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Oct 25th,
2000
Secretary, European Board
of Veterinary Specialization
c/o : Federation of Veterinarians in Europe
Rue Defacqz 1
B 1000 Bruxelles - Belgique
Phone: +32 2 538 2963 - Fax: +32 2 537 2828
email: fve@pophost.eunet.be
Regarding: Response
to EBVS regarding basis for ESVCP intent to apply for establishment of European
College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology that is independent of ECVP and ECVIM-CA
To whom it may concern:
Please consider this submission
by the executive committee of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology
(ESVCP) as a response to the EBVS enquiry for further information indicating
the need for independence of the speciality of European Veterinary Clinical
Pathology from existing colleges. As VCP works most closely with both ECVIM-CA
and ECVP, these two colleges are primarily considered in this document.
This document is submitted
after considerable collegiate discussion, consideration by, and interaction
between, members of this society and senior members of ECVP, ECVIM-CA, ACVP,
ESVP, ISACB, ESCCP and ASVCP.
Sincerely,
Peter J. O'Brien,
BSc, DVM, MS, PhD, DVSc,
MRCVS, DACVP (Clin Path, Tox Path), FRCPath,
President ESVCP,
On Behalf of the Executive Committee of the ESVCP
Evidence that European Veterinary Clinical
Pathology is a distinct, identifiable speciality based on knowledge and practice
and should be an Independent College
Summary
The information herein indicates
why the speciality of VCP should be established as a new college. VCP should
form a new college for the following reasons:
1) There
is a compelling and widespread need for establishment of the speciality of VCP
in Europe.
2) VCP
has evolved over the last generation to be clearly distinct and identifiable
from all other veterinary specialities in its knowledge base and practices.
There are no specialities of existing colleges that have a knowledge base and
practices that significantly overlap VCP.
3) There
are precedents for establishment by EBVS of independent colleges for specialities
like VCP based on the degree of its distinctiveness and identifiability in knowledge
base and practice, and for its meeting other EBVS criteria .
4) Formation
of an independent European college of VCP is compatible with other models. VCP
is treated by the Royal College of Pathologists as equivalently distinctive
and identifiable as Veterinary Pathology. The incentives for formation of the
American model a generation ago are no longer in place and VCP has evolved into
a distinctive and identifiable speciality.
5) There
is strong majority support by representative practitioners of VCP across Europe
for the establishment of an independent college. There is widespread recognition
by members of existing colleges, including ECVIM-CA, ECVP and ASVCP, that VCP
has an unique, distinctive and identifiable knowledge base and practices.
6) Establishment
of an independent European College of VCP would enhance the recognition and
credibility of this speciality and accelerate its development. Because of the
critical importance of VCP in veterinary medicine, this would substantially
and positively impact on the veterinary profession. There is no real need of
existing colleges to include VCP, nor substantive value to 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.
7) Effective
practice of VCP requires interaction with specialists from both ECVIM-CA and
ECVP, with VCP functionally occupying an intermediary position between the two
other specialities. Each has a distinctive knowledge base, practical skills,
concepts, processes, and technology that inhibit regulation of one speciality
by another. However, because of the close working relationship of the three
specialities, optimal establishment of an independent college requires significant
input from representatives of both the ECVIM-CA and ECVP.
1) Compelling Need to Establish
the Speciality of VCP
VCP focuses
on the diagnostic laboratory procedures for monitoring animal health and the diagnosis,
treatment and monitoring of animal disease. Conduct of VCP is a mandatory requirement
of the practice of veterinary medicine in every European veterinary school and
veterinary clinic, and in every animal diagnostic laboratory operating commercially
and in industry. However, lack of formal recognition of VCP in Europe and of European
training and certifying standards has resulted in European needs for VCP not been
addressed. This has resulted in a critical shortage of practitioners of this speciality.
