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2012-2013 President’s State of the College and Financial Report Virginia Buechner-Maxwell, June 2013

In the past two years, our College has experienced a myriad of changes, starting with a management and organizational review conducted in 2010 by Management Advisors. The results of that study indicated that the membership of the ACVIM was growing and diversifying in ways that required us to rethink the managerial structure of our organization. Since that time, the Board of Regents, along with our Chief Executive Officer, Roberta Herman, has worked toward making the business side of our organization more efficient and effective. Developing better methods for identifying and responding to the needs of our members has also been a high priority. In addition, the volunteer members of our committees and task forces continue to devote their time and expertise to assure that the processes of residency training, credentialing, continuing education, and member support continue to meet the high expectations of our diplomates and our profession. And, of course, none of this would be possible without the ACVIM staff members. In the following paragraphs, the major changes in our business and financial structure are summarized, and some of the activities of our committees are described later in this document. These accomplishments are a tribute to effective work performed by our community and serve to define future directions for the ACVIM.

I. Overview of College OperationsApproximately 18 months ago, Roberta Herman joined the ACVIM as the Chief Executive Officer. Since that time, the central office has experienced a complete restructuring. A handbook of job descriptions and detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) has been established for most of the major activities supported by the ACVIM. On February 12, 2013 a new website was launched, and this winter the diplomate and candidate profile and transaction data was successfully transferred to a new system supported by Euclid Technology, utilizing their flagship software, Clear vantage. This new system offers more diverse functionality, integrates with the new website, and allows for greater accessibility to our information than the Robust system it replaced. We have gone green with most of our communications, including the use of electronic document submission and paperless ballots. In the face of all of this positive change, the College’s administrative costs have declined, and the College’s financial worth has grown.

Many changes have also been implemented that have improved our management of the College’s finances. The transition from cash to an accrual method of accounting has been completed. Because of the organization’s yearly financial ebb and flow, the accrual method provides a more accurate (and conservative) picture of the state of the ACVIM’s finances at any given time. A Chart of Accounts was introduced last summer which categorized the ACVIM budget into 7 “cost centers”. This method for displaying the ACVIM budget is easier to understand and facilitates monetary tracking. For the first time in many years, the annual budget plan was completed and approved before the start of the fiscal year (October 1). An SOP for budget development was also constructed and has already been employed to construct the timeline template for 2013-2014 budget development. An official process for submitting budget requests from Committee Chairs, Specialty Presidents, and Other Board Members is now also part of the budget development process and allows for better financial planning, a more equitable distribution of funds, and a more thorough deliberation of each request. An in-depth annual review of the past fiscal year (2011-2012) was conducted at the November Board meeting and the new guidelines that were approved in June 2012 were applied to our budget as part of this review. The guidelines were generally fulfilled for the past fiscal year and a detailed description is included later in this report.

Last summer, the ACVIM Investment Advisory Committee issued a “request for proposal” to a number of investment advisory firms for the purpose of comparing our current company (USB Financial Services Inc.) to that of others who have worked with accounts of similar size as the ACVIM. The process has allowed the committee members to compare fees, philosophies, and services provided by an array of companies, and has stimulated a reassessment of our overall investment purpose and goals. During the June meeting, the Board will consider dedicating a portion of the upcoming November meeting towards better defining our financial goals and management, as well as examining

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ways in which the College’s money can be used to better accomplish our missions. A more detailed description of the current College financial status is provided in the body of this report.

The ACVIM Foundation staff has also undergone significant restructuring the past year. In 2012, the Foundation Board of Directors determined that the most effective way to meet the financial responsibilities of the Foundation was to place it under the guidance of the ACVIM CEO. The details of this arrangement were worked out by a task force comprised of members from both the College’s Board of Regents and the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The general design suggested by the Task Force has allowed the Foundation to continue to function with a great deal of autonomy, while relieving it of costly administrative redundancies. These changes, along with the financial success of new initiatives like the Silent Auction have resulted in a significant improvement in the economic status of the Foundation. As evidence of improved financial health, the Foundation’s budget demonstrated an actual year-to-date net income of $124,274 (in contrast to the budget prediction of a net loss of $36,040) for the first quarter of the 2012-2013 fiscal year. More information regarding the changes and success of the Foundation is provided later in this report.

