Rapport soumis par un membre du Collège Européen de Médecine Interne
Vétérinaire (European College of Veterinary Internal MedicineCompanion Animals = ECVIM-CA)
Au Conseil national de la spécialisation vétérinaire
En vue de la reconnaissance du titre de
Vétérinaire spécialiste en médecine interne des animaux de compagnie
Ce rapport est basé sur la documentation officielle de l’ECVIM-CA (disponible sur
www.ecvim-ca.org).
1 – Programme détaillé de la formation
Le programme de formation de l’ECVIM comprend un programme de résidanat sensu stricto,
largement majoritaire et un programme de résidanat par voie alternée.
A – Programme de Résidanat
Le programme de résidanat de l’ECVIM comprend les éléments suivants :
1. Objectifs du programme
2. Types de résidanat disponible
3. Etendue du programme de résidanat
4. Description du programme de résidanat
5. Documents à fournir
Ces éléments sont les suivants, dans leur version originale :
1. Objectives
A European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM)-approved Residency
Programme (’Residency Programme’) is designed to provide in-depth training in veterinary
internal medicine, related basic and applied sciences to allow a graduate veterinarian
(’Resident’) to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the internal conditions of domestic
animals, to add to that body of knowledge and to meet the training requirements of the
ECVIM Credentials Committee (’Credentials Committee’) to sit the ECVIM Diploma
(’Diploma’) examination.
All ECVIM residents must:
-
Be veterinary graduates.
Be registered/licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country in which they
intend to undertake the Residency Programme.
Have completed a minimum of 1 year, recognised, rotating clinical internship training
programme in an academic institution or satisfactory practice equivalent.
Have a satisfactory moral and ethical standing in the profession and the community.
2. Types of residency available
All residency programmes must be approved by the ECVIM Education Committee
(`Education Committee`) and are subject to current College guidelines. Two types of
Residency are available: formalised and individualised.
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a. Formalised Programmes
Formalised programmes are those offered by the parent institution on a routine and regular
basis without modifications for particular applicants. Such programmes are designed and
approved for a specific number of Residents at any one time. Once the programme is
approved by the Education Committee, positions may be filled without further reference to
the Committee provided there are no changes to the programme.
Formalised programmes are approved by the Education Committee for a fixed period. If
continuation of the programme is required, the programme description must be updated and
resubmitted to the Education Committee for further approval, not less than 1 year from the
expiry of approval.
Candidates have devoted at least four years, by the time of examinations of the year in which
the certifying examination is to be taken, to specific education, training, and practice in
companion animal internal medicine after the date of graduation from veterinary school. This
4 year period should be divided as follows:a) A first period (the ‘internship’) of at least one year duration must be a rotating internship,
or its equivalent. This period shall be assessed by the Programme Director at the time of
enrolment by the College as a resident.
b) A second period (the ‘residency’) of at least three-years of a postgraduate training
programme under the direct supervision of Diplomates of the ECVIM-CA or its equivalent.
This programme must be approved by the ECVIM-CA Education Committee. This period is
designed to educate the Resident primarily in the art and science of companion animal
internal medicine. There shall be additional instruction in the related disciplines of radiology,
anaesthesiology, clinical pathology, nutrition and emergency/critical care, and the basic
sciences of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
b. Individualised Programmes
Individualised programmes are an alternative, less intensive, residency programme spread
over a longer period providing that the internship has been completed and that the applicant
spends at least sixty percent of their time in companion animal internal medicine. The total
amount of time spent in the residency programme should be at least as long as the normal
residency programme. If the 48 month (12 month internship and 36 month residency)
program is not continuous, it must be arranged in blocks of no less than half a month per
block, with a minimum total of 4 months per year. The alternative training program should be
under the direction of a Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA (Internal Medicine) and the direct
supervision and advice of a Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA or other suitably qualified person.
The proposed program must be approved by the Education Committee before training can be
started. The applicant will be responsible for setting up an alternative programme. All the
requirements for the formal residency programme should also be met for an alternative
programme, including publications, case log, presentation log, and activity log. It is stressed
that alternative programmes are only approved for an individual and not for an institution.
All Residents in both formalised and individualised programmes must have been qualified as
a veterinarian for at least 4 years at the time of sitting the Diploma certifying examination. In
both types of programme, residents must:
- Have made a significant contribution to companion animal internal medicine, as
demonstrated by publications and a high standard of proficiency in the specialty. The
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-
minimum requirements for the publications are two original companion animal
internal medicine papers in internationally refereed scientific journals. For one of
these papers the applicant must be the principal author; for the second the applicant
does not necessarily have to be the principal author. The Credentials Committee is
responsible for evaluating the quality of the publications.
Have successfully applied for, and passed, the general and certifying examinations of
the College.
3. Scope of the residency programme
The formalised Residency Programme is a full-time, non-degree period of three years of
supervised training, post-graduate education and experience in the science and practice of
veterinary internal medicine and the relevant basic and applied sciences. The majority of the
clinical training will take place at the parent institution and will be supervised by the Resident
Supervisor but external instruction, approved by both the Programme Director and the
Resident Supervisor, is allowed and encouraged. Such periods of external instruction may be
used to meet the clinical training requirements or may be additional or ancillary to them.
Graduate degree studies may be included in the Programme; however, at least 60% of the
time in that combined graduate degree-residency programme must be allocated to clinical
case responsibility. There is no reduction in any requirement for certification as a Diplomate
for individuals who combine their residency with a graduate degree programme.
Continuing education programmes as the sole method of training will not meet the
requirements of certification as a Diplomate.
4. Residency programme description
The Resident must study areas of the basic and applied sciences, as they relate to internal
medicine. These studies must be supervised by the Resident Supervisor with appropriate
Resident Advisors as required. While independent study by the Resident is helpful in
strengthening understanding in an area, it must not be the sole method of advancement.
Acceptable methods of teaching/learning include conferences, lectures, tutorials, book and
journal reviews, directed readings and interactive computerised learning programmes with,
additionally, clinical training in internal medicine as required. For the directed readings and
interactive computerised learning programmes, the Resident Supervisor/Advisor(s) must
monitor the Resident`s understanding of the material.
a. Basic And Applied Sciences
The Resident must study the basic and applied sciences as they relate to internal medicine.