A national, advisory committee
on veterinary specialisation1 recently (1995) produced a discussion paper on
VCP that aptly summarises the European situation. The committee concluded that
there were
a) low numbers of veterinary-trained clinical pathologists
b) lack of accredited training opportunities
c) lack of appropriate examination structure
d) poor perception of VCP as a veterinary clinical and scientific speciality
Similar conclusions as
above including the need to establish an independent European College of VCP
have been reached by the various European societies of VCP: the ESVCP2-4,
the ISACB (International Society of Animal Clinical Biochemists)5,
and the AECCP (Association of European Comparative Clinical Pathologists)6.
Furthermore, our American counterparts also support and advocate our establishment
of a new college rather than becoming a subspeciality of ECVP.7
No existing European College
has addressed the needs of VCP in Europe. This mission has been undertaken
today by the European Veterinary Clinical Pathologists themselves, as they have
now united, and reached critical mass. They are now applying to establish an
independent college of veterinary clinical pathologists.
Training Need. The
ESVCP survey indicates that more than ~60% of European practicing veterinary
clinical pathologists have been unable to acquire appropriate training in Europe3.
More than 20% have received no formal training, with an additional ~25% having
received less than the 3 years formal training that considered necessary for
certifying a veterinary clinical pathologist3. To obtain training, ~30% of European
veterinary clinical pathologists have had to go to the US or Canada3.
Certification Need.
More than 83% of European practicing veterinary clinical pathologists have no
form of certification in veterinary clinical pathology3. The remainder claim
national certification of expertise in this speciality. There is no Europe-wide
certifying body for veterinary clinical pathologists.
Employment Need. Currently,
based on the ESVCP survey3, there are at least 21 full-time employment positions
available for veterinary clinical pathologists, with a further 49 likely to
become available in the near future1. Many of these positions are in academia,
but clinical pathologists are also needed in industry, commercial diagnostic
laboratories and private veterinary clinics1.
Current Needs Frequently
Met by Non-specialists In the absence of a regulatory European body for
veterinary clinical pathology, positions in European Veterinary schools, veterinary
diagnostic laboratories, and industry are frequently filled by non-specialists.
These positions have frequently had to be filled by persons trained in / qualified
with internal medicine (ECVIM-CA) or pathology (ECVP) or non-veterinary clinical
chemists and haematologists.
Timing The information
in this document indicates that the need for a European College of Veterinary
Clinical Pathology (ECVCP) is immediate and this need is growing. The current
need is accentuated by the time period between establishment of the ECVCP and
its admission by examination of the first group of Veterinary Clinical Pathologists
that are trained and experienced according to ECVCP standards. The formation
of the ECVCP at this time is also appropriate to the timing of the establishment
of the two colleges to which veterinary clinical pathology is critically linked,
namely ECVIM-CA and ECVP. Finally, in addition to need, there is critical mass
and call for the formation of an independent college.
2) VCP is a speciality
with distinct and identifiable knowledge base and practices
VCP is not a subspecialty
of any other college, including ECVIM-CA and ECVP. VCP is a distinct and
identifiable speciality that is separate from, but interactive with, both of
the other specialities. There is only minor overlap in knowledge and practice.
The sharing of the word
"Pathology" in the names of the specialities of VCP and of the ECVP does not
indicate that one is a subspeciality of the other. It reflects the historical
origins of VCP from microscopic pathology a generation ago, the continuing close
interaction between cytology practitioners and practitioners of ECVP histopathology,
as well as the reliance of both groups on pathophysiological information. However,
VCP has evolved into a distinct and identifiable speciality over the last generation
with the advent of modern laboratory science, technology, and practices which
largely constitute VCP today. Also, the VCP subspeciality of cytology and the
ECVP subspeciality of histopathology differ in knowledge base and practice,
and there is widespread agreement that expertise in one of these subspecialities
does not qualify a professional for practice in the other subspeciality. Close
interaction of practioners of these two subspecialities develop because cytological
and histopathological approaches provide different but complementary data for
diagnostic and prognostic evaluations. Finally, both specialities, like for
other EBVS colleges, rely on general pathophysiological knowledge for interpretation
of data. However, the emphasis of the ECVP speciality on morphology and the
emphasis of VCP on cytology, biochemistry and laboratory science create different
needs for training, knowledge, and understanding.
