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Post by Debbie Blackwelder on Jul 2, 2014 12:43:15 GMT -7
Veterinary Regional Referral Hospital
2117 Veterans Dr SE, Decatur, AL (256) 350-7001
Michael E. Newman, DVM, MS Dr. Newman is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine and a master’s degree in veterinary surgery. He also obtained a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from North Carolina State University. Dr. Newman completed a two-year internship at Grady Veterinary Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio with mentoring by surgeons from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He also completed a residency in surgery at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, and became part of the Auburn faculty while completing his master’s degree and his surgical residency. Dr. Newman is president of Veterinary Regional Referral Hospital, P.C. and as the lead surgeon he brings over 30 years of experience to the organization. He is actively involved in the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and currently serves as the AVMA’s District 3 Representative serving Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi.
[Editor's Note: Dodgerslist in general recommends board certified vets for spinal cord surgery, the most delicate and tricky of surgeries.]
What is Board Certified?
When looking for a vet or surgeon, patients generally see many alphabet credentials and certifications in a title. Many times these credentials are confusing, and there is little opportunity to weigh the relative value of seemingly similar credentials.
With a four year general practice veterinary DVM degree and a license, a vet may practice any kind of medicine or surgery with or without additional special training.
The American Veterinary Medical Association mandates the use of “specialist” be reserved only for veterinarians who have completed advanced study to become a “diplomate” , board certified. Diplomates have completed an additional coursework, approved residency and passed the board’s exam and may rightly then use ACVIM or ACVS in their title.
ACVIM (Neurology) indicates having completed board certification from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. These veterinary surgeons are specialists in neurological diseases such as IVDD.
ACVS indicates having completed board certification from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. These vets are specialists in orthopedics (injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves)
While many vets who are family practice DVMs (not board certified) might offer neurological surgery, board certification is a good standard by which to measure competence and training.
You can be confident that vets who are board certified (ACVIM or ACVS) have at a minimum the proper training in their specialty and have demonstrated their proficiency through supervision and testing. While there are many non-board certified vets who are highly competent, it is more difficult for a dog owner to assess the level of their training. Naturally, board certification alone does not guarantee competence, but it is a standard that reflects successful completion of an appropriate training program.
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Post by Lisa & Tucker on Nov 6, 2014 14:46:09 GMT -7
Hi All, My name is Lisa and I just wanted to add to this post. Tucker had his surgery at the same hospital. Dr. Kathleen Mullins, DVM, ACVS (Small Animals) did his and she was wonderful. I don't know all her creditials vrrh.org/2013/04/497/ but I'm sure she is just as qualified as Dr. Newman but probably not as many years experience as him (she looks a lot younger). Also, she must be good because she is in with Dr. Newman.
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