Throughout the training programme residents should develop skills in many areas, some of
which may not be specifically assessed or examined but residents are unlikely to be successful
if they have not developed these skills. These areas include the following:
1)
2)
3)
4)
General care of animals
Interpersonal skills
Problem solving abilities
Written and verbal communication skills
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5)
6)
7)
Computer skills
Safe working practices
Practical application of evidence based medicine in clinics
b. Specialist clinical training
The specific objective of the programme is to train the Resident to be a Specialist. It is
therefore useful to consider what a specialist is. The following details the features of a
specialist. It is not intended to be exhaustive but rather to give a broad outline.
Knowledge and skills concerning professional contacts and transfer of knowledge
The veterinary internal medicine - companion animals specialist (further: the specialist)
should be able to:
express thoughts clearly, in oral as well as written form
approach problems in an analytic, scientific way and to attempt to find solutions
assign priorities to identified problems
organize work efficiently
find required information quickly
develop clinical research and other scientific activities in order to contribute to the
quality of companion animal internal medicine and cardiology
Knowledge and skills concerning companion animal internal medicine
The specialist shall:
be acquainted with the current theories, principles and problems of the specialty
maintain up to date knowledge through congresses and literature
be acquainted with the structure, objectives, approaches and problems of the
veterinary profession and specifically with regard to the specialties of internal
medicine of companion animals
be acquainted with the social role of the specialist and specifically the responsibilities
of the specialist with regard to animals, clients, colleagues, public health and the
environment
conform to modern standards of skills and equipment
Knowledge and skills concerned with obtaining help for problems that lie outside of the
speciality and/or facilities
The specialist shall:
keep abreast of new developments in the speciality and become familiar with new
methods, before applying these in practice
understand the limitations of his/her own speciality
understand the possibilities that other specialties may have to offer
be familiar with the potential of multidisciplinary cooperation
Knowledge and skills concerned with working as a professional specialist
By his/her expertise, the specialist should have developed the self-confidence, self-criticism
and sense of responsibility that are essential for the practice of the speciality.
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Knowledge and skills concerned with the general practice of companion animal medicine
The specialist shall be able to:
recognize and work-up problems as they occur in patients in general practice in
companion animal medicine
handle emergencies in companion-animal practice
perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as needed in general practice for
companion animals
take actions in larger groups of animals (kennels, catteries) on the basis of knowledge
of preventive medicine, zoonoses, nutrition and housing
Knowledge and skills with regard to practising the speciality of companion animal internal
medicine
The specialist shall:
a) be able to recognize and work-up problems of companion animal internal medicine (such
as: anorexia, polyphagia, polydipsia/polyuria, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, dyspnoea,
decreased endurance, obesity, anaemia, icterus, urinary incontinence, episodic weakness,
seizures, paralyses)
b) establish indications for, and perform and interpret diagnostic procedures (such as:
ECG, aspiration biopsies, lavage techniques, bronchoscopy, gastroscopy and
laparoscopy)
c) establish indications for and interpret results of additional investigations (such as:
immunologic tests, endocrine tests, electromyography, electroneurography,
cytology/histopathology of obtained samples)
d) establish indications for and apply the results of imaging procedures (such as:
cystography, excretory urography, gastrointestinal contrast studies, angiography,
myelography, ultrasound and nuclear imaging)
e) perform therapeutic measures (such as: treatment of diabetes mellitus, administration of
blood transfusion, treatment and monitoring of patients at the level of intensive care, and
removal of foreign bodies from the nose, pharynx oesophagus and trachea)
In order to achieve these aims, the Executive Committee of the European College of
Veterinary Internal Medicine - Companion Animals is guided by the following criteria:
a) A registered specialist shall spend most of his/her working time at the specialist level by
examining and treating referral cases.
b) The training programme should be at least of a similar breadth and quality as that
developed elsewhere (e.g. North America), thus enabling mutual recognition of specialist
registration
c) A registered specialist should practice in an animal hospital with adequate facilities for
companion animal internal medicine. When the specialist is practising at more than one
location, there should be at least one location with adequate facilities.
d) The registration ceases by default when the speciality has not been practised for two
continuous years or the equivalent of two years during a period of 5 years (article 4,
section 9 of the Constitution of the College).
Clinical Rotations
Companion animal internal medicine service rotations facilitate the development of
knowledge and practical skills by exposure to a wide variety of internal medicine diseases.
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These rotations should be undertaken with the guidance and collaboration of experienced
companion animal internal medicine specialists.
a) At least 60% of the 3 year programme must be spent on a companion animal internal
medicine service under the direction of a Diplomate.
b) Residents should be directly supervised when engaged in clinical duties
c) Resident responsibilities: the degree of responsibility assumed by the Resident shall be
appropriate to the nature of the procedure and training experience. The Resident on a
companion animal internal medicine service shall be responsible for:
 Receiving clinic appointments.
 Supervising daily management of hospitalised animals.
 Participation in clinical teaching
 Providing optimal clinical service and prompt professional communications.
d) If the 36 month clinical training program is not continuous, it must be arranged in blocks of
time no less than two (2) weeks per block and a minimum total of 4 months per year. There is
a 5 year maximum time limit in which candidates must complete their training.
e) During the residency the Resident must spend the equivalent of at least 1 month (i.e. 160
hours) direct contact with a Diplomate in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging interpreting
radiographs, learning and evaluating the results of special imaging techniques, and attending
radiology rounds and/or seminars.
f) During the residency the Resident must spend the equivalent of at least 1 month (i.e. 160
hours) in direct contact with a veterinary clinical pathologist or pathologist evaluating clinical
pathologic findings, reviewing cytology slides and biopsies, and attending clinical pathologic
conferences and/or seminars.
Internal medicine training
During the first 1 year of the residency programme the following 8 sub-areas of companion
animal internal medicine should be included: cardiology, endocrinology,
gastroenterology/hepatology, haematology (including clinical immunology), urology,
neurology (including behaviour problems), oncology, and pulmonology
The equivalent of a minimum rotation of 4 weeks in each of these categories is mandatory (32
weeks in total). The rest of this 1 year period includes holidays, a period of time allocated to
research and rotations.