There is a wide basis
for the distinctive and identifiable nature of the knowledge and practice of
VCP compared to specialities of other colleges .
(a) Different
methodologies and technologies.
The methodologies and technologies of clinical biochemistry and haematology
are unique to VCP and used exclusively in VCP. The third major subspecialty
of VCP, cytology, although occasionally practiced by ECVP or ECVIM-CA specialists,
is not taught nor examined on for membership in the ECVP and ECVIM-CA. Furthermore,
the VCP subspeciality of cytology and the ECVP subspeciality of histopathology
are substantially different, and there is wide agreement that expertise or
certification in one of these subspecialities cannot qualify a professional
to practice in the other.
(b) Emphasis
on laboratory management.
In VCP there is strong emphasis on laboratory management, including selection
and validation of analytical instruments and methods, quality control and
assurance, generating reference range data, and quantitative data analysis.
(c) Knowledge
base
Necropsy, surgical pathology, and histopathology are the main "subspecialties
/ areas of expertise" for ECVP. These subspecialities are substantially different
in knowledge base and practices for the main subspecialities of VCP, namely
clinical biochemistry, haematology and cytology.
(d) Fundamental
conceptual approaches
The fundamental conceptual approaches of the major subspecialities of VCP
differ from those of the ECVP subspecialities. Persons cross-trained in both
specialities are rare (eg only 2% of ~1300 of ACVP members). The use of different
knowledges and practices leads to different emphasis of the major subspecialities
of VCP compared to the different subspecialities of ECVP:
anatomical versus clinical (VCP),
post-mortem (necropsy, histopathology) versus ante-mortem (all
),
invasive versus relatively non-invasive,
used primarily in diagnosis versus also readily used for screening
(eg herds) and serial monitoring
morphological (necropsy, histopathology) versus functional (clinical
biochemistry),
tissue (histology) versus cellular (haematology and cytology)
qualitative (descriptive morphology) versus quantitative (biochemistry
and haematology),
manual (necropsy, microscopy) versus automated (biochemistry
and haematology autoanalysers)
lower-throughput (necropsy, microscopy) versus higher-throughput
(biochemistry and haematology autoanalysers)
used primarily for individual (cases) versus also readily used for
epidemiological studies
(e) Species
relevant to speciality
ECVIM-CA is restricted to companion animals, but practice of VCP additionally
encompasses agricultural, equine, laboratory, aquatic and exotic animals.
Major redefinition of an
existing college would be required for it to include VCP. The following journals,
proceedings, ECVP/ESVP websites, ECVP examination and survey document
that the ECVP and their meetings and journals do not provide training, continuing
education, or scientific forum for Veterinary Clinical Pathologists. European
VCP is primarily associated with Internal Medicine or Biochemistry Departments
rather than Departments of Pathology.
(a) Proceedings
of the 18 annual meetings of the European Society of Veterinary Pathology
(ESVP) document that less than 5% of the plenary lectures, papers, and
abstracts concern VCP. There is insufficient clinical pathology material presented
to warrant the attendance of a Veterinary Clinical Pathologist for continuing
education purposes in VCP or presentation of new information in VCP.
(b) The 18
issues of the European Journal of Veterinary Pathology published to date
contain less than 5% papers concerning VCP. There is insufficient clinical
pathology material presented to warrant subscription of the journal by a Veterinary
Clinical Pathologist for continuing education purposes in VCP. Similarly,
this journal is not favoured for Veterinary Clinical Pathologists to submit
their work for publication. The primary journal of the ESVCP and ASVCP is
Veterinary Clinical Pathology. The Journal of Comparative Haematology International
(in process of name change to include clinical biochemistry) is also favoured
by veterinary clinical pathologists.
