Why choose a specialist surgeon for your pet?

There are many vets with a special interest in surgery but few achieve qualification as a registered specialist i.e. a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (or the European or American equivalents). To achieve this qualification in Australia there are many requirements over and above general veterinary training. These include:

• Several years of on the job training under the guidance of other specialist surgeons

• Completing a case log of thousands of surgical cases 

• Publishing peer reviewed journal articles

• Speaking at National and International conferences to Veterinary peers and Specialist Surgeons

• Undertaking training in other fields such as Anaesthesia, Pathology, Radiology, Oncology, Medicine

• Attending Journal Clubs, Rounds and Case discussion groups.

• Teaching and mentoring other vets, vet students and nurses.

Finally, after approval of the above by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, candidates undertake a rigorous testing regime of two written papers, a written practical examination and an oral examination in front of a panel of National and International Specialist Surgeons. 

When you engage a specialist surgeon your pet is receiving exceptional care that is the culmination of years of training, study and experience.