Conferences
a) Required attendance: during companion animal internal medicine service rotations, the
Resident is required to attend "in house" residents’ conferences and ward rounds and keep a
logbook of attendance. The Resident should also attend veterinary internal medicine
conferences.
b) Optional attendance: the following conferences are recommended for attendance:
• Veterinary anaesthesiology and intensive care conferences.
• Veterinary radiology conferences.
• Veterinary pathology and clinical pathological conferences.
• Veterinary dermatology conferences.
• Scientific journal clubs.
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• Other scientific presentations, including human medical conferences.
Emergency duty
The Resident must participate in a veterinary medical emergency service.
Non-clinical activities
Residents must spend 15 - 25% of their programme in any or all of the following ways:
a) Research or clinical investigation.
b) Preparation of scientific manuscripts.
c) Graduate degree studies.
d) External veterinary internal medicine rotations with the approval of the Resident Advisor.
e) External rotation at a human medical hospital.
f) Vacations
Teaching responsibilities
The Resident is required to participate in the clinical education of graduate veterinarians
and/or veterinary medical students assigned to the companion animal internal medicine
rotations. This may include lectures, seminars and tutorials to students (which should be
recorded in the presentation log)
5. Publications
The Resident must publish two original companion animal internal medicine papers in a
scientific journal. The Resident must be the first named (i.e. principal) author of one of these
papers. The applicant does not necessarily have to be the principal author of the second. These
papers should advance knowledge in the field of internal medicine by, for example,
assessment of a large number of animals or the development of a new technique.
6. Research Project
The Resident must complete an investigative project that contributes to the advancement of
companion animal internal medicine.
7. Scientific Presentations
A log listing case presentations given at companion animal internal medicine residency
conferences, and other professional meetings must be maintained by the Resident. The log
should include the date, location, length and title of the presentation and the name of the
meeting at which it occurred. During the programme the Resident has to undertake the
following:
a)
A minimum of 2 oral presentations presented at national or international
congresses, one of which has to be a research presentation. Poster presentations are not
accepted.
b)
A minimum of 6 seminars during the Programme. For the purposes of the
programme a seminar is defined as a scientific presentation to veterinarians which is
followed by a discussion period. Short presentations of cases to fellow residents are
not sufficient.
c)
Regular case presentations at companion animal internal medicine residents’
conferences or comparable meetings.
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8. Scientific Meetings
A detailed log listing clinical service rotations, seminars and lectures attended must be
maintained by the Resident.
- Required attendance: during companion animal internal medicine service rotations, the
Resident is required to attend "in house" residents’ conferences and ward rounds and keep a
log-book of attendance. The Resident should also attend veterinary internal medicine
conferences.
- Optional attendance: the following conferences are recommended for attendance:
i. Veterinary internal medicine conferences.
ii. Veterinary anaesthesiology and intensive care conferences.
iii. Veterinary diagnostic imaging conferences.
iv.
Veterinary pathology and clinical pathological conferences.
v. Scientific journal clubs.
vi.
Other scientific presentations, including human medical conferences.
9. Documentation
a. The Institution
All formalised and individualised programmes must have an approved current programme
description on file with the Education Committee.
b. Enrollment
All individuals who wish to undertake an ECVIM-CA approved residency training
programme must be enrolled with the College. They may not be enrolled until they have
completed an internship. Their enrolment must be agreed with a Programme Director at the
start of their residency. This must be done by completing the relevant form (available on the
website). From January 1st 2009 a charge of €100 will be made by the college for all new
enrolments. This must be paid at the time of enrolment. Following enrolment a Resident will
receive a registration number. This number is important as it will be used to identify the 5
case reports that are required and also the examination answers.
c. Resident Case Log
The Resident must maintain a companion animal internal medicine Case Log listing the date,
case number, signalment, diagnosis, procedure and follow up. Each case should be designated
as elective or emergency, referred or first opinion, and the responsibility of the Resident as the
assistant or primary clinician. The Resident may be considered to be the primary clinician
when that individual can document a significant role in all of the following aspects of
management: determination or confirmation of the diagnosis (including specialised work-up
where appropriate), selection and (when appropriate) performance of treatment and obtaining
sufficient follow-up to be acquainted with the course of the disease and the outcome of any
treatment. The follow up should be specific and detailed (a standard case log proforma is
available on the college website).
The case log has to be sufficient at the time of application. The number of cases seen may
vary among training sites and also may vary depending on the species, kinds of problems, and
depth of study. Emphasis should be on diversity and quality rather than quantity, although a
sufficient caseload must be available. The minimal case load per sub-area is about 50 cases as
primary or assistant clinician. The minimum total number is 400 cases as primary clinician.
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Residents whose cases are not of sufficient difficulty require more cases than these minimal
figures. A Small degree of compensation between sub-areas is allowed. Outside rotations at
other training sites should be considered when appropriate in order to fulfil training
requirements. Cases may only be classified in one sub-area and this classification should
reflect the major final diagnosis rather than the presenting problem (therefore a portosystemic shunt is a gastro-enterology / hepatology case even if it presents initially with
neurological signs). Solitary neoplasms are generally classified according to the sub area of
origin, however metastatic or disseminated tumours or those whose origin does not fit neatly
into one of the sub areas are classified as oncology.
Only unique cases should appear in the case log. Examinations of healthy animals (e.g. for
screening purposes) should not be included. Revisits for the same condition should not be
included. Abbreviations should be defined (a standardised list of abbreviations is available
from the college).
The first page of the case log should include an analytical table summarizing the number of
the cases included in each of the following 8 disciplines: cardiology, endocrinology,
gastroenterology/hepatology, haematology (including clinical immunology), nephrology,
neurology (including behaviour problems), oncology, and pulmonology) . An example is
shown:
Discipline
Cardiology
Gastroenterology
Endocrinology
Haematology
.....etc.
Total
Primary Clinician
Referral Other
50
5
42
11
45
6
56
6
etc.
etc.
380
128
Assistant
Referral
17
23
7
16
etc.
143
Total
Other
7
11
8
6
etc.
56
59
87
66
54
etc.