(c) In European
Veterinary Schools (see attached table of 57 European veterinary schools
surveyed)8, VCP is practised from the Medicine Department or Medicine
Section for 65% of schools and from Biochemistry Departments or Sections for
23% of schools. In only 21% of schools, VCP is practised from Pathology Departments
or Sections.
(d) ECVP training
programs (http://www.bris.ac.uk/pathandmicro/eurovet/ecvp.htm) do not
contain significant training in VCP. Prescribed reference materials do not
include a Clinical Pathology textbook nor journal. ECVP candidates do not
receive training nor examination in Cytology, nor in Clinical Biochemistry
nor Haematology, which comprise the primary subspecialties of clinical pathology.
Cytology is the primary functional competence where some Veterinary Pathologists
have overlapped in their functional role with Veterinary Clinical Pathologists
(http://www.bris.ac.uk/pathandmicro/eurovet/ecvp.htm).
Since training and practice
within ECVIM-CA is restricted to companion animals, it does not include training
and practice of VCP for large animals, equine, laboratory animals, avian,
and exotic species.
3) Precedence well-established
for similarly qualified specialities
There are precedents for establishment
by EBVS of independent colleges for specialities like VCP based on the degree
of its distinctiveness and identifiability in knowledge base and practice and
for its meeting other EBVS criteria.
Although there is substantial
interaction of VCP with other specialities, especially of ECVIM-CA and ECVP,
VCP is distinctive and identifiable. For example, veterinary colleges have formed
separately due primarily to focus on different systems (eg Neurology,
Dermatology, and Opthalmology), different practices (eg Surgery, Anaesthesia,
Dentistry, Diagnostic Imaging, Pathology), different species (eg Laboratory
Animal Medicine, possibly Equine Medicine) and different knowledge base
(eg Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology). VCP is distinctively and identifiably
different from specialities of other colleges, including ECVP and ECVIM-CA on
all of these grounds.
The relevant EBVS criteria
for formation of a new college have been met or could easily be met as outlined
in the Letter of Intent to the EBVS2.
4) Formation of independent
European college of VCP is compatible with other models.
British and American models
support VCP as a speciality with distinctive and identifiable knowledge base
and practices. VCP is treated by the Royal College of Pathologists as equivalently
distinctive and identifiable as Veterinary Pathology. The drivers for formation
of the American model a generation ago are no longer in place and VCP has evolved
into a distinctive and identifiable speciality.
VCP is Treated by the RCP
as distinct and identifiable as Veterinary Pathology. The Royal College of
Pathologists (RCP) in the UK recognises VCP as a distinct and identifiable
discipline separate from Veterinary Pathology.
(a) The RCP
is an umbrella organisation certifying professionals in many different disciplines,
of which Veterinary Pathology and VCP are included as minor and equivalent
disciplines but are clearly separated and distinguished in all regards (http://www.rcpath.org/recruitment/introduction.html)
from each other as well as from the 8 other disciplines included under its
loose definition of Pathology. The RCP defines pathology in a substantially
different way than the ECVP, stating that Pathology comprises five main disciplines:
Chemical Pathology (clinical biochemistry), Haematology, Histopathology, Immunology,
and Virology and Medical Microbiology, and several minor disciplines including
Genetics, Toxicology, Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, as well as Veterinary
Pathology and VCP.
(b) The RCP
has a separate 3 year training programme and 2-part VCP examination for
certification of veterinarians as clinical pathologists. There is no significant
overlap between this training and examination and that for Veterinary Pathology
or any of the many other varied specialities that the RCP certifies under
the umbrella of "Pathology".
(c) In a survey
of the UK (results to be released)3 73% of 15 respondents stated
strong preference that they be recognised as Veterinary Clinical Pathologists
in an independent European College of VCP and not as a subspecialty of either
ECVP nor ECVIM-CA. Four respondents were certified Veterinary Pathologists
and desired to have VCP be a subspeciality of Veterinary Pathology.
