published
in Veterinary Clinical Pathology 2001; 30:167
Basis for Establishment of
the Specialty of Veterinary Clinical Pathology as an Independent College
rather than as a Subspecialty of an
Existing College
O'Brien PJ1, Braun JP2, Fournel-Fleury
C3, Provencher Bolliger AL4, Freeman KP5,
Archer J6
1Bygrave, England, 2Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire,
Toulouse, France; 3Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon, France,
France, 4University of Bern, Switzerland, 5IDEXX,
England, 6University of London, England
Background: The European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ESVCP) formed a
committee to assess whether the specialty of Veterinary Clinical Pathology
(VCP) should be established as a subspecialty of the European Colleges
with which it interacts with most (Veterinary Internal Medicine [ECVIM-CA]
and Veterinary Pathology [ECVP]), or as an independent college. Information
was collected from collegiate discussion, interviews, surveys, questionnaires, literature, and
discussion with ESVCP members and senior members of related societies
(ECVIM-CA, ESVIM, ECVP, ESVP, ACVP, ASVCP, ISACB, AECCP, EBVS). Results: 1) Surveys by
various societies document a compelling and widespread need for
formal establishment of the speciality of VCP in Europe. 2) VCP has evolved
over the last generation to be laboratory-based and clearly distinct and
identifiable from all other veterinary specialities in its knowledge base
and practices, including methodology, technology, process, and emphasis
on laboratory management. 3) There are numerous precedences set by the
European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) in establishing other
colleges based on similar critical mass, need, and distinctiveness. 4)
VCP is treated by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCP) as equivalently
distinct and identifiable as is morphologic Veterinary Pathology. A poll
of RCP members involved with VCP indicated that a majority supported establishing
an independent European College of VCP. Examination of the incentives
for formation of the American model a generation ago indicated these were
no longer in place. 5) There is strong majority support by representative
practitioners of VCP across Europe for the establishment of
an independent college. 6) In contrast to ECVP, ECVIM-CA had strong ties
with VCP based on participation in scientific meetings, journal publications,
formal affiliations, and numerous members being qualified to practice
VCP. However, in contrast to VCP, ECVIM-CA focused on companion animals.
A poll of ECVIM-CA diplomates involved with VCP indicated majority support
for establishment of an independent college. 7) Establishment of an independent
European College of VCP would enhance the recognition and credibility
of this speciality and accelerate its development. There is no real need
of existing colleges to include VCP, nor substantive value in doing so.
Establishment of VCP as a sub-speciality of an existing college may be
inhibitory to the development of VCP and likely the speciality of that college
as it would need to be redefined, including the constitution, training
and examination programs, and probably the name. Conclusions: All
criteria defined by the EBVS for establishing VCP as an independent college
are seen to be met. There is compelling rationale, substantial data, and
wide-spread majority support for establishment of an independent European
College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
Return
European College of
Veterinary Clinical Pathology
CONSTITUTION
Nov 2001
INTRODUCTION
The
European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) will be established
according to the general scheme for veterinary specialization in Europe
which has been encouraged by the Advisory Committee for Veterinary Training
(ACVT report document III/F/5285/3/91) and described in the "Policies
and Procedures of the European Board of Veterinary Specialization [EBVS]
(1995)".
The
ECVCP was initiated by the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology
(ESVCP) at its first meeting in Vienna on September 26th 1998. Subsequent
studies, reviews, and surveys by the ESVCP documented a need for an independent
ECVCP and that EBVS criteria had been met for establishing an ECVCP (Veterinary
Clinical Pathology 2001; 30:155,167). This College resulted from a growing
desire to harmonize postgraduate training and provide certification in
veterinary clinical pathology in Europe and a need for well-educated veterinary
clinical pathologists with certified experience for leading positions
in veterinary schools, commercial and government laboratories, and the
pharmaceutical industry.
Veterinary
clinical pathology is a discipline-oriented specialisation, which focuses
on the development, application and interpretation of diagnostic laboratory
procedures for monitoring animal health and the diagnosis, prognosis,
treatment and the monitoring of animal disease. It is applied primarily
to companion, agricultural, and laboratory
animals, but also to aquatic and zoo animals and wildlife.
The
primary objectives of the College are to advance veterinary clinical pathology,
promote a high standard of veterinary clinical pathology and veterinary
clinical pathologists practising in Europe, and to promote research in
the area of veterinary clinical pathology in Europe.
This
publication provides the Constitution and By-laws of the ECVCP as accepted
by the EBVS (May 2002, Utrecht), and an Information Brochure with further
information about the ECVCP, including a description of the science, a
description of the requirements for admission to the College, a profile
of the speciality, and application and examination procedures.
Return
Constitution of THE EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
Article
1: Name and Structure
1.1 The name of the College shall be: the European
College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology - hereafter referred to as the
"ECVCP", hereinafter referred to as "the College"
1.2 The College shall be registered and domiciled
in London, England.
1.3 The College shall be a part of the transnational
structure for veterinary specialization in the European Community (E.C.),
as recommended by the Advisory Committee for Veterinary Training (ACVT)
of the E.C., set up by the Council Board Decision 78/1028/EEC of 18 December 1978 and OJ No L 302 of 22 December
1978, in its report document III/F/5285/3/91. The structure includes the
Coordinating Committee for Veterinary Specialization (CCVS), the European
Board of Veterinary Specialization (EBVS), the Supervisory Committees
for the speciality, and the Colleges of Specialists.
1.4 The College shall be incorporated under
the laws of England as a non-profit educational organisation. The term
for which it is organised shall be indefinite. However, in the event of
dissolution of the Corporation, its property shall be distributed for
educational purposes as determined by the Council Board.
1.5 The College shall run concurrently with
the calendar year, subject to the first society year ending on the last
day of December of the year in
which the college is established.
Article 2: OBJECTIVES
The College shall have the following objectives:
2.1 To establish standards of training, experience, and examination
for qualification as a specialist in veterinary clinical pathology in
Europe.