Additional events of the past year include the completion of the Corona Insight Surveys with oversight by the Marketing and Communications Committee; the development of the “Associate Status” by the International Relations Committee which was approved by the Board last summer; establishment of guidelines for recertification by the Maintenance of Certification Task Force; and the formation of the Residency Training Oversight and the Joint ACVS-ACVIM Task Forces. These and other activities are described in greater detail within this document. As you examine the information in this document, keep in mind that the ACVIM is your organization and your opinion counts. Consider how the ACVIM can better serve your needs and make sure to let us know.

II. Mission and Purpose of the ACVIM and its DiplomatesThe following statements serve as a reminder of the purpose of this organization and the role that we play as diplomates in shaping its current and future directions.

M i ss i on St a te me nt: The mission of the ACVIM is to enhance animal and human health by advancing veterinary internal medicine through training, education, and discovery.

Pu r pos e s of t h e A CVI M : The purposes of the ACVIM are to advance knowledge of animal health and diseases and to foster the continued development of specialty veterinary care in large animal internal medicine, small animal internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, and oncology. To achieve these purposes, the ACVIM will:

1. Certify new Diplomates by guiding training programs and ensuring fair and appropriate credentialing and examination procedures,

2. Promote and advocate ACVIM specialization within the veterinary profession, and to the animal owning public, so the value of certification is recognized,

3. Promote continuing education and the dissemination of knowledge in veterinary cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, oncology, and small animal internal medicine through the ACVIM Forum, the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and other means, and,

4. Promote the acquisition of new information relevant to the specialties of the ACVIM for the benefit of improved animal health.

Re s p o n s i b i l i t i e s of A CV I M D i p l om a tes: Excellence: ACVIM Diplomates will strive to maintain the highest standards of excellence in achieving

the purposes of the ACVIM. Integrity: ACVIM Diplomates will demonstrate honesty and high ethical standards in all

professional activities. Service:

1. ACVIM Diplomates will recognize and affirm their importance to the ACVIM by participating in decision making and serving as volunteers on committees or in leadership roles, both within the ACVIM and their respective specialties.

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2. ACVIM Diplomates will assume leadership roles as advocates of both the ACVIM and their specialty within the communities of the veterinary profession and animal owning public.

Re s p o n s i b i l i t i e s of A CV I M Lea d e r s hi p: The leadership of the ACVIM will direct the activities of the ACVIM in keeping with the organization’s purposes, and will provide vision to ensure that the ACVIM evolves with the changing needs of its members, the veterinary profession, and the public. The leadership of the ACVIM will manage the financial resources of the ACVIM to assure the continued financial stability of the organization.

III. Current Membership of the ACVIMOur diplomate numbers have been increasing steadily. There are a total of 2386 active diplomates as of May 2013, with 91 dual boarded. 87.7% of all active diplomates are located in the U.S. The Diplomate b r e a k d o w n is as follows (2012 numbers in parentheses):

Active Members by Specialty Active Members by Practice Type

126 New Diplomates will receive their certificates at the 2013 Forum. The distribution among our specialties is as follows

SAIM: 47 Cardiology: 17 LAIM: 22 Neurology: 16 Oncology: 24

IV. Current Leadership of the ACVIMIt is a pleasure to work with the dedicated volunteers and staff members that serve the ACVIM. Every one of these individuals invests countless hours carrying out the day to day business of the College and developing and implementing new strategies to further the mission of the ACVIM. These leaders are listed below and are your representatives: feel free to contact them with any suggestions or questions you might have.

BOARD OF REGENTS (Board)

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Categor y Speci al ty Gender Male Female

Active 2386 (2289) SAIM 1257 (1088) 36% 64%Inactive 81 (79) LAIM 594 (502) 33% 67%Retired 72 (70) Oncology 326 (293) 32% 68%Honorary 12 (1) Cardiology 245 (207) 46% 54%

Neurology 237 (208) 45% 55%

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Voting Members: The voting members include the executive committee (Vice President, President-elect, President, and Chair of the Board); two At-large members, and the Specialty Presidents. Normally, only 10 of the members vote; the Chair only votes when there is a tie.

