About Internal Medicine

Veterinarians specializing in Small Animal Internal Medicine (SAIM) are certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). These veterinary specialists are referred to as Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (DACVIM). They may also be referred to as Veterinary Internists or Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialists. A veterinarian who is a board-certified specialist has completed several years of advanced training in their field of expertise after graduating from veterinary school.

The first step to becoming a Veterinary Specialist is to complete an internship or gain experience in general practice. Once this requirement is met, the next step is to complete a graduate clinical training program, also known as a residency, at an accredited university or veterinary specialty practice. Veterinary Specialty Residents spend three to four years seeing patients under the supervision of a mentor board-certified in the same specialty. Veterinary Internal Medicine Residents receive intensive training in diagnosing complicated diseases, performing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (such as ultrasound and endoscopy), and formulating complex treatment plans.

To earn board certification, the Veterinary Internal Medicine Resident must pass a series of rigorous examinations (board exams). Additional requirements, such as classes and becoming a published author of a paper in a peer-reviewed medical journal, are also necessary. Once all of these obligations have been met, then a veterinarian can be officially considered to be a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialists focus on diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the internal systems of the body such as respiratory medicine (diseases of the nose, airways, and lungs), gastroenterology (disease of esophageal, stomach, and intestines), hepatology (liver, gall bladder, and pancreas), nephrology (kidney disease), urology (urinary tract disease), immunology and hematology (disease of the immune system and blood cells), endocrinology (hormonal diseases), and infectious diseases, and in some cases may also care for dogs or cats with cardiac disease (heart disease), neurological disease, or cancer. Sick dogs and cats commonly have complicated diseases affecting several of these different organ systems.

Veterinarians interested in learning more about the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine can visit www.acvim.org.

Pet Owners interested in learning more about Veterinary Specialists and the diseases they treat can visit www.vetspecialists.com.