2.2 To further the recognition
of such qualified specialists by suitable certification and other means
in Europe.
2.3 To develop and supervise continuing education
programmes in veterinary clinical pathology in Europe.
2.4 To encourage and promote the establishment
of standards for the performance of laboratory procedures in veterinary
clinical pathology in Europe.
2.5 To further research and scientific progress
in veterinary clinical pathology in Europe.
Article
3: MEMBERSHIP
3.1 The types of membership in this organization
shall be:
(a) Founder Diplomate
(b)
Diplomate
(c)
Honorary Diplomate
(d)
Non-practising Diplomate
3.2 Qualifications
for membership:
In
accordance with the policies of the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation
only veterinarians may become diplomates of European veterinary speciality
colleges. Veterinarians elected to membership of the College shall be
designated a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Clinical
Pathology and shall be authorised to use the designation of diplomate
of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (Diplomate, European
College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology; DipECVCP).
3.3 Founding diplomates shall be
specialists selected according to the following criteria in order to establish
the College and to enable it to function during the initial period. There
are two types of founding diplomates who are not required to submit to
examination, charter diplomates and de facto recognised specialists.
(a) Charter Diplomate: These founding
diplomates are distinguished and experienced members in the field. There
shall be no more than 2 per European country and the number shall be limited
to those essential to conduct the business of the speciality and to achieve
provisional recognition. They must:
(i)
be a member of the organising committee established to achieve provisional
recognition of the ECVCP;
(ii) have achieved distinction in the field and have
qualifications far exceeding those proposed as necessary for candidates
to take the certifying examination of the College;
(iii) have at least ten years experience in the speciality,
having spent at least their time practicing veterinary clinical pathology;
(iv) have a PhD or equivalent degree;
(v) have contributed significantly to the field by
research, publication and lectures;
(vi) be recognised by their peers as leaders in their
field and be uncontroversial to the majority of members;
(vii) be practising in Europe; and
(viii) be an active member of the ESVCP
(b) De facto-recognised Specialist:
These
are founding diplomates appointed by the Charter Diplomates. The de-facto
recognition is possible upon application no later than 36 months after
provisional recognition of ECVCP by the EBVS. To be appointed one must:
(i) have at least seven years of experience in the
speciality, having spent at least 60 per cent of their time in the speciality;
(ii) have published at least three original articles
in refereed journals relevant to veterinary clinical pathology as first
author and at least three additional articles as co-author excluding non-peer
reviewed articles, review
articles, and proceedings abstracts;
(iii) normally resident
in Europe or, significantly active (at the discretion of the Council Board) in veterinary clinical pathology in Europe; and
(iv) be an active member of the ESVCP or other European
society of veterinary clinical pathology.
3.4 Diplomate: A veterinarian who
satisfies the ECVCP requirements as to training, experience, and competence
in veterinary clinical pathology hereinafter described in Article 4 shall
be eligible. Alternatively, veterinarians who satisfy these ECVCP requirements,
but have passed board examinations by comparable colleges outside Europe,
or established prior to the ECVCP being established, may be eligible.
Election of such candidates shall be accomplished by majority vote of
the Council Board after review of
their application.
3.5 Honorary Diplomate: A person veterinarian who is not a Diplomate of the ECVCP but who has contributed
in an extraordinary manner to the advancement of veterinary clinical pathology
may be elected by majority vote as an Honorary Diplomate. Nomination for
Honorary Diplomate Status shall be made through the sponsorship of two
Diplomates. The sponsors shall furnish the Executive Secretary with such
information concerning the nominee, as is required by the Council Board, e.g. curriculum vitae. Election of an Honorary Diplomate shall be
accomplished by a two-thirds vote of the Council Board and by a two-thirds vote of the Business Meeting of the College.
Honorary Diplomate status does not confer the right to act as a specialist
in veterinary clinical pathology. Honorary Diplomates shall have all the
privileges of membership except the right to vote or hold office and shall
pay reduced dues.
3.6 Non-practising Diplomate: A diplomate
who has not practised the speciality for two continuous years or the equivalent
of two years during a period of 5 years, or has not attended an annual
general meeting of the ECVCP for three years without previous dispensation
from the ECVCP will be designated as a non-practising diplomate in the
register. A member seeking to revert to full Diplomate status needs to
satisfy the Council Board that they
again meet the criteria for full Diplomate status, such as through practice
of veterinary clinical pathology, and evidence of continuing educational
activities. Any ECVCP diplomate who has retired from the practice or teaching
of veterinary clinical pathology may be designated a Non-practising Diplomate
by the Council Board, at the diplomate´s
request. Non-practising Diplomates will be requested to pay a reduced
fee in order to maintain all the privileges of diplomates, except the
right to vote or hold office.
3.7 Only diplomates of good standing with no
dues in arrears shall be eligible to vote or hold office.
3.8 All diplomates are required to maintain activity in veterinary clinical
pathology, maintain certification by continuing education in a form determined
by the Education Committee, and maintain activity in the affairs of the
College, particularly by regular attendance at meetings.
3.9 In order to evaluate the requirements laid down in section 5 and 8 of
this article the diplomats are required to send in each 5 years a summary
of their professional activities in which evidence of fulfilling these
requirements and evidence of continuous education must be included. The
format of this summary has to be approved of by the European Board of
Veterinary Specialisation and will be evaluated by members of the Credential
Committee.
Article
4: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
FOR BOARD EXAMINATION
4.1 The following prerequisites must be met
to the satisfaction of the Council Board before any candidate is eligible to undertake any Board Examination in
veterinary clinical pathology. An eligible candidate must:
(a) have a satisfactory moral and ethical standing
in relation to the practice of veterinary medicine;
(b) be qualified to practice veterinary medicine in
Europe, unless relieved from this requirement in exceptional cases by
the Council Board;
(c) normally resident in Europe or, at the discretion
of the Council Board, significantly
active in veterinary clinical pathology in Europe
(c) complete a 1-year rotating internship, or 2 years
in clinical practice, or an equivalent training acceptable to the Credentials
Committee as a prerequisite to entering the clinical pathology training
programme
(de)
normally complete at least 3 years
of post-graduate training and experience in veterinary clinical pathology
that is acceptable to the Council Board.