707
d. Resident Activity Log
The Resident must maintain a Resident Activity Log listing by week the clinical service
rotations, seminars and lectures attended. The log should be sufficiently detailed to allow
assessment of the clinical experience.
e. Resident Presentation Log
The Resident must maintain a Resident Presentation Log listing presentations given at
companion animal internal medicine residency conferences and other professional meetings.
The log should include the date, location, length and title of the presentation and the name of
the meeting at which it occurred.
During the programme the Resident should undertake the following:a) A minimum of 2 oral presentations presented at national or international congresses, one of
which has to be a research presentation. At least one presentation must be within the specialty
of internal medicine. Poster presentations are not accepted.
b) A minimum of 6 seminars during the Programme. For the purposes of the programme a
seminar is defined as a scientific presentation to veterinarians which is followed by a
discussion period. Short presentations of single cases to fellow residents are not sufficient.
c) Regular case presentations at companion animal internal medicine residents’ conferences or
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comparable meetings.
f. Resident Procedure Log
Residents should maintain a procedures log. This log should be countersigned by a
supervising diplomate of an appropriate specialty when the Resident is felt to have an
appropriate level of competence in the procedure and can safely perform it without
supervision. This log could at least include the following procedures:• Placement of arterial and central venous catheter
• Rhinoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Upper and lower GI endoscopy
• Placement of feeding tubes
• CSF taps
• Canine and feline BM biopsy
• Basic interpretation of CT and MRI
• Interpretation of contrast studies (urography, cystography, GI contrast studies)
• Interpretation of fluoroscopy
This lists represents a bare minimum - it is unlikely that a Resident would be regarded as
sufficiently competent if they only were able to perform these procedures. Please note that
there is no minimum number for any procedure.
B - Programme de résidanat par voie alternée
Il existe un programme de résidanat de l’ECVIM-CA par voie alternée.
In exceptional cases it will be possible to follow an alternative clinical training program. The
length of this program should be at least similar to the total length of a conventional
internship and residency program. If the 48 month (12 month internship and 36 month
residency) program is not continuous, it must be arranged in blocks of no less than half a
month per block, with a minimum total of 4 months per year. The alternative training program
should be under the direction of a Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA and the direct supervision
and advice of a Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA (internal medicine) or other suitably qualified
person. The proposed program must be approved by the Education Committee before training
can be started. The applicant will be responsible for setting up an alternative programme. All
the requirements for the formal residency programme should also be met for an alternative
programme, including publications, case log, presentation log, and activity log. It is stressed
that alternative programmes are only approved for an individual and not for an institution.
L’étendue du programme de résidanat, la description du programme de résidanat et les
documents à fournir sont identiques à ceux du programme de résidanat principal.
2 – Qualité des formateurs
A – Programme de résidanat
1. Les institutions
Les formateurs des résidents de l’ECVIM-CA doivent exercer dans des institutions
appropriées.
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General facilities, services, and equipment required for an ECVIM-CA approved Residency
Programme are as follows:
Medical library
A library containing relevant recent textbooks and current journals relating to the broad field
of companion animal internal medicine and its supporting disciplines must be accessible to
the Programme participants.
Medical records
A complete medical record must be maintained for each individual case and those records
must be retrievable.
Diagnostic Imaging
The programme should offer routine access to adequate diagnostic facilities. These routine
clinical facilities must include standard radiographic, ultrasonographic and
electrocardiographic equipment. Access to endoscopic equipment, nuclear medicine,
computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is strongly
recommended.
Pathological Services
a)
b)
Clinical pathology: a clinical pathology laboratory for haematological, clinical
chemistry, microbiologic, and cytological diagnosis must be available. Clinical
pathology reports must be retained and retrievable.
Morphologic pathology: a separate room for gross pathologic examination must be
available. Facilities for histopathological examination of biopsy and necropsy tissues
must be available. Anatomic pathology reports must be retained and retrievable.
Specific requirements
In addition to the General requirements as laid out above an ECVIM-CA approved Residency
Programme in internal medicine should provide fluoroscopic equipment and other facilities
for interventional radiographic procedures.
2. Les formateurs des programmes de résidanat
Les formateurs sont :
- Le directeur du programme (programme director)
- Le mentor du résident (resident advisor, qui peut être également le directeur du
programme)
- Un ou plusieurs superviseurs du résident.
a. The Programme Director
The director of the Residency Programme ("Programme Director") shall be responsible for
the administration and continuity of the Programme. The Programme Director must be a
Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA (any specialty).
b. The Resident Advisor
Each Resident must be assigned a Resident Advisor by the Programme Director within the
first three months of their Programme. The Resident Advisor shall be responsible for the
administration and evaluation of the general and specific programme requirements for the
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Resident. The Resident Advisor must be a Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA (internal medicine)
for which the training programme is approved. The Programme Director and Resident
Advisor may be the same individual. One Diplomate may act as Resident Advisor for up to
three (3) Residents concurrently.
Residents must meet with their Resident Advisor at least twice yearly for evaluation of
performance and progress. The Resident Advisor should keep written reports of these
meetings that have been signed by both the Advisor and the Resident. These reports should be
made available to the ECVIM-CA on request only.
c. The Resident Supervisor(s)
Each Resident must be directly supervised when engaged on clinical activity by at least one
(1) Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA or of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
(ACVIM) of the specialty (Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Oncology) for which the training
programme is approved. Residents should be directly supervised when engaged in clinical
duties. In this context 'direct supervision' indicates that the Resident must rapidly and
personally discuss every case with the Diplomate, who must therefore be present on site. It is
not necessary for the Diplomate to examine every case - this will depend on the level of
expertise of the Resident. Diplomates may only be 'off site' (e.g. attending a congress) for at
most 2 weeks continuously without arranging another Diplomate to act as a supervisor in their
place. Diplomates of one specialty can temporarily supervise Residents of another specialty to
provide short term cover for their colleagues. One Diplomate may supervise up to three (3)
Residents concurrently.
B – Programme de Résidanat par voie alternée
1. Les institutions
Les formateurs des résidents par voie alternée de l’ECVIM-CA doivent exercer dans des
institutions appropriées, dont les caractéristiques sont les mêmes que pour les programmes
classiques. Les programmes par voie alternée doivent être acceptés par le Comité d’éducation
avant le début du programme.