Whereas the American College
of Veterinary Pathology (ACVP) model (in which VCP and Veterinary Anatomic
Pathology are the two specialities of ACVP) has been effective in North America,
it is not an appropriate model for Europe. Support for this statement is indicated
below and by a letter of support from the American Society of Veterinary Clinical
Pathology7.
(a) Primary
drivers for making VCP an ACVP speciality in the US are not found in Europe.
VCP became a speciality of the ACVP in 1972 when it was primarily a microscopic
speciality practiced by veterinary pathologists. This was before the advent
of modern laboratory science, technology, and practices which largely constitute
VCP today. It was before cytology had been established as a subspeciality.
Evolutionary growth of VCP over the last 30 years has been profound and has
progressively separated the two specialities of VCP and Veterinary Pathology
to the point where they have long been distinctive and identifiable from each
other. Thus, in Europe today, unlike the time in the US when VCP became an
ACVP speciality, VCP is not practiced by veterinary pathologists.
(b) The affiliation
of VCP in Europe contrasts with that of the USA. Unlike the USA, VCP in
Europe is more associated with Internal Medicine than with Veterinary Pathology
(anatomic pathology). However, also unlike the American model (ACVIM), the
current ECVIM-CA is limited to companion animals.
(c) Unlike
in North America, there is no significant amount of cross-training in
Europe between Veterinary Anatomic Pathologists and Veterinary Clinical Pathologists.
In fact, in Europe most Clinical Pathology is practiced from Departments of
Medicine or of Biochemistry, rather than from within departments of pathology.
Furthermore, there is no significant amount of clinical pathology in the journals,
conferences, and training programs for the ECVP.
(d) The Board
examination process in VCP is separated from anatomic pathology. Although
the two disciplines have a common section (general pathology), the other three
exam sections are distinct. A candidate eligible to take the anatomic pathology
exam is not eligible for the clinical pathology exam and vice versa. According
to the ACVP, training programs and preparation for the certifying examination
are separate for clinical pathology and anatomic pathology. "For veterinary
pathology, this usually relates to the performance and interpretation of gross,
histopathologic, histochemical, immunohistochemical, molecular biological
and ultrastructural examinations and correlating results with clinical findings
and clinical laboratory data. For veterinary clinical pathology, this usually
relates to the performance and interpretation of cytologic, biochemical, immunological
and molecular biological examinations of blood, urine, exudates, and other
specimens obtained from the animal as well as histopathologic evaluation of
surgical biopsy specimens. Interpretation includes correlating test results
with clinical findings." (see Training and Preparation for Certifying Examination
at www.afip.org/acvp/examprep.html).
5) The large majority of
European practitioners of VCP advocate an independent college
Survey of European Veterinary
Clinical Pathologists indicates they overwhelmingly believe that European VCP
should achieve speciality status as an independent College and not as a subspecialty
of either ECVP or ECVIM-CA
(a) In a survey
of ESVCP members (see attached file)3 in which 96 representatives
from 29 veterinary schools in 17 countries and 15 diagnostic laboratories
responded, there was an overwhelming vote (74% of 69 voting) for formation
of a European College of VCP that was independent of the ECVP and ECVIM-CA.
Approximately 10% persons voted for becoming a subspecialty of ECVIM-CA and
14% voted for becoming a subspecialty of ECVP. Of those voting for establishing
a subspecialty, most were members of the College that proposed subspecialisation
in and were veterinary pathologists and not veterinary clinical pathologists.
b) ESVCP Survey respondents
stated convincing reasons for formation of an independent European College of
VCP were as follows.
to achieve greater depth
of knowledge,
to achieve greater development
of the various areas within the discipline of VCP (eg haematology, clinical
biochemistry, cytology, laboratory
management),
achieve greater recognition
and credibility of the discipline,
enable greater coverage of
species,
VCP is too specialised and
too diverse to fit into either existing college,
VCP involves training in
and understanding of laboratory management and quality control and quality assurance
programmes.