Acceptable means a training programme of at least three years that is
directed by a Diplomate of the ECVCP and is approved by the ECVCP Credentials
Committee at an institute with a clinical pathology laboratory approved
by the ECVCP Laboratory Standards Committee;
( ef) if either the supervisor is not a Diplomate
or the programme does not provide training in veterinary clinical pathology
as one of its primary functions, then 4 years of training in veterinary
clinical pathology are required. One of these 4 years must be spent in
training under the supervision of a Diplomate and in a programme that
trains veterinary clinical pathologists as one of its primary functions.
At least one month per year for each of the other 3 years must be spent
attending courses or at another institution for training in veterinary
clinical pathology;
(fg)
have been the first author of an original article which demonstrates application
of scientific methods on subjects that are relevant to veterinary clinical
pathology. The article must have been published or accepted for publication
in a peer-reviewed journal. The article may be a case report with literature
review, an evaluation or validation of diagnostic methodology or technology
in clinical pathology, a retrospective or prospective study of clinical
pathology changes in a disease or toxic state, or a
pathophysiological study of clinical pathology change.
(gh)
normally be active in veterinary
clinical pathology for at least 60% of their normal working week.
4.2 Application will be made to the Secretary
in a prescribed form and will be accompanied by an examination fee fixed
by the Council Board. Letters of reference
from supervisors and others are to be sent directly to the Secretary:
4.3 Eligible candidates will be examined by an Examination Committee
appointed by the Council Board at
the time and place fixed by the Council Board and in accordance with the policy established by the Council Board.
Article
5: OFFICERS AND Council Board
5.1 The following Officers shall form the Council Board of the College: Past-President, President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer, and two Councillors.
5.2 The election of these officers and the duties
of the officers and the Council Board shall be as provided in the by-laws.
Article
6 - AMENDMENTS
6.1 Any proposed amendment to this Constitution
and to the by-laws, signed by at least three members in good standing,
shall be submitted to the Council Board for its recommendation. The proposed amendment with the recommendations
of the Council Board will be announced
at least thirty (30) days in advance of any regular or special meeting
of the College at which time the proposed amendment may be discussed.
An affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of members voting by
secret ballot shall be required for the adoption of any amendment.
as
approved by EBVS on ........................
By-laws of THE EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
Article
1: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
1.1 The President and Vice-President shall be
members elected by a majority of members voting, using secret written
or electronic ballots, and shall serve for three years. The President
and Vice-President may be re-elected for an additional term.
1.2 The Secretary and the Treasurer, similarly
elected from the membership, shall serve for 3 years. The secretary and
treasurer may be re-elected for an additional term.
1.3 The Councillors, two in number, shall be
members elected in the same manner as the other officers by a majority
of members voting, each to serve a term of 3 years. Councillors may be
re-elected for an additional term.
1.4 Duties of the President, Past-President
and Vice-President.
(a) The President shall preside over all meetings
of the College and meetings of the Council Board, shall be a member, ex officio, of all committees,
and shall perform the usual duties
of such office.
(b) The Past-President shall advise the President
(c) The Vice-President shall be the President-Elect,
shall be an ex officio member of all committees, shall preside
at the meeting in the absence of the President, and shall succeed to the
office of the President should that office be vacated.
1.5 Duties of the Secretary and the Treasurer.
The Secretary shall serve as executive officer of the College. He or she
shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall perform the usual duties
of a secretary and such other duties as assigned by the Council Board. The Treasurer shall conduct the business affairs of the
College, collect dues and fees, draw vouchers, pay bills and expenses,
arrange for the safekeeping of College funds, keep records of all transactions
and submit a yearly statement of financial affairs to the Council Board. Records shall be the property of the ECVCP and be available
for inspection and audit. The Past Secretary and Past Treasurer shall
advise the current Secretary and current Treasurer during the first year
of their term.
Article
2: DUTIES OF THE COUNCIL BOARD
2.1 The Council Board shall have the duties and powers ordinarily delegated to
the governing body of the corporation, those responsibilities given by
the Constitution are as follows:
(a) Shall organise and operate a certifying agency
for diplomates of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology
as provided in the constitution. The Council Board shall judge compliance of candidates with the general requirements
of the Constitution, appoint an examination committee to operate under
its supervision, and certify candidates who qualify. The Council Board shall make available to candidates and the interested public
a detailed account of the experience and training prerequisites to all
Board examinations.
(b)
Shall create and appoint members of all committees, supervise their activities,
and receive their reports.
(c)
Shall report to the College annually its work and activities, including
a full financial statement, and shall make such interim reports as are
necessary and advisable.
(d)
Shall exercise its constitutional authority in promoting and attaining
the objectives of the College especially those pertaining to professional,
institutional and public relations.
(e)
Shall hold a meeting at least once a year.
(f)
Shall ensure all the results of each examination are announced at the
same time.
Article
3: COMMITTEES
3.1 The Council Board shall appoint
a Nominating Committee of three members for a term of one year
before elections. The committee shall widely seek and carefully consider
input from the membership across Europe Nominations to all vacancies may
be made by the Nominating Committee or to the Nominating Committee by
any member in good standing. Nominations shall be made in writing and
shall include a brief statement of qualifications of the nominee.
Nominations
are to be submitted between January 1 and June 30 of the election year.
The Nominating Committee shall prepare a secret ballot listing of all
nominees. In the event that no nominee receives a majority of votes cast,
the two nominees receiving the most votes shall be placed on a second
secret ballot. Should a vacancy in any office occur, the Council Board may at its discretion initiate nomination and election procedures
to fill the vacancy until the next general meeting of the College.
3.2 The Council Board shall appoint for a term of three years an Education Committee of three members. The committee shall elect its Chairperson annually.
The committee shall widely seek and carefully consider input from the
membership across Europe. The duties of this committee are:
(a) to set and approve criteria for training programmes,
training institutions, and supervisors.