2. Les formateurs des programmes de résidanat par voie alternée
Les formateurs sont un directeur du programme qui doit être Diplomate ECVIM-CA
(Médecine interne) et un ou plusieurs superviseurs qui doivent être Diplomate ECVIM-CA ou
équivalent.
The alternative training program should be under the direction of a Diplomate of the ECVIMCA (internal medicine) and the direct supervision and advice of a Diplomate of the ECVIMCA or other suitably qualified person.
3 – Conditions et modalités de contrôle des connaissances pour la
délivrance du diplôme de spécialiste européen en Médecine Interne
Le diplôme est délivré après trois étapes de contrôle des connaissances, activités réalisées
durant la résidence et aptitude : 1. un examen général accessible après 2 ans de résidence, 2.
une évaluation des activités réalisées lors de la résidence (credentials incluant un cahier de
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cas, 5 cas cliniques rédigés et 2 publications) et 3. un examen certifiant accessible uniquement
après évaluations positive des activités (étape 2). A chacune de ces trois étapes le candidat
peut échouer et doit repasser l’examen ou resoumettre son bilan d’activité.
A – Examen général (General Examination)
Tous les résidents de toutes les spécialités (médecine interne, cardiologie, oncologie) doivent
passer un examen général, en général, à la fin de la deuxième année de résidanat. Cet examen
est commun à toutes les spécialités.
All Residents of all specialities must sit the General Examination. Residents are permitted to
sit for the General Examination after having satisfactorily completed 18 months of the
training. They must submit the relevant application form, photographs, CV and fees.
Applying for the General Examination
A person who has not previously been enrolled on a training programme approved by the
appropriate Specialty Education Committee will not be allowed to take the general
examination, pending enrolment on the training program. An enrolled Resident must submit
the following materials (one copy only) before January 15th (to be received by the ECVIMCA Secretariat on or before this date) of the year in which he or she is applying to sit the
General Examination:
Application Form
Available from the web site www.ecvim-ca.org
Photograph
One photograph of the candidate (as a digital file in JPG or TIF format) should be sent with
the 4 copies of the application.
Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae detailing the candidates contact details and career to date must accompany
each copy of the application. A model curriculum vitae is available on the ECVIM-CA
website.
Programme Director Letters
An original signed letter from the Programme Director attesting to the following
i. the training programme has previously been approved by the appropriate Specialty
Education Committee;
ii. the Resident will have been enrolled for, and has successfully completed, at least 18
months on the approved residency program by the time of examination
iii. There is no evidence of misconduct of which the Programme Director is aware that
would affect the commitment of the applicant to the constitutional objectives of the
ECVIM-CA or the moral or ethical standing of the applicant within the veterinary
profession
A model reference letter is provided on the ECVIM-CA website (www.ecvim-ca.org)
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Previous Correspondence
All previous correspondence pertinent to the individual Resident’s training programme and
application should be included.
General Examination
The General Examination Committee prepares the general examination. Representatives of all
specialties within the College will be members of this committee.
The general examination will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions. At least half of these
questions will be clinical questions including all disciplines. All candidates have to sit and
pass this examination besides the certifying examination of their chosen specialty.
B – Pièces justificatives à fournir (« Credentials ») afin d’être autorisé à passer l’examen
certifiant (résidanat standard)
Un certain nombre de pièces justificatives sont nécessaires pour obtenir le droit de se
présenter à l’examen lors d’un résidanat (standard).
To be allowed to sit the Certifying Examination the Resident must submit the relevant
application form, photographs, CV, letters, documentary evidence, case reports, publications
and fees. If these are accepted by the Credentials Committee then the Resident may proceed
to sit the Certifying Examination.
The purpose of the credentials submission process is to verify the successful completion of a
standard residency or alternate training programme and to demonstrate the ability of the
Residents to report clinical case material.
Applicants must submit four (4) complete and securely bound hard copies and four (4) cds of
their credentials to the Administrative Assistant on or before 15th January of the year of
anticipated examination. An electronic copy of all the material must also be submitted on a
CD. The material must be saved in a format (such as Microsoft Word) that can be checked
using anti-plagiarism software.
The following materials must be submitted:
Application Form
Available from the web site www.ecvim-ca.org
Photographs
One photograph of the candidate (as a digital file in JPG or TIF format) should be sent with
the 4 copies of the application.
Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae detailing the candidates contact details and career to date must accompany
each copy of the application. Information that is presented elsewhere in the application does
not need to be included. A model curriculum vitae is available on the ECVIM-CA website
and its use is recommended.
14
Proof of passing the General Examination
In the event that the candidate has previously passed the general examination he/she must
supply proof of passing the examination as well as the information listed below. In the event
that he/she wishes to take both examinations at the same time he/she will be required to
submit all the requirements for the General examination as well as the information listed in
this section.
Programme Director Letters
Original signed letters (+ 3 copies) from the Programme Director and any supervisor(s) of
other institutions (e.g. those providing externship training) involved in the Training
Programme must accompany each copy of the application. All letters must be from persons
familiar with the candidate's postgraduate training programme. Requests by the applicant for
these reference letters from supervisors should be made early. A letter may also be mailed
directly to the Administrative Assistant by any of the supervisors with any confidential
comments before the 15th January. The Credentials Committee is responsible for absolute
discretion and confidentiality regarding the reference letter(s). After approval of the candidate
to sit the examination all reference letter(s) will be kept on file until 3 months after the
candidate has passed the examination and then they will be destroyed. Reference letters must
document the following:
a) Verification of Companion Animal Internal Medicine, Cardiology, or Oncology Training
Programme or Externship and level of supervision.
b) The applicant's proficiency, judgement, and competence as a specialist and academic
readiness to sit the examination.
c) Certification of the case log summary, activity log and presentation log
d) Any evidence of misconduct of which the Programme Director is aware that would affect
the commitment of the applicant to the constitutional objectives of the ECVIM-CA or the
moral or ethical standing of the applicant within the veterinary profession.
A model reference letter is provided on the ECVIM-CA website (www.ecvim-ca.org)
Verification of training in Diagnostic Imaging and Clinical Pathology/Pathology
Original signed letters (+ 3 copies) verifying that at least 160 hours was spent in direct contact
with Diplomates in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Clinical Pathology/Pathology over the
course of the residency programme. Model reference letters are available on the ECVIM-CA
website.
