Veterinary Professionals FAQs
Supporting professionals
What’s the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ advice about who can use the term “Specialist”??
The relevant section of the RCVS’s Code of Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons is 3.5 “Veterinary surgeons must not hold out themselves or others as specialists or advanced practitioners unless appropriately listed with the RCVS.”
How do vets become Specialists?
Specialists have undertaken an advanced post graduate training programme, usually over a minimum of three years, they have gained a post graduate qualification within their chosen field from a college overseen by the European Board of Veterinary Specialists or the American Veterinary Medical Association-American Board of Veterinary Specialists or been awarded a Diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
To maintain specialist status, Vet Specialists must undergo a re-accreditation process, overseen by one of the EBVS, AVMA-ABVS colleges or the RCVS every 5 years. Many specialists are re-accredited by more than one authority.
How do I register with the RCVS as a Specialist?
If you are already a Specialist registered with a European College, you will be listed on the EBVS website. The RCVS will use this EBVS recognition to automatically accept your application and recognise your recertification with your College. If you are a Specialist by virtue of any other College (eg ANZCVS or AMVS), then you will need to complete their full registration requirements.
What is the VSA and what does it do?
We are a charitable incorporated organisation, founded in 2014. Membership is open to individuals who are RCVS Recognised Specialists, European Veterinary Specialists and/or AMVM-ABVS Recognised Veterinary Specialists and are working in the UK.
Our aim is to advance the education of the public and the wellbeing of animals through the development, understanding and application of veterinary specialist care. We help the public find vet specialists who may be able to help their animals and we promote open communication between animal owners, primary care vets and vet specialists.
Am I eligible to join the VSA?
To be eligible to join the VSA, you must be a vet eligible to work in UK and fulfil at least one of the following: RCVS Recognised Veterinary Specialist; hold a RCVS Diploma, European Veterinary Specialist (i.e. hold a Diploma from one of the speciality colleges overseen by EBVS); AVMA-ABVS Recognized Veterinary Specialist (i.e. hold a Diploma from one of the speciality colleges overseen by ABVS) or hold FRCPath.
All members have access to our member hub.
You do not need to have already been included the RCVS specialist list to join BCVSp. However, BCVSp’s consititution (item 4.11) states that we will encourage all our members to join the RCVS list of Veterinary Specialists and following RCVS guidance, we can only allow RCVS Recognised Specialists to post their profiles on our directory.
Can I advertise an event?
VSA is delighted to promote events of interest to our members. If you have an event you would like to announce, just email [email protected] with details.
How can I report a vet who is advertising themselves as a Specialist when they do not have Specialist qualifications?
If you have concerns about misuse of the term Veterinary Specialist as defined in the RCVS Code of Conduct, you may wish to notify the RCVS. You can fill in a simple form in our Members' Area and we can do this for you
Note you will need screenshots or other material that demonstrates that the individual is not complying with the RCVS Code of Conduct Section 23.23. For other concerns such as breaches of practice, you should contact the RCVS directly for advice.
I have continuing education qualifications from my country where I am recognised as a Specialist. Do I have to register with the RCVS to call myself a Specialist when I am in the UK?
Yes. To use the term ‘specialist’ or to imply you are providing specialist level veterinary care, you must register with the RCVS as a Specialist. If they do not recognise your qualification, you must use the term “non-RCVS Recognised Specialist” and it must be made clear on your promotional material/website that you are not a RCVS Recognised Specialist. You may be able to apply to the relevant EBVS College for recognition and this will enable you to register with the RCVS. All Specialists regardless of where they qualify will have to re-accredit every five years, even if your awarding body does not require this.
Are there guidelines on good practice following referral by the primary care vet and the receiving Specialist?
Yes, the RCVS describes the process clearly in their Supporting Guidance:
Chapter 1 of the Supporting Guidance to the RCVS Code of Conduct provides advice on how and when a veterinary surgeon should refer a case and how the receiving veterinary surgeon should behave. This guidance also specifies that the referring vet must ensure that the owner understands the level of training that the receiving veterinary surgeon has (ie Advanced Practitioner or Specialist) https://www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/code-of-professional-conduct-for-veterinary-surgeons/supporting-guidance/referrals-and-second-opinions/