(b) to maintain lists of approved training programmes,
training institutions, supervisors, and current candidates.
(c) to establish guidelines for minimum requirements
for the continuing education of diplomates
(d) to develop and supervise continuing education
programmes in veterinary clinical pathology in Europe.
3.3 The Council Board shall appoint for a term of three years a Credentials
Committee of three members.
The committee shall elect its Chairperson annually. The committee shall
widely seek and carefully consider input from the membership across Europe.The
duties of this committee are:
(a) to
establish guidelines to assist applicants applying to sit the examination
(b) to
receive, review, and approve the candidacy of applicants for examination
by the College
(c) to
forward to the Examination Committee the credentials of approved applicants.
(d) to
receive the required reports from supervisors of candidate training on
(i) the annual progress of each candidate in training. The
trainee must maintain a log that records the nature and timing of their
training activities and that is approved by the supervisor every 6 months.
This log should include (i) relevant courses or tutorials taken, (ii)
identification of, and diagnosis (tentative or differential and / or etiologic)
for, cases (at least an average of 25 per 6 month in each of the three
areas) examined and interpreted in each of the three area of biochemistry,
hematology, and cytology; (iii) rotations or externships in other relevant
disciplines or to other training sites, (iv) relevant seminars, workshops
or conferences attended, and (v) any relevant presentations or publications.
(ii) details of each training programme in the form of an initial report
with update and re-examination every 5 years (due at the annual meeting).
The Credentials Committee, acting for the College, will attest the adequacy
of each programme when they approve the report
(iii) to receive, review, and approve the candidacy of applicants for
diplomate status who satisfy ECVCP requirements but have passed board
examinations by comparable colleges outside Europe, or colleges established
prior to the ECVCP being established.
3.4 The Council Board shall appoint for a term of three years an Examination
Committee of four members. The committee shall elect its Chairperson
annually. The committee shall widely seek and carefully consider input
from the membership across Europe.The duties of this committee are:
(a) to prepare, administer and grant all examinations of the College.
(b) to receive examination questions from diplomates. All diplomates
must submit five questions, along with their fully-referenced answers,
each year to the examination committee. A deadline of June 30th will be
needed for adequate review time. Failure to submit questions for two consecutive
years would cause suspension of approval of training programmes
(c) to forward to the Council Board all examination results and recommendations regarding the granting of
diplomate status
3.5 The Council Board shall appoint for a term of three years a Laboratory Standards
Committee of three members. The committee shall elect its Chairperson
annually. The duties of this committee are:
(a) to set and approve criteria for the performance of laboratory procedures
in veterinary clinical pathology in Europe.
(b) to approve clinical pathology laboratories for training programmes
and training institutions in Europe. Maintaining lists of approved clinical
pathology laboratories, of training programmes, and of training institutions. Clinical Pathology Laboratory standards that must be met include
adequate facilities, compliance with health and safety standards, written
operational procedures and policies, current methodologies and technologies,
a programme for quality management including internal quality control
and participation in an external quality assurance scheme for proficiency
testing, a laboratory information management system, documentation of
personnel training and development, and a duty clinical pathologist, who
has guided all aspects of laboratory management.
3.6 The Council Board shall appoint for a term of three years a Science Committee of three members for a term of three years. The committee shall elect
its Chairperson annually. The committee shall widely seek and carefully
consider input from the membership across Europe. The duties of this committee
are:
(a) to further scientific progress in veterinary clinical pathology
in Europe
(b) to organise an annual European scientific meeting of veterinary
clinical pathology
(c) to maintain an official journal of the ECVCP and active membership
of the editorial board of that journal
(d) to maintain electronic media for dissemination of scientific information
and for a forum to address issues in veterinary clinical pathology
(e) to maintain a newsletter to disseminate ECVCP information to diplomates.
Article
4: DUES
4.1 The dues shall be as follows:
(a) Diplomates and founding diplomates: The dues shall be recommended
by the Council Board and approved
by a majority of the membership present and voting at an ordinary or extraordinary
meeting of the College or voting by mail.
(b) Honorary diplomates and non-practising diplomates will be required
to pay reduced dues.
4.2 Dues shall be payable on January 1st of
each year and shall be remitted to the Treasurer.
4.3 Fees connected with examination and certification
of candidates shall be determined by the Council Board.
Article
5: MEMBERSHIP AND REGISTRATION
5.1 Each individual elected
to membership in the College shall be registered as a Diplomate of the
European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, and shall be authorised
to use the designation of Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology.
5.2 Each diplomate is
required to keep records of their professional and scientific activities.
The Council Board may from time to
time require any diplomate to submit their record for inspection.
5.3 Diplomates are required
to regularly (at least once every third year) attend annual general meetings
and to participate in continuing education as determined by the Education
Committee.
5.4 Voluntary cessation
of registration requires notice in writing to be received by the Executive
Secretary before June 30 and will be published at the next annual general
meeting.
Article
6: DISCIPLINARY ACTION
AND APPEALS PROCEDURE
6.1 In case of improper conduct, the Council Board shall have the authority to recommend censure, suspension,
or cancellation of membership. All deliberations shall be guided by highest
standards to ensure fair and objective review. The accused member shall
therefore have the opportunity to appear before the Council Board in person.
6.2 In the event of an adverse decision by the Council Board including denial of
certification, denial of adequacy of credentials prior to examination
for certification or to reregistration as a full Diplomate, and censure,
suspension, or cancellation of membership, the affected person may submit
a written appeal to Council Board for consideration within 30 days of the adverse decision. Council Board will reconsider on the grounds that the decision may have
been made erroneously by (1) disregarding or failing to follow stated
College procedures, and/or (2) failing to consider relevant documentation
presented. Council Board will deliver
in writing its final decision within 90 days after the appeal. If the
affected person is not satisfied with the final decision, he or she may
request mediation with representatives of the EBVS.
Article
7: CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
7.1 Quorum
(a) A Quorum of the College shall consist of 25 percent of the members
of the College eligible to vote. The quorum shall apply to all meetings
of the College.
