Residency
ACEPM Residency Qualifications
Veterinarians wishing to become an ACEPM Diplomate must complete a 3 year residency program. Upon successful completion of all of its requirements within the defined schedule, a certification (Diploma) in Exotic Pet Medicine will be awarded and the veterinarian will become fully trained to work in Exotic pet referral practices.
Program Overview
The residency consists of development of applied clinical skills in the various areas of clinical specialization, and clinical research appropriate for preparation to become certified by the ACEPM Residency Committee. Much of the time will be performing clinical, hands-on work in an exotic specialty veterinary hospital or an exotic pet department in a specialty hospital, under the mentorship of an ACEPM certified veterinarian. While in training, residents will be exposed to a wide variety of complex clinical cases, which provide a foundation for building understanding of pathophysiology and mastering advanced clinical skills.
When not providing patient care, residents will be expected to become familiar with past and current veterinary literature, exploring an exhaustive reading list of journals and texts to deepen their understanding of the discipline. Journal clubs, case rounds, as well as attending and participating in veterinary exotic pet conferences are essential. Residents must become competent in all fields of exotic pet medicine such as internal medicine, cardiology, anesthesia, pathology, radiology and surgery. Residents are also required to contribute to veterinary literature through publication of a peer-reviewed first author original research.
Term/Timeline
A minimum of 3 years. Materials for board eligibility and examination may be submitted after 2 ½ years of residency. The residency will be completed in an exotic specialty hospital/clinic or specialty department in a specialty hospital.
A progress log approved by the residency mentor will be submitted every 6 months.
Specific requirements (time allocation and specific procedures) must be completed in the following fields: Species natural history, nutrition and husbandry; Anatomical pathology and histology; Anesthesia; Basic principles in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery; Emergency and critical care; Internal medicine, including cardiology and neurology; Endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery principles; Radiology, including ultrasound and computed tomography.
The resident must prove specific knowledge and skill in the above referenced disciplines. Substitute courses and workshops may be acceptable with approval by the Residency Committee (e.g., an ultrasound or endoscopy course or CT training elsewhere if not available at the resident’s institution).
Annual Fee: $250 payable by the resident at registration and then by January 15th of each year thereafter.
Detailed instruction to be published at a later date.
Participating Hospitals/Authorized Facilities
-
Exotic Vet Care, 814 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
-
Long Island Bird and Exotics Veterinary Clinic, 333 Great Neck Rd., Great Neck, NY 11021
Research
Research publications must be original research performed during the residency term and the resident must be the first author.
Research proposals must be submitted and approved in writing by the mentor and Residency Committee. Journal list for publications:
Journal list for publications:
-
Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery
-
Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery
-
Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine
-
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
-
American Journal of Veterinary Research
-
Veterinary Record
-
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
-
Journal of Wildlife Disease
-
Other journals deemed acceptable by the Residency Committee
Exam
-
The exam’s goal is to help residents prepare for publication and presentation of their research if not yet completed, and assure the highest level of clinical proficiency expected from an ACEPM Diplomate.
-
The resident may submit their credentials for approval after twenty-four months. Once approved, an exam may be scheduled. However, completion of a 3 year residency is required in order to receive residency certification.
-
At the present time, the exam is oral, given in person or remotely, by the Residency Committee and any specialist in the field that is appointed by the Residency Committee.
-
The exam consists of a presentation of the research subject followed by questions in relation to the research and clinical relevance. Exam questions may involve clinical topics that should be covered during the residency.
-
The exam will be graded in a pass/fail format with the passing grade being 75%. The exam will last between ninety and one hundred-twenty minutes.
-
In the event the resident fails the exam, a detailed letter will be provided to the resident by the Residency Committee in order to help the resident prepare for the reminder of the residency and resubmission after the residency is completed.
-
Resubmission is permitted on a date that is six months after the exam was taken.
-
Exam fee: $450
