Why visit a specialist?

The American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) is an organization of about 300 veterinarians certified as specialists in dermatology. The college is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association and must maintain the highest standards to maintain certification. These certified members are granted Diplomate status by meeting rigorous criteria.

To be eligible for Diplomate status, a veterinarian must have completed an internship program (one year) and an ACVD-accredited residency program (three years). This includes extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology of the skin, clinical case management of difficult dermatologic cases, research, excellence in microscopic examination of dermatologic tissues, and pharmacology.

After the successful completion of the required residency training, the certification process includes requirements for original research, publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentations at national dermatology conferences, and demonstration of excellent case management.

The final step in the certification process is the successful completion of a multi-day comprehensive examination administered by the ACVD college. Only those “dermatologists” with Diplomate status (Dip. ACVD or DACVD) are recognized as experts in veterinary dermatology and otology by the medical community.

Please take the time to get to know Dr. Austin Richman and our veterinary dermatologists.