(b) A Quorum of the Council Board shall consist of a simple majority of that Council Board.
(c) Meetings of the College shall be called by the President, subsequent
to the approval of the Council Board.
Should the President fail to set a date and place for an ordinary or for
extraordinary meetings, the Council Board or the membership may, by majority action, set a date and place for such
meetings.
7.2 Frequency of meetings
(a) Meetings of the College shall be held at least once a year.
(b) Meetings of the Council Board of the College shall be held at least once a year.
(c) Meetings of the Committees of the College shall be held at least
once a year.
(d) An extraordinary meeting of the College shall be held at any time at the written request, containing the
explanation for such a meeting, of not less that 10% of the members. This
meeting must be held within 3 months of the request.
7.3 Finances
The
College is a nonprofit organization. The expenses of the College shall
be met through various sources of income.
(a) annual dues (payable by January 1). The annual dues (ECU) of each
active member shall be determined by the general assembly. Members shall
be adjudged delinquent if they are one year in arrears, and may be voted
for removal by the membership if two years have elapsed without payment.
A Non-practicing Diplomat of the College shall also be required to pay
reduced dues.
(b) Donations from companies and international organizations.
(c) Income from educational meetings organized by the College.
(d) Any monies accumulated shall be safely invested and serve as a
reserve for possible use at a later time.
ECVCP
interim arrangements
1. An organising committee consisting of the executive of the ESVCP
and of the prospective Charter Diplomates shall prepare an application
to the EBVS for provisional recognition of the College. Input from the
membership of the ESVCP and from the EBVS liaisons shall be sought in the preparation of the application.
2. This organising committee shall widely publicise its activities.
3. The application for provisional recognition shall include a review
by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation of the curriculum vitae
of the members of the organising committee.
4. After provisional recognition of the College by the European Board
of Veterinary Specialisation the members of the organising committee shall
become Charter Diplomates. These will immediately appoint defacto diplomates
according to the criteria identified in the constitution section 3.3 who
will assist in the formation of committees.
5. The Charter Diplomates shall immediately establish an Interim Council Board of the College and solicit applications for defacto diplomate
status.
6. Applicants for defacto diplomate status should submit material
to the secretary to enable assessment of the application using the Constitution
Article 3 section 3 (b) as the criteria for review.
7. Applications shall be considered by at least three Charter Diplomates,
and all applications shall be either approved by the current Council Board, or deferred to the Council Board elected in the second year.
8. Within one year of provisional recognition, an election by Charter
and defacto diplomates will take place to establish a Council Board for the second year of the College's existence with provisional
recognition.
9. The procedure to consider applications for De-facto recognised
Diplomate status shall continue for three years after the date of provisional
recognition of the College by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation.
10. After this time in 9. above entry to the College will be by examination
by the ECVCP or diplomate status of comparable colleges from outside Europe or established prior to the establishment of the ECVCP according
to the constitution Article 3 section 4.
Return
THE EUROPEAN
COLLEGE OF VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
INFORMATION BROCHURE
The
European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology was established in 2002
to advance veterinary clinical pathology and promote high standards within
the speciality in Europe. The European College of Veterinary Clinical
Pathology represents an organised effort to establish criteria for training
and experience to qualify as a specialist in veterinary clinical pathology.
The organisation encourages veterinarians entering veterinary clinical
pathology to acquire training and competence based on approved standards.
Those who meet the standards of training and competence established by
the College will be awarded a suitable certificate. A list of diplomates
is maintained for guidance of institutions and the public.
1 OBJECTIVES
1.1 To establish standards of training, experience, and examination
for qualification as a specialist in veterinary clinical pathology in
Europe.
1.2 To further the recognition of such qualified specialists by suitable
certification and other means in Europe.
1.3 To develop and supervise continuing education programmes in veterinary
clinical pathology in Europe.
1.4 To encourage and promote the establishment of standards for the
performance of laboratory procedures in veterinary clinical pathology
in Europe.
1.5 To further research and scientific progress in veterinary clinical
pathology in Europe.
2. DEFINITION
Veterinary
clinical pathology is a discipline-oriented specialisation, which focuses
on the development and application of diagnostic laboratory procedures
for monitoring animal health and the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and
the monitoring of animal disease. It is applied primarily to companion,
agricultural, and laboratory animals, but also to aquatic and zoo animals
and wildlife.
Veterinary Clinical Pathologists
are employed to practice, research and / or teach this speciality in a
wide variety of career pathways, including (i) veterinary schools,
(ii) private, commercial, and government diagnostic laboratories, (iii)
pharmaceutical discovery and safety evaluationm (iv) and other research
institutes and industry.
Veterinary
clinical pathology is an essential discipline for the practice to highest
standards of veterinary medicine and surgery in every European veterinary
school and veterinary clinic, and in every animal diagnostic laboratory
operating commercially and in industry.
There
are three primary areas of veterinary clinical pathology, namely, a) clinical
biochemistry including endocrinology and molecular diagnostics, b) haematology,
and c) cytology. These are all based on a strong knowledge of general
clinical pathology which consists of pathophysiology, including immunology,
and on laboratory management, including the theory and application of
laboratory methodologies and technologies.
Interpretation of veterinary
clinical pathology data requires a significant knowledge, experience,
and training in veterinary medicine and pathology that are not found to
sufficient extent within the requirements for non-veterinary, training
programs restricted to clinical pathology methodology and technology.
However, effective interpretation of veterinary clinical pathology data
does require a comprehensive knowledge of the theory, application and
administration of the laboratory technologies and methodologies from which
the data are generated. Knowledge, experience and training in the latter
are not found to sufficient extent within the other European veterinary
specialities.
3. MEMBERSHIP
A
veterinarian who has satisfied the requirements as to character, training
and experience and competence in veterinary clinical pathology, including
satisfactory completion of the certifying examination, is eligible for
membership. Election of such candidates is accomplished by majority vote
of the Council Board.