The term of these positions is from June to June and coincides with the ACVIM Forum. The current (2012-2013) members and soon to be (2013-2014) Board members are listed below.

2012 - 2013 2013 - 2014Chair of the Board Dr. Leah Cohn Dr. Virginia Buechner-MaxwellPresident Dr. Virginia Buechner-Maxwell Dr. Deborah ZoranPresident-Elect Dr. Deborah Zoran Dr. Joe KornegayVice-President Dr. Joe Kornegay Dr. Barbara E. KitchellSAIM At-Large Members Dr. Rance Sellon Dr. Rance SellonLAIM At-Large Members Dr. J. Trenton McClure Dr. J. Trenton McClureSpecialty Presidents

Cardiology Dr. Jonathan Abbott Dr. Jonathan AbbottLAIM Dr. Allen Roussel Dr. Allen RousselNeurology Dr. Simon Platt Dr. Simon PlattOncology Drs. Chand Khanna Dr. Jeff BryanSAIM Dr. Jane Sykes Dr. Jane Sykes

All of voting members of the Board are elected into their positions. However, once a diplomate is elected into the ACVIM Vice President’s position, it is assumed that the individual will move up through the Executive Board to eventually (after three years) become the Chair of the Board. This process allows the Vice President to gain an understanding of the ongoing initiatives and to become familiar with the operations of the Board and the ACVIM staff before assuming the greater responsibilities associated with the President and Chair of the Board positions. That’s why when you are asked to vote for the ACVIM President-Elect, President, and Chair of the Board every year there is only one candidate. Your vote for that candidate is really just a vote of confidence in his or her service as a continued member of the Executive Board.

Non-Voting Members: The non-voting members participate in Board meetings and can make a motion for the Board to consider. However, they cannot approve or second a motion, and they do not have an official vote.

2012 – 2013 2013-2014

Immediate Past Chair Dr. Jean Hall Dr. Leah CohnProfessional Liaison Dr. William Fenner (staff) Dr. William Fenner (staff)ACVIM Forum Chair Dr. Suzi White Dr. Frederic GaschenACVIM Forum Assistant Chair Dr. Frederic Gaschen Dr. Suzi WhiteACVIM Foundation President Dr. Elizabeth Settles Dr. Elizabeth SettlesMarketing & Communications Co-Chairs Drs. Chris Byers & Fred Drazner Drs. Zackary White & Christopher

ByersJVIM co-editors Drs. Stephen DiBartola & Ken

HinchcliffDrs. Stephen DiBartola & Ken Hinchcliff

General Exam Committee Chair Dr. Elizabeth Davis To be appointedEducation & Research Committee Chair Dr. Raymond Goer Dr. Raymond GoerInternational Relations Committee Chair Dr. Ben Sykes Dr. Ben SykesAdvanced Continuing Education Committee Chair

Dr. Harold McKenzie Dr. Marilyn Stiff

Chief Executive Officer Ms. Roberta Herman (staff) Ms. Roberta Herman (staff)Oncology President-Elect (2012) Dr. Jeff Bryan -LAIM President-Elect (2013) - Dr. Laurent Couëtil

ACVIM CENTRAL OFFICE STAFFThe ACVIM Central Office Staff members are hired and managed by the ACVIM’s Chief Executive Officer, Roberta Herman. She oversees all of the operations of both the ACVIM College and the ACVIM Foundation. As one of her

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many accomplishments, Ms. Herman reorganized the management structure in the Central Office so that there are now five divisions, each with its own director.

The current staff members are listed below. Feel free to stop by the registration desk while you are at the Forum and get to know the people who are contribute greatly to the success of the ACVIM.

