EBVS Addendum to the Code of Conduct for Veterinary Specialists
- Definition Veterinary Generalist and Specialist
In this document the term Veterinary Specialist refers to a veterinarian who is a Diploma holder of a European College of a Veterinary Specialty that is governed and recognized by the European Board of Veterinary Specialization (EBVS) (see annex of colleges). A Veterinary Specialist has gained knowledge and skills in a specialized field of veterinary medicine through a rigorous examination and credentialing processand has kept up to date and maintained their certification in their area of expertise. The term Resident refers to a veterinarian who is enrolled in an EBVS approved trainingprogramme to become a Veterinary Specialist. All other veterinarians are referred to as Veterinary Generalists.
- Veterinary Specialists & Animals
Veterinary Specialists should undertake veterinary services in their special area of expertise, for animals under their care, to the highest level of professional specialist standards, with procedures adapted appropriately for the individual animals. Veterinary Specialists should know their limitations and only operate at their level of capability. This involves referring animals to Veterinary Specialists of other specialties and/or to Veterinary Generalists when the case expectations exceed their capabilities. Veterinary Specialists should acknowledge the required expertise for first opinion case care and only undertake veterinary services if they understand the nature of the cases and associated investigations.
- Veterinary Specialists & Veterinary Profession
Veterinary Specialists rely on cooperation with Veterinary Generalists and other Veterinary Specialists, particularly for referral of cases. The decision to refer a case to, or accept referral of a case from another veterinarian should be guided by the best interest of the animal, the client and the general public. This decision should be taken using their personal and independent judgement, after taking into account all relevant circumstances, without any application of personal interest or external influence.
A referral process can be a physical referral an animal, where the animal is directly seen by referred to veterinarians at their premises or a telemedicine service, where the animal is not directly referred but veterinary services are given remotely in the form of interpretation of diagnostic tests and advice for procedures. Veterinary Specialists should accept direct or telemedicine referrals to them, or initiate direct or telemedicine referrals to other veterinarians, as most appropriate for the case.
Veterinary Specialists should communicate with veterinarians they have received a referral from or sent a referral to, regularly and in a timely manner about the case care to ensure optimal patient outcome. If a patient death occurs this needs to be communicated immediately with the other veterinarian in the referral process, unless instructed otherwise by the client.
Veterinary Specialists, who have received a referral case and performed the specialist level veterinary services, should refer cases back to the referring veterinarian or other veterinarians, as most appropriate for the case.
Veterinary Specialists should be respectful of copyright, patent and trademark laws and not claim credit for any development of techniques or discoveries that are not their own. Veterinary Specialists should always appropriately acknowledgeuse of ideas, techniques and devices developed by others.
4. Veterinary Specialists & Veterinary Specialist Training
Veterinary Specialists who are involved in training the next generation of specialists (Residents) have particular responsibilities. Veterinary Specialists who are Resident Supervisors should lead Residents by example by showing the highest level of professionalism, ethical and moral standards. They shouldnurture and support Residents under their supervision and treat Residents with fairness and respect. Resident Supervisors shall not allow, promote or enable any actions by Residents that would breach any moral and ethical standards for Residents and their training programme and actions that would threaten the integrity of the training certification progress and examination procedures. If Resident Supervisors gain knowledge of malpractice of Residents, they are obliged to report this to the appropriate member of the Board of the Veterinary Specialty College.