Non-Practising Diplomate: A diplomate who has not practised the
speciality for two continuous years or the equivalent of two years during
a period of 5 years, or has not attended an annual general meeting of
the ECVCP for three years without previous dispensation from the ESVCP
will be designated as a non-practising diplomate in the register. In order
to evaluate the requirements laid down in article 3.5 and 3.8 the diplomats
are required to send in each 5 years a summary of their professional activities
in which evidence of fulfilling these requirements and evidence of continuous
education must be included. The format of this summary has to be approved
of by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation and will be evaluated
by members of the Credential Committee. A member seeking to revert to
full Diplomate status needs to satisfy the Council Board that they again meet the criteria for full Diplomate status,
such as through practice of veterinary clinical pathology, and evidence
of continuing educational activities. Any ECVCP diplomate who has retired
from the practice or teaching of veterinary clinical pathology may be
designated a Non-practising Diplomate by the Council Board, at the diplomate´s request. Non-practising Diplomates will
be requested to pay a reduced fee in order to maintain all the privileges
of diplomates, except the right to vote or hold office.
Honorary Diplomate: A person veterinarian who is not a Diplomate of the ECVCP but who has contributed in an extraordinary
manner to the advancement of veterinary clinical pathology may be elected
by majority vote as an Honorary Diplomate. Nomination for Honorary Diplomate
Status shall be made through the sponsorship of two Diplomates. The sponsors
shall furnish the Executive Secretary with such information concerning
the nominee, as is required by the Council Board, e.g. curriculum vitae. Election of an Honorary Diplomate shall be accomplished by a two-thirds
vote of the Council Board and by a
two-thirds vote of the Business Meeting of the College. Honorary Diplomate
status does not confer the right to act as a specialist in veterinary
clinical pathology. Honorary Diplomates shall have all the privileges
of membership except the right to vote or hold office and shall pay reduced
dues.
4. THE EXAMINATION
4.1 Application for Examination
The examination of the European College of Veterinary Clinical
Pathology will be held in September of each year.
Application
forms, available from the Secretary, require the signature of a Diplomate
of the College, who sponsors the candidate by certifying that an approved programme of training has been followed to permit sitting
for the examination.
An application is valid for only one year except for repeat candidates
(see "Results of the Examination")
The
signing sponsor should be the person most responsible for the candidate's
training. When this is not possible the applicant should provide an appropriate
explanation to the Council Board.
Completed
application forms accompanied by the examination fee of 500 EURO
must be received by the Secretary postmarked not later than March
1st of the year of examination.
Eligibility
to sit the examination is determined by the Council Board in early April; applicants are promptly notified as to acceptance.
If the applicant's credentials are not accepted, or if candidates withdraw
from the examination prior to June 1st, fees are refunded, except for
a 10 percent processing charge. No refunds are made after this date, and
no fees may be carried over to be applied toward an examination in a subsequent
year.
An
individual who has received an unfavourable ruling regarding qualifications
to sit the examination may appeal against this decision. Such an appeal
must be received in writing to the secretary within 30 days of the date
of the letter informing the individual of the unfavourable decision.
4.2 General Requirements of Board Examination
The
following prerequisites must be met to the satisfaction of the Council Board before any candidate is eligible to undertake any Board Examination
in veterinary clinical pathology. An eligible candidate must:
(a) have a satisfactory moral and ethical standing in relation to the
practice of veterinary medicine;
(b) be qualified to practice veterinary medicine in Europe, unless
relieved from this requirement in exceptional cases by the Council Board;
(c)
normally resident in Europe or,
at the discretion of the Council Board,
significantly active in veterinary clinical pathology in Europe
(d) complete a 1-year rotating internship, or 2 years in clinical practice,
or an equivalent training acceptable to the Credentials Committee as a
prerequisite to entering the clinical pathology training programme
(de) complete at least 3 years of post-graduate training and experience
in veterinary clinical pathology that is acceptable to the Council Board. Acceptable means a training programme of at least three
years that is directed by a Diplomate of the ECVCP and is approved by
the ECVCP Credentials Committee at an institute with a clinical pathology
laboratory approved by the ECVCP Laboratory Standards Committee
Supportive
Study: It is recognised that, additional to this 3 years of
training and experience, one to two year's experience or study in the
area in which the trainee is expected to specialise and practice clinical
pathology (eg internal medicine, laboratory animal medicine, pathology,
research, industry) facilitates development of candidates knowledge to
pass the ECVCP board examinations.
Content
of Training Program: The 3-year training programme shall consist of
a minimum amount of training of similar periods of time in each of the
following 4 areas: (i) general clinical pathology i.e. pathophysiology, including immunology, and laboratory management,
(ii) clinical biochemistry including endocrinology and molecular diagnostics,
(iii) haematology, and (iv) cytology.
(ef) if either the supervisor is not a Diplomate or
the programme does not provide training in veterinary clinical pathology
as one of its primary functions, then 4 years of training in veterinary
clinical pathology are required. One of these 4 years must be spent in
training under the supervision of a Diplomate of this College and in a
programme that trains veterinary clinical pathologists as one of its primary
functions. At least one month per year for each of the other 3 years must
be spent attending courses or at another institution for training in veterinary
clinical pathology;
(fg) have been the first author of an at
least two original articles which
demonstrates application of scientific methods on subjects that are relevant
to veterinary clinical pathology. The article must have been published
or accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The article may
be a case report with literature review, an evaluation or validation of
diagnostic methodology or technology in clinical pathology, a retrospective
or prospective study of clinical pathology changes in a disease or toxic
state, or a pathophysiological
study of clinical pathology change.
(g) be active in veterinary clinical pathology for at least 60% of
their normal working week.
5
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR DIPLOMATE STATUS
5.1. Definition: A veterinary clinical pathology Training Programme
allows graduate veterinarians to acquire in-depth knowledge of veterinary
clinical pathology and its supporting disciplines under the supervision
and guidance of a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Clinical
Pathology, or in selected approved Alternative Training Programmes.
5.
