A Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Companion Animals (DipECVIM-CA™) is a veterinarian who has completed advanced specialist training and successfully passed rigorous examinations in one of the College’s recognised specialties. Diplomates are recognised by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) as European Veterinary Specialists and provide expert care for companion animals with complex medical conditions. Diplomates can also be active in veterinary education, research, policy making and industry roles.

Becoming a DipECVIM-CA™requires many years of postgraduate training after veterinary school. Following qualification as a veterinarian, candidates typically complete:

• A rotating internship (commonly one year)

• A minimum three-year ECVIM-CA™-approved residency under the supervision of experienced specialists

• Extensive clinical training, research, scientific publication and specialist examinations

In total, most Diplomates have completed at least 8–10 years of education and specialist training before achieving board certification

The ECVIM-CA™ certifies specialists in three companion animal disciplines:

• Small Animal Internal Medicine – specialists in diseases affecting organs such as the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system, respiratory system, immune system and infectious diseases.

• Cardiology – specialists in heart disease, heart failure, congenital heart defects and cardiac rhythm disorders.

• Oncology – specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in companion animals.

Your primary care veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate specialist depending on your pet’s condition.

A referral to a DipECVIM-CA™specialist can provide several benefits, including:

• Expertise in diagnosing rare or complex diseases.

• Access to advanced diagnostic procedures and specialised equipment.

• The latest evidence-based treatment options.

• Close collaboration with your family veterinarian to develop the best treatment plan.

• Second opinions for difficult or challenging medical cases.

Referral does not replace your regular veterinarian—it complements their care by providing additional specialist expertise.

Your veterinarian may recommend referral when:

• A diagnosis remains uncertain after routine testing.

• A disease is complex or uncommon.

• Advanced imaging or specialised procedures are needed.

• A pet is not responding as expected to treatment.

• Specialist management may improve long-term outcomes.

In many cases, yes. Most specialist hospitals encourage referrals from your primary veterinarian because this ensures that your pet’s medical history, test results and previous treatments are available to the specialist. This helps provide the most efficient and coordinated care.

The ECVIM-CA™ maintains an online directory of certified specialists across Europe. Click the button “find an ECVIM-CA ™ specialist near you” on this website – you can then search by country or specialty to find your nearest Diplomate.

No. Only veterinarians who have successfully completed an approved residency programme, fulfilled all training requirements and passed the College’s examinations may use the protected title Diplomate of the ECVIM-CA™ (DipECVIM-CA™) or EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in their discipline.

Terms such as “board eligible”, “residency trained” or “board qualified” are not recognised specialist titles by the ECVIM-CA™. In fact, they are not allowed to be used by veterinarians.

Yes. In addition to training and certifying specialists, the ECVIM-CA™ actively promotes:

• Research in companion animal internal medicine, cardiology and oncology.

• Continuing professional education for veterinary specialists.

• The dissemination of new scientific knowledge.

• High standards of specialist training and quality assurance across Europe.

These activities help ensure that patients benefit from the latest advances in veterinary medicine.

Both organisations certify veterinary specialists in internal medicine and related disciplines, but they operate in different regions.

The two colleges have similar goals of promoting excellence in specialist veterinary care, education and research. The ECVIM-CA™ also recognises ACVIM Diplomates for certain training purposes and provides a pathway for eligible ACVIM Diplomates to obtain ECVIM-CA Diplomate status if they meet the required criteria and adhere to strict re-accreditation rules.

No. Specialist care is usually provided in partnership with your regular veterinarian. The specialist may recommend advanced diagnostics or treatments and then work together with your primary veterinarian to provide ongoing care close to home whenever possible.

Specialist certification provides reassurance that your veterinarian has met internationally recognised standards of advanced education, clinical training and examination. This helps ensure expert, evidence-based care for pets with complex medical conditions.

Yes. The European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine is a society with a constitution. It is solely governed by its members, whilst adhering to its constitution which is aligned with the framework set out by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS). ECVIM-CA™ does not allow outside influence such as that of commercial parties to impact the training and certification process of ECVIM-CA Diplomates. All DipECVIM-CA™ are qualified veterinarians and as such will have to abide by all legislation applicable to being a veterinarian in the country of their professional activities. In case of any concerns over or complaints against a DipECVIM-CA ™ specialist, the local veterinary body of the country involved will be the first point of contact.