ACVIM and ACVIM Foundation Chief Executive Officer Roberta Herman

Conference Planning & Constituent ServicesDirector Mya Sadler Industry Relations Manager Leah Gayheart Conference Management Specialist Gloria Zelinsky Constituent Services Specialist Vacant

Marketing, Communications and PublicationsDirector Christa Saracco Manager, Marketing, Communications & Media Relations Laurie Nelson Publications Administrator Ivy Leventhal

Certification and EducationDirector Nicole Faaborg Education Specialist Kathy Klaus Certification Coordinator Finn Ruehrdanz

Administration and FinanceDirector Roberta Herman Administrative Services Manager Renee BergrenStaff Accountant Sue Ann TroxelDesktop Support and Administrative Coordinator Max TalleyProfessional Liaison Dr. William Fenner

ACVIM FoundationDirector Paige HeydonProgram Manager Lauren Parsons

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V. ACVIM CANDIDATESRESIDENTS - As of May 2013, we have 477 candidates in 222 residency training programs, reduced from 560 candidates at this time last year. There are currently 687 candidates working toward Board certification and 210 of these have already finished with residency training. Candidate numbers by Specialty are: (listed as number in residency training programs / followed by total number working toward certification) SAIM, 187/285; LAIM, 88 /137; Oncology, 82/112; Cardiology, 48/57; Neurology, 72/96.

Summary of the May 2012 Examinations Candidates Candidates

Examination Sitting the exam (new/retake)

Results(pass/fail)

Pass rate (%)

General 152/34 141/45 76%Cardiology 23/2 17/8 68%Neurology 19/17 16/20 44%Oncology 24/9 20/13 61%SAIM 60/24 52/32 62%LAIM (Jan 2012) 27/19 20/26 42%

Candidates Registered for 2013 ExaminationsExamination Candidates Examination Candidates

General 188 (SA:144/LA:35) Oncology 45Cardiology 25 SAIM 90Neurology 45 LAIM (Feb 2013) 52

2012-2013 marks the third year that the process of “rating” has been utilize to determine the pass point of the multiple choice (MC) sections of the examinations. Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) (http://www.goamp.com/Pages/default.aspx), is a nationally recognized company that manages testing services for healthcare credentialing agencies. The ACVIM employs this company to provide training to rating committee members and facilitate the rating process for all MC sections. The rating process requires raters to predict the percentage of minimally qualified specialists that will select the correct answer to each question in an exam, and this information is incorporated in the determination of the pass point of the examination. The process is supported by the psychometric literature as a preferred method. However, for some (but not all) specialties, there has been a noticeable reduction in the percentage of candidates that pass the examination. The cause for this effect is not known, and efforts are being made to examine the rating methods, composition of the examinations, and candidate training/competency as potential contributing factors.

VI. ACVIM Financial ReportDuring the last 2 years, the ACVIM has undergone a shift in accounting to an accrual method, and significant progress has been made towards standardizing the way in which we manage and evaluate our finances (as

previously described). The ACVIM operates on an October 1st through September 30th fiscal year. Therefore, at the time of the Forum we are only about half way through the fiscal year. The following information provides a snap shot of our budget plan for the current year and the state of our finances as of the end of the second quarter (March 31, 2013). The figures below represent the BUDGET FOR THE 2012/13 FISCAL YEAR

Total ACVIM Budgeted Revenue* $ 4,086,895.00Total ACVIM Budgeted Expenses $ 4,085,551.40Total Budgeted Net Profit / (Loss) $ 1,343.60*Includes $12,000 budgeted interest income

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BALANCE SHEET as of the end of the second quarter last (March 2012) and this year (March 2013)

March 2012 March 2013

TOTAL Current Assets $ 6,172,813.34 $ 7,217,978.42TOTAL Fixed Assets 4 9 8, 7 8 3 .21 701,884.98TOTAL ASSETS $ 6,671,596.55 $ 7,919,863.40

TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 2,088,337.67 $ 2,333,237.73TOTAL CAPITAL 4,583,258.88 5,586,625.67