2. Objectives of a Veterinary Clinical Pathology Training Programme
(a) To promote aptitude and proficiency in veterinary clinical pathology.
(b) To instruct graduate veterinarians in the science and practice
of veterinary clinical pathology and its supporting disciplines.
(c) To provide graduate veterinarians with the opportunity to pursue a career in
teaching, research, diagnostic,
industrial or regulatory / governmental practice of veterinary clinical
pathology.
(d) To advance veterinary clinical pathology through promotion of research
and publications.
5.3 General Programme Description.
To become eligible for the qualifying examination, training can be obtained
either through Specialised Training Programmes or Alternative Programmes.
5.4 Specialised Training Programme This training programme is supervised by a Diplomate of the European College
of Veterinary Clinical Pathology and is designed to allow veterinary
graduates, employed within a teaching institution, to receive the
training needed to become eligible to take the Diplomate examination.
(a) Prerequisite: Prospective trainees should be qualified to
practice veterinary medicine in Europe, or present evidence,
which in the judgement of the Council Board of the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, is an
equivalent qualification, and should have completed
1-year rotating internship, or 2 years in clinical practice, or equivalent
training acceptable to the Credentials Committee.
(b) Diplomate supervision: A Diplomate of the ECVCP must supervise
the training programme. This Diplomate shall be responsible for the administration
and continuity of the programme and the evaluation at regular (at
least each 6 months) intervals of performance and progress of the trainee. In
approved cases (alternative training programme) other veterinary clinical
pathology specialists can act as supervisors.
(c) Duration of Training. The training programme shall be a
minimum of 36 months duration accomplished within 5 consecutive years.
(d) Content of Training. The 3-year training programme shall
consist of a minimum amount of training of similar periods of time in
each of the following 4 areas: general clinical pathology (pathophysiology
-including immunology- and laboratory management), clinical biochemistry
including endocrinology and molecular diagnostics, haematology, and cytology.
Additionally, the programme will include some training by direct contact
with diplomates or similarly qualified persons in clinical medicine and
morphologic pathology (especially histopathology). The purpose of this
training is to develop understanding and experience with the interaction
of these areas with clinical pathology and not to develop expertise in
these areas. Ideally this training will be regular and continuous but
if this is not available then at least a total of one months rotation
in each of these specialities is acceptable. The main species to be studied
are companion animals (primarily dog and cat and rabbit), farm animals
(primarily cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry), horses, laboratory animals (primarily dog, rat, mouse, monkey), and to
a lesser extent non-traditional pet species (birds, fish, reptiles), zoo
animals and wildlife.
Specific topics to be covered in training
include:
(i) Pathophysiological mechanism of clinical pathologic changes at
a molecular cellular, organ and whole animal level
(ii) Current principles and practices of Laboratory Management including:
Selection,
evaluation and validation of assay
methods and technologies;
Sample
collection and processing for clinical biochemical, haematological and
cytological analysis;
Good
laboratory practice, quality control, proficiency testing, and laboratory
auditing;
Computerised
data collection and management;
Statistical
analysis of data and establishment of reference intervals;
Basics
of epidemiology and study design;
Evaluation
of diagnostic efficacy and efficiency (sensitivity and specificity) of
diagnostic tests;
Laboratory
personnel management, including supervision, training, and continuing
education
(iii) Current principles and practices of clinical biochemistry,
haematology, and cytology, including
Science
of the discipline;
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Current
methods and technologies,
Current
routine and esoteric parameters;
Species
differences, primarily for companion animal, large animal, and laboratory
animals, and major differences
for exotic animals, poultry, and fish;
Integration
of data with that from other areas of clinical pathology;
Integration
of data with data/information from
clinical medicine, morphologic pathology (especially histopathology) and
immunology where appropriate
(e) Learning environment:
(i) The programme should emphasize basic understanding
of pathophysiologic mechanisms of clinical pathology changes at a molecular,
cellular, organ and whole animal level,
(ii) The environment should provide the intellectual
and physical facilities for the advancement of the science of veterinary
clinical pathology through structured discussion, review of current
literature, practice of veterinary clinical pathology, research and publication.
(iii) Clinical Pathology
Laboratory standards that must be met include adequate facilities, compliance
with health and safety standards, written operational procedures and policies,
current methodologies and technologies, a programme for quality management
including quality control and proficiency testing, a laboratory information
management system, documentation of personnel training and development,
and a duty clinical pathologist, who has guided all aspects of laboratory
management.
(f) Reference Material: In addition to their practical
knowledge and experience, trainees will be expected to have thorough knowledge
of the material covered in a comprehensive and current textbook of veterinary
hematology (eg Schalm's Veterinary Hematology edited by Feldman et al),
clinical biochemistry (eg Veterinary Clinical Biochemistry, edited by
Kaneko et al) and cytology (Diagnostic Cytology by Cowell and Tyler).
A complete list of such approved textbooks will be identified on a regular
basis by the Education Committee. Because textbooks cannot remain completely
current, trainees also need knowledge of the current (up to 5 years old)
literature on veterinary clinical pathology in the veterinary literature.
The Education Committee will maintain a list of such journals. Current
knowledge of the pathophysiologic basis of clinical pathology changes
is obtained from the above textbooks supplemented by relevant sections
of current textbooks of internal medicine or pathology or general pathology.
Current knowledge of laboratory management is obtained from relevant sections
of textbooks in human clinical pathology (eg Clinical Chemistry edited
by Tietz). The Education Committee will maintain a list of such textbooks.
(g) Documentation:
The trainee must maintain a log that records the nature and timing of
their training activities and that is approved by the supervisor every
6 months. This log should include (i) relevant courses or tutorials taken,
(ii) identification of, and diagnosis (tentative or differential and /
or etiologic) for, cases (at least an average of 25 per 6 month in each
of the three areas) examined and interpreted in each of the three area
of biochemistry, hematology, and cytology; (iii) rotations or externships
in other relevant disciplines or to other training sites, (iv) relevant
seminars, workshops or conferences attended, and (v) any relevant presentations
or publications.
