Commonly Asked Questions

What is a veterinary specialist?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has reserved the title of ‘specialist’ for “those veterinarians who have been certified by an AVMA recognized specialty organization."  Examples of these specialty organizations include the American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS), the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC), the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (ACVO), the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD), and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (AVCIM).  The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine is subdivided into the specialties of internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, and neurology.  Specialists are often referred to as ‘diplomates’ or ‘board certified’ in their respective specialty colleges. 

A specialist’s training begins after graduation from veterinary school and includes a 1-year internship, followed by a 3 year residency in their area of interest.  After completion of a residency, the specialist-candidate must submit their credentials for evaluation by their respective specialty board.  This usually involves a review of the residency training program, documentation of acceptance of at least one scienific paper in a peer-reviewed veterinary publication, and a critical review of several case reports.  The specialist-candidate is allowed to sit for the certifying examination only after their credentials have been accepted.  The certifying examination consists of 2-3 days of intensive testing on all aspects of the candidate’s specialty.  This examination must be successfully completed before a veterinarian can be considered a board-certified specialist.

Why does a veterinarian recommend that a veterinary specialist be involved with a case?
A client’s regular veterinarian is the veterinary counterpart to the family’s primary care physician.  They are on the “front lines” of veterinary care and treat patients with a wide variety of illnesses and preventative health care needs.  It is impossible to be an expert in all of these areas.  It is also difficult to devote the time required to properly care for a critically ill patient in a busy general practice.  Veterinarians refer to us when a pet needs 24 hour monitoring, when a pet would benefit from more specialized care or when our advanced technology would benefit the pet. 

Can Mission MedVet be my regular veterinary clinic?

No, our hospital only provides emergency and referral services.  We do work directly with your primary care veterinarian on a referral basis.  Referrals make it much easier for the Mission MedVet team to coordinate the utmost care for your pet.

How do I get a referral?

If you have any initial concern about your pet, please contact your regular veterinarian.  He or she will determine whether a visit to our hospital is necessary.

If your pet’s condition is an emergency, you or your veterinarian should contact our hospital immediately to arrange the appropriate care needed.

Will my regular veterinarian be updated about my pet?

Yes.  Our doctors will keep a constant stream of communication in regards to your pet’s condition(s).  A faxed report and a follow-up phone usually takes place.