Previous Correspondence
All previous correspondence pertinent to the individual Resident’s training programme and
application should be included.
Documentation Forms
The following completed forms verified where indicated with the signature of the Programme
Director must accompany each copy of the application:
a.
Case Log
b
Case Log Summary (signed by Programme Director)
c.
Activity Log (signed by Programme Director)
d
Presentation Log (signed by Programme Director)
e
Procedures Log (signed by Clinical supervisors) (Internal Medicine, Oncology and
Cardiology)
15
A recommended list of abbreviations for use in the case log and written case reports is
available on the ECVIM-CA website (www.ecvim-ca.org)
Written case reports
Five case reports should be submitted by the candidate.
To facilitate the anonymous marking of these 5 case reports they should be securely bound
together in a separate book from the rest of the application. The candidates name should NOT
appear on the book but only their enrolment number. Case reports that do not follow these
instructions will be rejected by the Administrative Assistant and will not be presented to the
Credentials Committee.
For internal medicine Residents 5 summaries should be of internal medicine cases. At least
one must be a cat case and at least one must be a dog case. These cases should have been
personally handled by the Resident and the case reports should be written by the Resident The
case reports should allow the analytical approach of the candidate to be assessed to be at the
level of a specialist. Cases should be written using the Problem Oriented approach. Each case
report should be 1500 (+15%) words. The number of words (excluding addenda) should
appear on the first page. Candidates who submit 5 case reports with a total number of words
greater than 7500 words, not including tables, figures and references may lose marks or be
rejected immediately and not considered further by the credentials committee.
Publications
At least two original companion animal internal medicine papers should be published in a
scientific journal.
For internal medicine Residents one (1) of these papers must be the principal author.
The publications must be published or accepted for publication without further amendment.
Letters of acceptance and copies of accepted manuscripts are required. Letters of acceptance
that include requests for minor changes are not acceptable – these changes must be made and
the paper accepted in full by June 1st of the year of examination.
If any of the papers are published in a journal that does not appear in the Citation Index a
letter must be attached from the editor of the journal indicating that it is a peer reviewed
internationally distributed journal. If any of the papers are published in a language other than
English then an English abstract must be provided with the application.
Additional papers should not be submitted.
Joint first authorships are not acceptable. Papers labelled as “short communications” by
certain journals may be acceptable providing they are of a similar length and standard as
papers in other journals. In most cases a single case report is unlikely to be suitable.
After submission of the application
If the credentials are accepted by the Credentials Committee and approved by the Executive
Committee, the applicant will be notified by the Executive Secretary before early May. The
secretary of the Examination Committee will notify successful applicants of the dates and
procedure of examination. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified at the same time. They
will also be sent a letter explaining the deficiencies in their credentials. Copies of these letters
are sent to the Resident’s supervisors and the Education Committee.
Example questions, when available, will be provided on the ECVIM-CA website
(www.ecvim-ca.org).
All correspondence regarding application procedure and notification should be addressed to
the Administrative Assistant. All submitted application materials become the sole property of
16
the ECVIM-CA and may be retained or destroyed after the examination. In no circumstances
will they be returned to the applicant.
Reapplications
Candidates whose applications to take the Certifying Examination are rejected by the
Credentials Committee may reapply by January 15th of a subsequent year in which the
examination is to be taken. The application materials must be presented in the manner
previously described. These applications should include:
a) A completed application form (four copies)
b) An updated curriculum vitae (four copies). An addendum should reflect the training and
experiences that have been directed towards correcting the deficiencies noted by the report
from the Executive Secretary.
c) One photograph of the candidate (as a digital file in JPG or TIF format).
d) Resubmission of the items that were found to be deficient in the previous application
suitably revised (4 copies). If case reports are rejected then new cases should be used.
e) All pertinent correspondence (four copies) should be provided. This should include a list
of all dates of previous applications and appropriate correspondence.
f) An updated letter with an original signature (+ 3 copies) from the Resident’s supervisors
(if the Resident has not completed their residency programme), or any ECVIM-CA
Diplomate who knows them (if the Resident has completed their residency programme),
attesting to the following
i. The applicant's proficiency, judgement, and competence as a specialist and
academic readiness to sit the examination.
ii. Any evidence of misconduct of which the Programme Director is aware that would
affect the commitment of the applicant to the constitutional objectives of the
ECVIM-CA or the moral or ethical standing of the applicant within the veterinary
profession.
iii. The candidate’s completion of any training and experiences directed toward
correcting the deficiencies as noted by the report from the Executive Secretary.
Reapplication fees
Reapplications for re-evaluation of credentials which include review of one of more case
reports are charged at the normal price.
Les exigences pour les residents suivant une residence par voie alternée sont les mêmes que
pour les résidences standard.
C – Examen certifiant (« Certifying examination »)
The format of the certifying examination varies between the sub-specialties of Internal
Medicine. All parts of the examination must be completed successfully to become certified as
a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine - Companion Animals.
The examination will test all aspects of companion animal internal medicine and is composed
of three parts.
a) 100 multiple-choice questions with one correct answer
b) An essay paper (with 4-5 questions). Example questions, when available, will be provided
to every applicant after his/her credentials are approved.
c) During the concluding case management examination, each candidate will be examined by
17
at least two members of the Examination Committee for a maximum of 90 minutes. This
portion of the exam is designed to test problem solving capabilities and skills. The questions
will be case-oriented. Candidates should be prepared to work up clinical cases presented to
them and answer questions covering all areas of companion animal internal medicine practice.
Radiographs, photographs, ECGs, laboratory results, cytological slides, etc. will be used in
the patient management problems.
A candidate must pass each section of the examination in order to become certified.
Candidates that have passed the general examination and all but one section of the certifying
examination on the first attempt only need to retake the failed section. Candidates that have
passed the general examination but failed more than one section will be deemed to have failed
all sections of the certifying examination and have to retake the certifying examination
completely. Candidates that have not yet passed the general examination and failed any
section of the certifying examination will have to retake the entire examination again. Failure
to pass all parts of the certifying examination within eight years of completing the residency
will prevent the candidate from being certified. The number of attempts at the general
examination is limited to four. The number of attempts at the certifying examination is limited
to four.