5.5 Alternative Veterinary Clinical
Pathology Training Programme: This training programme is designed
to allow veterinary graduates, employed outside a teaching institution,
to undertake the additional training needed to become eligible to
take the Diplomate examination.
(a) Prerequisite: See 5.4 (a)
(b) Diplomate supervision: supervision by a Diplomate
of the European College
of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology is strongly encouraged, but also other veterinary clinical pathology specialists may act as supervisors. If the primary
supervisor is not a diplomate then the completion of alternate training
and application for candidacy for the examination should be contersigned
by a diplomate of the college who has knowledge of the programme which
was undertaken.
(c) Duration of Training: The training programme shall be a
minimum of 48 months duration accomplished within 5 consecutive years.
Candidates must spend, at least, a total of one year working in an approved training
programme, as described under 5.4 and a minimum of one month per each
of the additional 3 years in formal course work or in secondment at a
different institute for training in clinical pathology.
(d) Content of Training: see 5.4 (d)
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(e) Learning environment: see 5.4 (e)
(f) Reference material: see 5.4 (f)
(g) Documentation: see 5.4 (g) The minimum total number of cases
required is 150 in each of
the three areas of haematology,
clinical biochemistry and cytology.
5.6 Continuing education: National and international continuing education programmes, meetings
and courses are essential additional learning sources. Suitable continuing
education may include, for example, those programmes, meetings and courses
organised by or under the auspices of the European College of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology and the American Society of Veterinary Clinical
Pathology.
5.7 Facilities, Services and Equipment required for training programmes preparing candidates for ECVCP
Board Examination include:
(a) Veterinary / Medical Library: A library
containing current textbooks and journals relating to veterinary clinical
pathology and its supporting disciplines must be readily accessible directly
or electronically to the programme participant. Additionally, full electronic
access to the worldwide websites concerning veterinary clinical pathology
must be readily available.
(b) Clinical Pathological records: A complete clinical pathological
record must be maintained for each individual case and those
records must be retrievable.
(c) Clinical Pathology facilities:
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(i) Microscopy examination room: The room(s) for cytological
and haematological examination must be designed, constructed and maintained
consistent with current concepts. High quality facilities for photomicrography
are mandatory. Microscopic slides and transparencies / photographs
must be archived and retrievable.
(ii) Laboratory: A clinical pathology laboratory must be designed,
constructed and maintained consistent with current concepts as defined
by the ECVCP Laboratory Standards Committee.
6 PREPARATION FOR THE EXAMINATION
The
candidate's goal should be to acquire knowledge sufficient to assume
responsibility for the broad spectrum of problems encountered by veterinary
clinical pathologists. The College believes training can be best accomplished
in units (departments, institutions) where there are several Diplomates
of the College and where a primary purpose is training in veterinary clinical
pathology. The College recognizes that training also occurs effectively
in other settings but believes, in general, it may require more time. Periods
of secondment to other institutions are necessary to broaden training
and preparation for examination. In addition to academic studies calculated
to provide adequate insight into basic principles of clinical pathology,
the candidate must have practical experience in performing their professional
duties. These should include the application of all standard methods and
procedures of clinical pathology to any given case, with a view to demonstrating
the nature of the disease process, or to making a diagnosis, or both.
While the clinical pathologist need not be a technician in the performance
of laboratory procedures, thorough familiarity with the uses, limitations,
and application of such tests and instruments and the ability to supervise
their performance and to interpret their data are required.
The
certificate of membership of the College is granted only after the applicant
has completed a period of training and has demonstrated, by thorough formal
examination, the ability to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities
of a veterinary clinical pathologist. Standards that must be met are strict
and the study and training arduous.
7 THE EXAMINATION
The
examination is designed to test candidates' (a) understanding
of the broad principles of clinical pathology, (b) ability to practice
competently veterinary clinical pathology and (c) ability to synthesise
data and observations in problem solving.
7.1 The Format of the Examination shall
include four parts.
(a) General Clinical Pathology
This section of the examination tests the candidate's understanding of
pathophysiology of clinical pathology change (including immunology) and
general principles of laboratory management. It will consist of approximate 60 multiple choice questions and
4 essay questions.
(b) Clinical Biochemistry
This section of the examination tests the candidate's understanding of
clinical biochemistry. It will consist of approximate 50 multiple choice questions and 4 cases discussed
by essay. The cases involve integrated interpretation of biochemical,
haematologic, and urinalysis data. Questions
will be designed to achieve a balance between species, systems, and diseases.
(c) Haematology
This
section of the examination tests the candidate's understanding of haematology.
It will consist of three sections, approximately 40 multiple choice questions,
20 questions on projected photomicrographs, and evaluation of 10 haematology
glass slides. Required answers include a complete description, a
morphologic and an etiologic (if appropriate) diagnosis, or appropriate
differential diagnosis with suggestions for additional diagnostic
procedures. Questions will be designed to achieve a balance between species,
systems, and diseases.
(d) Cytology
This
section of the examination tests the candidate's understanding of cytology.
It will consist of three sections, approximately 25 multiple choice questions,
25 questions on projected photomicrographs, and evaluation of 15 cytology
glass slides. Required answers include a complete description, a
morphologic and an etiologic (if appropriate) diagnosis, or appropriate
differential diagnosis with suggestions for additional diagnostic
procedures. Questions will be designed to achieve a balance between species,
systems, and diseases.
Pass-fail
lines for the examination are determined prior to the examination.
For each part a grade of 60 percent or more is a passing mark.
7.2 Organisation of the Examination
The
examination will be held every year at a location in Europe and will be
taken in the English language.
7.3 Withdrawal /Illness
Withdrawal
prior to the examination, or failure to appear for the examination will
not constitute an attempt to sit all or any part(s) of the exam, but will
count as one of the years for which repeat candidates are eligible to
pass any previously failed part(s). A candidate's illness during preparation
for, or during the actual examination, will not be considered a valid
reason to waive the rules of the College. In the event a candidate starts,