INCOME STATEMENT

THE BUDGET GUIDELINESIn assessing our budget, the ACVIM developed budget guidelines to help the Finance committee and the Board of Regents manage the resources of the ACVIM in a prudent and responsible manner. These guidelines are considered a measure of “best practices”, and are not meant to be proscriptive in nature. In 2012 they were modified to better align with the transition to an accrual method of accounting, and were utilized during as part of the financial review that occurred at the November 2012 meeting. The following table illustrates how well we met the budget guidelines during the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Budget Guideline Statement Fulfilled1. The Finance committee will present a balanced budget to the ACVIM BOR for consideration by September 1 Yes2. The ACVIM will maintain $50,000 in Replacement Capital within Current Assets Yes3. The College will maintain Current Assets minus the restricted funds equal to one year of non-ACVIM Forum expenses plus 50% of ACVIM Forum expenses so that the organization could survive one year if the ACVIM Forum had to be canceled.Total Current Assets (Sept 30, 2012) $5,681,291Restricted Funds (Pace, Neuro, LOC) - $717,029 $4,964,426

Money needed for 100% non-Forum+ 50% Forum $2,817,715

Yes

4. The College will maintain Total Assets equal to Safety Stock Capital + Replacement Capital + Restricted Funds.

Safety Stock Capital = 1 year of projected total expenses $3,614,166Replacement Capital = $50,000Restricted Funds= (Pace, Neuro, LOC) $717,029Total Asset Goal $4,381,195Total Current Assets $5,681,291

Yes

5. Current Assets in excess of that needed for “Safety Stock Capital” + “Replacement Capital” + “Restricted Funds” can be used as “Mission Capital” and/or “Strategic Capital” if approved by a majority of the voting members of the Board of Regents.

Yes

6. The combined credentials and exam fees should cover 100% of the costs of the combined exams/credentials. The costs of one exam may be offset by the fees charged for another exam such that each exam may not cover its own costs.

Revenues Expenses PercentSAIM $192,235 $ 53,743 357LAIM $ 96,533 $ 59,040 163

Yes

As of March 31, 2013 Actual YTD Budget YTD

Total Revenue $ 1,474,824.04 $ 1,344,108.50Total Expenses 1,453,645.80 1,490,341.00Profit (Loss) 21,178.24 (146,232.50)

Other Income & Expenses 470,036.53 7,000.00Net Profit (Loss) $ 491,214.77 $ (139,232.50)

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Cardiology $ 54,363 $ 54,053 100Neurology $ 66,178 $ 69,125 95Oncology $ 66,188 $ 42,392 122Combined $475,497 $ 278,353 170

7. Personnel costs (i.e., payroll, payroll taxes, and benefits) should be reported to the Board of Regents annually as a percentage of total expenses for the year, along with comparative data from previous five years.

Year Total Expenses Personnel Costs Percent2009 - 2010 $3,358,306 $871,825 262010 – 2011 $3,971,001 $856,419 222011 - 2012 $3,614,166 $862,105 23

Yes

8a. Unless moneys are specifically allocated from either Mission Capital or Strategic Capital via a vote of the BOR, cost centers including the Forum, JVIM, and ACE should cover 100% of their expenses.

8b. Foundation administration costs to the ACVIM should be covered through shared services agreement and ACVIMF fundraising.

Cost Center Revenue ExpensesFoundation $58,826 $ 128,114

8c. General membership dues should cover 100% of General Operations, Marketing, and Individual Specialty expenses.

Member Dues $ 796,843General Ops, M&C, Specialties $1,168,606

8a: Almost

8b: No

8c: No

Most of the guidelines were met with the exception of guideline #8. During the 2011-2012 several substantial and unexpected costs occurred as a result of the transition to a new management. And while Foundation finances fell short during 2011-2012, the organizational changes implemented last summer have resulted in a much improved financial picture for the current year.

Cost Center Revenue Expenses FulfilledACE 59,750 91,331 yesJVIM 340,856 239,444 yesPacemaker 140,150 37,483 yesNeurosurgery 20,400 12,000 yesSAIM 192,235 55,743 yesLAIM 96,533 59,040 yesCardio 54,363 54,053 yesNeurology 66,178 69,125 noOncology 66,188 42,392 yesGeneral Exam 139,740 50,291 yesForum 2,245,912 1,735,251 yes

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VIII. The ACVIM Forum and Forum Program CommitteeSince 2007, Forum attendance has been close to or exceeded 3000, making this the largest Specialty meeting.