4 – Composition du jury
A – Comité d’éducation et de références (Education and Credentials Committee)
The EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE shall be composed of four (4) arms
with the same chairperson. The committee and its chairperson will be appointed by the
President, after discussions with the members of the Board. The President will be an ex
officio member of this committee.
The EDUCATION ARM of the committee shall be composed of four (4) members appointed
by the President, after discussions with the Executive Committee, each normally for a term of
two (2) years minimum.
The duties of the Education Arm of the Committee are, but are not limited to, the following
matters. It is responsible for setting criteria for the standard residency programmes and
alternate route programmes, for approving the programmes and their sponsors and for
monitoring each resident`s progress through the receipt of regular reports. The Education Arm
of the Committee shall maintain lists of approved residency programmes and approve
directors, supervisors, advisors, mentors and current residents. It will document and maintain
detailed requirements for residency programmes that are necessary for European College of
Veterinary Internal Medicine approval.
The CREDENTIALS ARM of the committee shall be composed of four (4) members
appointed by the President, each normally for a term of two (2) years minimum.
The duties of the Credentials Committee are, but are not limited to, the following. It will
establish guidelines to assist applicants applying to sit the Diploma examination; receive,
review, and approve the candidacy of applicants; forward the names of applicants who have
satisfied the credentials requirements to the Examination Committee; receive the details of
each standard residency programme and alternate route residency programme, in the form of
18
an initial report with update and re-examination every five (5) years. The Credentials arm of
the Committee, acting for the College, will attest the adequacy of each programme when it
approves the report.
B – Comité d’examen (Examination Committee)
The INTERNAL MEDICINE EXAMINATION COMMITTEE shall normally consist of four
(4) members appointed by the President after discussions with the members of the Board. The
President shall be an ex officio member of this committee.
The Examination Committee is responsible for the preparation and administration of the
Diploma examination.
Results of examinations shall be forwarded by the Chairperson of the Examination Committee
to the President of the College, or his/her deputy, with recommendations regarding the
granting of diplomas. The examination results will form part of the Annual Report to the
European Board of Veterinary Specialization and will indicate the number passing the
examination for the first, versus the second or third attempt etc.
The GENERAL EXAMINATION COMMITTEE shall consist of eight (8) members
appointed by the President after discussions with the members of the Board. Two members
are appointed by the executive committee, two members are representative of the examination
committee of Internal Medicine, two members are representative of the examination
committee of Cardiology and two members are representative of the examination committee
of Oncology.
The General Examination Committee is responsible for the preparation and administration of
the general examination.
5 – Conditions d’attribution et de renouvellement du titre
A – Conditions d’attribution du titre
Les titres de diplômé d’un Collège européen et de spécialiste européen sont définis par le
Bureau européen de la spécialisation vétérinaire (www.ebvs.org).
A diplomate is someone who has successfully passed the examination of an EBVS-recognised
College or who helped found the college. A diplomate is classed as either 'founding', 'active'
(working in the discipline) or 'non-active' (not working in the discipline). All diplomates are
re-evaluated every five years by their college.
A Specialist is someone who is either an active or founding diplomate of an EBVS-recognised
college and who is practicing that speciality for more than 50% of their time.
It is possible to become a diplomate of 2 different colleges provided that you fulfil the
requirements of both colleges for the title of diplomate and provided that the college bylaws
19
do not prohibit membership of another specialist college. However, it is only possible to be a
European Specialist in 1 discipline.
L’ECVIM accepte en son sein des membres par réciprocité tel que précisé dans ses by-laws
(admission of non-ECVIM Diplomates) : Members of the American College of Veterinary
Internal Medicine (ACVIM) working in a permanent position in a European country may
apply for admission to the College by reciprocity if they fulfil the necessary ECVIM
requirements.
B – Conditions de renouvellement du titre
All Diplomates (including Founding and Non-Practicing) will be re-evaluated for their
prerequisites as membership of the College every five (5) years after their admittance,
beginning in January 2002, as directed by EBVS.
The standard procedure is carried out under a credit point system. The completed
documentation shall be submitted for assessment in confidence to the Chair of the Education
and Credentials Committee as required.
Le renouvellement du titre de diplômé de l’ECVIM se fait à l’aide de la grille suivante. Le
nombre de points requis sur 5 ans est de 100 points.
Re-evaluation Form ECVIM-CA
Please note that only activities from the last five years should be reported. Future activities
should not be included
Period from:
until:
Part 1. General information required of the Diplomate
The minimum of information should be the name, first name and a contact possibility.
Last Name:
First Name:
Specialty for re-evaluation: Internal medicine
Cardiology
Oncology
Diplomate since:
Contact details
Yes
No
I prefer the ECVIM to contact me at work
I prefer the ECVIM to contact me at home
My contact details are different to those on the ECVIM
website :
20
Work:
Institution/Company:
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
e-mail:
Home:
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
e-mail:
21
Part 2 Your status as a Diplomate of the ECVIM
Present status:
Yes
No
Still practising in specialty
Non-practising in specialty
Retired:
Future status. I wish to be registered in the future as a:- (tick one)
Practising Diplomate
Non-practising Diplomate
Permanently Retired:
Please note that for Practising Diplomate status a minimum of 60% of the official working
time (i.e. more than 24 hours a week) should be spent in activities directly related to the
specialty in which you are a Diplomate.
Have you practiced continuously in your specialty for more than 60 per cent of your
time (i.e. more than 24 hours a week) during the last 5 years?
Yes
No
Please specify your activities that justify the answer above:.
Diplomates who wish to be regarded as non-practising are not required to fill in the rest of the form but
doing so is helpful to the college.
22
Part 3 Re-evaluation of Diplomate of the ECVIM
In addition, a minimum of 100 points must be obtained for the 5-year period. Points can be
obtained from the different categories 1 – 6.
Category 1: Publications: Related to internal medicine, including cardiology and
oncology. Only a maximum of 60 points for all subcategories (1A, B and C) combined
can be listed. Only in international refereed journals and excluding abstracts of
presentations.
