestly was not aware of all the committees available but had wanted to become involved and get to know other members of the ACVIM. I was eager to see how I could help and how I may be able to help shape residency programs for future residents.
Could you describe the work of the LAIM Credentials Committee and how this work contributes to the overall mission/goals of the ACVIM?
The LAIM Credentials Committee is responsible for reviewing our current large animal internal medicine Candidates’ progression through their respective residency programs. We have a very invested group of large animal Diplomates focused on ensuring our current Candidates are fulfilling all their residency requirements.
As the chair of this committee, what responsibilities and duties do you undertake?
I am responsible for organizing meetings with committee members to review Candidates' progression through the program. I am also responsible for providing the final approval of the requirements for Diplomate status in the large animal internal medicine specialty. This year, the committee had detailed discussions regarding certain requirements for Board-certification. We made strong recommendations to the College and were able to alter requirements to build a stronger certification process for our current and future residents.
Can you share a successful collaboration story that highlights the positive impact of teamwork within your committee?
Over the past year, the LAIM Credentials Committee had been tasked with a recommendation of whether the clinical writing assessment (CWA) requirement should be kept as-is for large animal internal medicine Candidates, or if this requirement needed to be changed. This is a very controversial topic with many big opinions. The committee had ongoing virtual discussions and virtual meetings to voice concerns and opinions and ultimately developed a recommendation letter for the College. It was an excellent example of teamwork and compassion for our Candidates. I am very proud of each committee members’ contribution, thoughts and ideas regarding the CWA. As a team, our recommendation to the College was very strong and I think allowed for an improved credentialing process.
How has your involvement with the ACVIM and chairing this committee personally enriched your professional experience and contributed to your growth in the field of veterinary internal medicine?
I am a young faculty member. My involvement with this committee has allowed me to meet and work with many people, as well as have some leadership opportunities. I have loved working with Adam Lanier (ACVIM Certification & Accreditation Specialist) -- he is the absolute best! Dr. Julia Montgomery was the past committee Chair, and she was excellent to work with as well. She was very encouraging and helpful with all my questions when I started on this committee. Our current Assistant Chair, Dr. Hannah Leventhal is also just lovely to work with. While our communication has only been virtual, every email is happy! And I truly enjoy all the discussions we have had to really improve the residency program. Aside from meeting incredible individuals, I have enjoyed learning so much more about the ACVIM.