In addition, veterinarians
trained in clinical pathology have to be able to work on standardisation of
laboratory methods, validation of methods designed for use in man to animals,
method comparison studies, and establishment of lab reference ranges
VCP requires an independent
and specialised training and knowledge, to best enable training of skilled professionals
needed throughout Europe,
It would still be possible
to forge strong links with other appropriate colleges, the other options would
tend to disenfranchise certain members (ie ECVIM-CA members would not want to
be part of Pathology and equally ECVP members would not want to be part of ECVIM-CA),
VCP is too distantly related
to Internal Medicine and Pathology,
there are sufficient numbers
of European veterinarians working in the field of VCP in Europe to do so, as
indicated by the numbers of members of other European Colleges of Veterinary
Specialisation
the EBVS criteria for doing
so have been met
the advantages of being part
of a bigger body are few and unconvincing
ACVP members indicate that
there is substantial uncommon ground between Veterinary Pathology and VCP
6) Establishment of an
independent European College would accelerate VCP development
This will have no adverse affect
on existing colleges, whereas establishment of VCP as a subspeciality of an
existing college may have an inhibitory effect on development of VCP and the
existing college. Because of the critical importance of VCP in veterinary medicine
this would substantially, positively impact on the profession with respect to
quality or service and employment opportunities.
Establishment of an independent
European College of VCP would enhance the recognition and credibility of
this speciality and accelerate its development, since development of VCP in
Europe has suffered until now by not being formally recognised. There is no
real need of existing colleges to include VCP nor much value to doing so. Establishment
of VCP as a sub-speciality of an existing college would be inhibitory to the
development of VCP and likely to the speciality of that college which would
need to be redefined, including its constitution, training and examination programs,
and probably its name.
Existing Colleges Would
Need to Be Dramatically Changed to Include VCP. The large differences described
above in knowledge base and practical skills between VCP and ECVP or ECVIM-CA
are reflected in the constitution, training programs and certifying examinations
of these colleges. Accordingly, the existing colleges would have to undergo
major change in these areas, and likely in their name and mission to include
VCP as a subspecialty.
Fewer specialists of VCP
than of ECVIM-CA or ECVP because VCP uses automated, high-throughput technologies
and medical laboratory technologists. Consequently, there is less influence
of VCP, and failure of this speciality to develop. Although clinical pathology
is indispensable to the practice of veterinary medicine, the standard technologies
it uses are automated and high-throughput (excepting some areas in cytology
and haematology). Consequently the number of Clinical Pathologists is less than
the number of Pathology or Internal Medicine specialists for a veterinary hospital.
Furthermore, because some of the technologies of VCP are not directly operated
by clinical pathologists, but by laboratory technologists, data may be generated
and interpretations proposed by Internists and Pathologists whom are not qualified
in VCP. However, such data and interpretations are significantly limited, and
thus the application of VCP is significantly limited in Europe, as qualified
clinical pathologists are required to ensure appropriate and quality management
of generation of data and its accurate and full interpretation.
The smaller number of Clinical
Pathologists due to use of advanced technology and laboratory technologists
and interpretation of data by unqualified staff, has substantially contributed
to the failure of VCP to develop in Europe. This situation would continue
or VCP progression as a discipline would be restricted if it were absorbed
into Internal Medicine or Anatomic Pathology - especially as these two disciplines
are so distinctively and identifiably different in so many ways from VCP.
Stated reasons for establishing
VCP as a subspecialty of ECVP or ECVIM-CA are not compelling3,4,
reflect a minority of ESVCP member views, and are primarily attributable to
members of other existing specialists.
Critical Mass? "There are insufficient numbers" This is clearly not
the case based on the number of practising Veterinary Clinical Pathologist
and the number of members of existing European Colleges of Veterinary Specialisation.
US Model? "VCP is part of Veterinary Pathology in the US and this model
works" Please see above indicating that the US model not appropriate for Europe.
Ease of formation? "Simplest, quickest, least expensive and easiest
route to justify." The simplest, quickest, easiest and least expensive route
does not equate with best route. As this document indicates, this route would
be clearly detrimental to the optimal evolution of VCP. Forming a separate
college would be sufficiently simple, quick, easy and affordable. Criteria
required by EBVS can be readily met. In establishment of a European College
of VCP, published documents on establishment and operation of other European
Colleges already established can be used as guidelines and as partial models.