1A) Original scientific article in peer-reviewed journals. [8 points/publication]
Please fill in number of points
Authors, title, journal, year, volume, pp
Points
Number of points, activity 1A for the 5-year period (sum up)
1B) Case report/review/Continuing Education article. [4 points/publication]
Please fill in number of points
Authors, title, journal, year, volume, pp
Points
23
Number of points, activity 1B for the 5-year period (sum up)
1C) Book Chapters. [4 points/Chapter]
Please fill in number of points
Authors, title, book, year, volume, pp
Points
Number of points, activity 1C for the 5-year period (sum up)
Category 2: Presentations: Related to internal medicine, including cardiology and
oncology. Only a maximum of 60 points for all subcategories combined (2A, B and C)
can be listed.
2A) Presentations related to internal medicine and its specialities at ECVIM-CA or ACVIM congresses. [4 points/hour]
Please fill in number of points
Title of presentation, congress, place and date
Points
24
Number of points, activity 2A for the 5-year period (please sum up)
2B) Presentations related to internal medicine and its specialities at national congresses or Continuing Education meetings. [1,5 points/hour]
Please fill in number of points
Title of presentation, meeting, place and date
Points
Number of points, activity 2B for the 5-year period (please sum up)
2C) Oral abstract or Poster presentation at ACIM or ECVIM-CA congresses
[3 points]
Please fill in number of points
Title of presentation, congress, place and date
Points
Number of points, activity 2C for the 5-year period (please sum up)
25
Category 3: Attendance: Related to internal medicine, including cardiology and
oncology. Only a maximum of 100 points for all subcategories combined (3A, B and C)
can be listed.
3A) Attendance at ACVIM or ECVIM-CA congresses [3 points/half day, maximum 12 points/meeting]
Please fill in number of points
Title of conference/meeting, place and date
Points
Number of points, activity 3A for the 5-year period (please sum up)
3B) Attendance at national meetings primarily related to veterinary internal medicine (relevancy will be evaluated by Re-evaluation
Committee). [1,5 points/half day, maximum 6 points/meeting]
Please fill in number of points
Title of conference/meeting, place and date
Points
Number of points, activity 3B for the 5-year period (please sum up)
3C) Attendance at international or national non veterinary meetings relevant to veterinary internal medicine (relevancy will be evaluated by
Re-evaluation Committee). [1,5-2 points/half day, respectively; maximum 6-12 points/meeting, respectively]
26
Please fill in number of points
Title of conference/meeting, place and date
Points
Number of points, activity 3C for the 5-year period (please sum up)
Activity 4: Preparing Exam questions.
Submission of questions in the correct format for use in the ECVIM-CA general exam
or specialty exam. [2 points per question, maximum 6 points per year] Please fill in number of points
Subject of question, MC or assay, year of submission
Points
Number of points, activity 4 for the 5-year period (sum up)
Activity 5: Resident Advisorship
27
Only as officially recognised Resident Advisor [2 points/year, independent of number of
residents]
Name Programme, name residents, years
Points
Number of points, activity 5 for the 5-year period (sum up)
Additional Information (use this space to report any difficulties you found in
completing this form or other information that might be pertinent to maintaining
your education at a specialist level including memberships of ECVIM committees etc.
for which you wish to add points)
Total Points
Date of submission for re - evaluation:
Name:
Year:
Month:
Day:
Place:
Signature:
6 – Bilan qualitatif et quantitatif des formations dispensées
L’ECVIM a été fondé en 1994. Les membres fondateurs furent sélectionnés selon le protocole
établi par l’ACVT (Advisory Committee for Veterinary Training) [en français CCFV (Comité
Consultatif pour la Formation Vétérinaire] tel qu’indiqué dans la constitution du Collège:
28
Founding Diplomates shall be either:
(a) Invited specialists as defined in the general scheme of veterinary specialisation approved
by the ACVT.
They will be invited by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) on
nomination of the European Society of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ESVIM) upon the
following criteria:
- to be initiators of companion animal internal medicine in Europe
- having contributed substantially to the development of companion animal internal
medicine in Europe by research, publications, and lectures
- to be uncontroversial for the majority of the ESVIM members, and,
- being full or founder member of the ESVIM, and practising in Europe
- having at least 10 years of experience in companion animal internal medicine
- and spending at least 50 per cent of their time in companion animal internal medicine
- being recognized, where applicable, as a specialist in companion animal internal medicine
at national level.
(b) Specialists appointed defacto also defined in this general scheme, who have been
appointed by the Invited Specialists. The defacto appointed Diplomates should fulfill the
following criteria:



have at least 7 years of experience in companion animal internal medicine
o spend at least 60 percent of their time to companion animal internal medicine
o have published at least 3 original scientific articles in a refereed journals as
first author, and at least 3 additional articles as co-author excluding reviews
and proceeding abstracts
have presented original work at scientific meetings
are full member of the ESVIM
Selection will be made on basis of a submitted CV including the above mentioned criteria,
and also indicating how the candidates have achieved their expertise. All full members of
ESVIM shall be invited to apply for defacto registration by means of a personal letter
outlining the above mentioned requirements. Application for defacto recognition is possible
for up to three years after the legal registration of the constitution of the College.
29
Les examens ont commencé en 1997. Le tableau suivant donne les résultats des examens de
1997 à 2010:
année
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
n° candidats
certifiés
3
2
5
6
13
unknown
14
13
10
20
22
23
20
19
2
1
4
2
8
4
9
9
6
10
12
13
10
10
Il y a donc eu 100 diplômés qui ont passé avec succès l’examen de l’ECVIM-CA Médecine
Interne depuis la mise en place de cet examen en 1997.
21 diplômés américains (ACVIM) ont été acceptés par réciprocité au sein de l’ECVIM-CA
Le nombre total de diplômés de l’ECVIM-CA Médecine interne est de 190. Il se décompose
ainsi :
Voie d’obtention du diplôme
Founding diplomates and de facto specialists
Diplomates
Diplomates by reciprocity
TOTAL
Nombre de diplômés
69
100
21
190
La réévaluation des diplômés a commencé en 2006.
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Re-evaluated
Passed
106
102
8
8
19
18
7
7
11
11
Fin 2010, 146 sur 151 des diplômés ECVIM(CA) devant se soumettre à la réévaluation ont vu
leur diplôme renouvelé soit un taux de réussite de 93%.
7- Structure du collège Européen de Médecine Interne
30
31