American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Diplomates are Board-certified veterinary specialists who have received advanced training in one or more of the six ACVIM specialties: cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, oncology and small animal internal medicine. To become Board-certified, Diplomates must have completed four years of veterinary college, a one-year internship or equivalent, and two to three years in a recognized residency program. There are additional training and caseload requirements that must be met during residency. In addition, candidates must pass a series of rigorous examinations to become an ACVIM Diplomate.
The six types of ACVIM specialists:
Cardiologists: focus on diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart and some lung condition
Large Animal Internal Medicine (LAIM) Specialists: focus on the anatomy, physiology and internal medicine of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas and others.
Neurologists: focus on conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves.
Nutritionists: focus on the nutritional management of both healthy animals and those with one or more diseases.
Oncologists: focus on cancer, including the way it develops and how to treat it.
Small Animal Internal Medicine (SAIM) Specialists: focus on the anatomy, physiology and internal medicine of cats and dogs; encompasses many sub-disciplines, including gastroenterology, infectious diseases and more.
