What is the difference between a family veterinarian and a veterinary specialist?
A family veterinarian and a veterinary specialist both have earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), requiring an undergraduate degree, 4 years of veterinary college, professional training and then successful completion of the state and national licensing boards.
A veterinary specialist has typically completed 4 additional years of specialty training. This includes a 1-year internship and a 3-year residency program in a particular practice area, i.e. Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Oncology, etc. To become board-certified, these candidates must also pass rigorous training and testing requirements. Graduates are called Diplomates.