Similarity? "Considerable overlap between VCP & ECVP in general pathology,
surgical pathology, histological correlates, & linkage to basic sciences."
ECVIM-CA restricted to companion animals whereas VCP also includes laboratory,
agricultural, aquatic, & exotic animals. There are wide gaps between VCP &
ECVIM-CA / ECVP in knowledge base, practical skills, concepts, processes,
& technology. Gaps between VCP & ECVIM-CA & ECVP remain & are widening with
growth & modernisation (i) development & validation of new methodologies &
technologies (eg molecular biology, automation, computerisation), (ii) laboratory
(operations, data, & quality) management, (iii) testing more species.
Effect on European Veterinary Specialisation? "Prevention of further
fragmentation of European veterinary specialisation" European VCP is a bona
fide, distinct, and identifiable speciality supported by a base of scientific
knowledge & practice with a sufficient body of potential diplomates.
Identity and impact? "Can give critical mass, & hence more power &
impact, to clinical pathology as well as to ECVP / ECVIM-CA. European VCP
could have independent and tailored training programs and examinations within
existing colleges" Where objectives are in common, influence is enhanced by
association with ECVIM-CA or ECVP, but this does not require ECVP to be incorporated
into another college. Reflects that VCP is a speciality requiring training,
knowledge, skills, practices, and technology that are substantially distinct
from those in ECVIM-CA and ECVP. EVCIM-CA / ECVP can't offer depth & breath
of knowledge that a complete VCP training can. Independence facilitates development
(subspecialisation and modernisation) and recruitment. Collegial independence
also enables greater independence of action and greater freedom from potential
domination / bias. Maximise influence and impact. Yields greater credibility
to the speciality. Yields appropriate professional and regulatory recognition.
7) Effective practice of
VCP requires interaction with specialists from both ECVIM-CA and ECVP
with VCP functionally occupying
an intermediary position between the two other specialities. Each has distinctive
knowledge base, practical skills, concepts, processes, and technology that inhibits
regulation of one speciality by another. Strong professional ties and daily
interaction and closely working together of professionals of the three specialities
of is required for the optimal practice of Veterinary Medicine and should be
facilitated by the independent formation of a European College of VCP. Currently
members of both ECVIM-CA and ECVP indicate preference to include VCP within
their respective college whereas most practitioners of VCP have prefer independence
of either college.3 Strong alliance and daily collaboration of VCP
with ECVIM & ECVP members does not require that VCP be a subspeciality of either
college. However, because of the close working relationship of the three specialities,
optimal establishment of an independent college requires significant input from
representatives of both the ECVIM-CA and ECVP, such as was collected in the
comprehensive European survey on the conduct of VCP and in the preparation of
this document.
Finally, it is noteworthy that information reported within this document and
from related discussions indicates some need and willingness to coordinate and
co-locate annual congresses of VCP, ECVIM-CA and ECVP.
References and Attachments
- Kelly, DF. Veterinary
Clinical Pathology. The Bulletin of the College of Veterinary Pathologists.
Number 89. Jan 1995 pp16-17.
- ESVCP Letter of Intent
to obtain EBVS recognition of a new college, the European College of Veterinary
Clinical Pathologists.
- Survey of European Veterinary
Clinical Pathologists by ESVCP Working Group on Establishing a College of
Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
- Pros and Cons of Specialisation
of European Veterinary Clinical Pathology: Subspecialise from ECVIM-CA /
ECVP or Form a Separate College?
- Letter of support from
International Society of Animal Clinical Biochemistry (ISACB)
- Letter of support from
Association of European Comparative Clinical Pathologists (AECCP).
- Letter of support from
American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP).
- Survey by ESVCP of Departments
practising Veterinary Clinical Pathology in European Veterinary Schools.
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