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ACVIM Expands With the Addition of Nutrition as Sixth Specialty

Published on: Oct 19, 2021

hungry dog licking lips
Photo credit: Javier Brosch/Shutterstock

 

Greenwood Village, Colorado (September 22, 2021) – The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) has added the specialty of nutrition as the sixth veterinary specialty within the organization. Adding to the existing specialties of cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, oncology and small animal internal medicine, the addition of nutrition to the college will bring opportunities for closer collaboration clinically and in research settings. Incorporation of the nutrition specialty increases the awareness of the important role of veterinary nutrition in veterinary medical care.

The training and practice of a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® is solidly grounded in the same principles of physiology and pathophysiology that underlie how all ACVIM Diplomates approach patients. ACVIM Diplomates and veterinary nutritionists share the commitment to improve the lives of people and animals globally and to be the trusted leader in veterinary education, discovery and medical excellence.

“There is increasing appreciation of the critical role that nutrition plays in the management of many veterinary medical disorders,” said Harold McKenzie, DVM, MS, MSc (VetEd), FHEA, DACVIM (LAIM), ACVIM President. “The inclusion of nutrition in the ACVIM will foster collaboration and enhance our ability to provide the highest quality care to veterinary patients.”

Given the unique, scalable nature and professional contributions, especially in academia, government and industry, the work of veterinary nutritionists impacts millions of animals. Poor or inadequate nutrition is the underlying cause of many diseases. Nutritional intervention in the treatment of disease is a critical link among the specialties of the ACVIM.

“Strengthening the connection with our internal medicine colleagues sends a clear message about the importance of nutrition in veterinary specialty medicine,” said Maryanne Murphy, DVM, PhD, DACVN, American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) President. “We are eager to join the cohort of ACVIM Diplomates in their commitment to quality care.”

The ACVN and the ACVIM have shared a joint commitment to practicing high-quality medicine, promoting cutting edge research, and providing high-quality continuing education. Both organizations also share values on promoting top notch training programs with rigorous certification requirements for future specialists. Nutrition Diplomates and candidates will have the full support of the ACVIM’s examination and certification processes, ensuring that the rigorous standards of the American Board of Veterinary Specialists continue to be met and exceeded.

About the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
Based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is the certifying organization for veterinary specialists in cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, oncology and small animal internal medicine. With more than 3,000 members, the ACVIM is dedicated to improving the lives of animals and people through education, training and certification of specialists in veterinary internal medicine, discovery and dissemination of new medical knowledge and increasing public awareness of advances in veterinary medical care.

To learn more, visit ACVIM.org.


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