Overall Forum AttendanceYear Location Total

AttendanceDiplomate

attendance% who are diplomates

% of ACVIM diplomates

2007 Seattle 3757 682 18 37%2008 San Antonio 3033 882 29 46%2009 Montreal 3402 962 28 38%2010 Anaheim 2878 742 26 37%2011 Denver 3233 1054 32 50%2012 New Orleans 3121 1117 38 50%

A greater percentage of ACVIM diplomates have attended the Forum in the past two years, suggesting that our diplomates approve of the changes made in the format several years ago. Of those registrants who filled out a review, 81% expressed satisfaction with the event. These are some of the highlights from that Forum.

2012 ACVIM New Orleans – Big Ideas in the Big Easy Consensus statements were presented at the 2012 Forum:

Small Animal Consensus Statement: Diagnosis of Spontaneous Canine Hyperadrenocortism. Chair: Ellen Behrend. Panel: Catharine Scott-Moncrieff, Dick Nelson, Hans Kooistra, and Claudia Reusch The draft of this statement is in revision with the intent of publication in the JVIM.Large Animal Consensus Statement: Paratuberculosis (Johne’s Disease) in Cattle and Other Susceptible Species. Chair: Ray Sweeney, Panel: Michael Collins, Ad Koets, Shelia McGuirk, and Allen Roussel. Published in JVIM in Nov/Oct 2012 issue

The Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence was presented at the 2012 ACVIM Forum to Dr. Richard W. Nelson (SAIM)

The 2012 ACVIM Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Joseph Taboada (SAIM)

The Extraordinary Veterinarian Lecture was delivered by Dr. Richard Linnehan and the title of his talk was “Veterinary Medicine in Space: A Natural Evolution of the Profession. He delivered his presentation to a packed house.

This year’s Forum is taking place in Seattle, a favorite city of the ACVIM. The program is packed with high quality continuing education in the form of lectures, research abstracts, interactive sessions, and breakfast with the experts. Here are some of the highlights of the 2013 Forum.

2013 ACVIM Forum, Seattle, Washington – Elevate Your Knowledge As of the end of May, there are more than 3100 registrants for the Forum

The Consensus Statements to be presented at the 2013 Forum: Small Animal Consensus Statement: Safe Use of Chemotherapy in Veterinary Practice. Chair: Annette Smith. Panel Members: Shawna Klahn, Peter Bennett, Andrea Flory, Lisa Parshley, Brenda Phillips, and Rosemary CalderonLarge Animal Consensus Statement: Recommendations for Equine Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities.Chair: Virginia Reef Panel Members: John Bonagura, Rikki Buhl, Kim McGurrin, Gunther Van Loon, Colin Schwarzwald, Leslie Young

The “Extraordinary Veterinarian” is Dr. Ford Bell. Dr. Bell started his career as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Oncology at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine and is now president of the American

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Association of Museums, which is the largest museum organization in the world. Dr. Bell will describe this extraordinary life journey in his talk titled “From Prostate Cancer to Museums: A Veterinary Journey”. Don’t miss this fascinating tale.

This year’s Forum is full of CE optionso 55 hours of Scientific Presentations during the pre-Forum dayo 316 hours of Scientific Presentations during the Forumo 54 hours of Abstract Presentations, plus 255 abstract posters on displayo 52 hours of Interactive Sessions including SIGS and “Breakfast with the Experts”o 48 hours of Scientific Presentations in the Technician Programo 8 hours on Business Management

To find out who receives this year’s Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence and the ACVIM Distinguished Service Awards, you’ll have to come to the ACVIM Luncheon.

Future Forums: Mark your calendars now for upcoming Forum locations and dates. Nashville, Tennessee: June 4th thru 7th, 2014 Indianapolis, Indiana: June 3rd thru 6th, 2015 Denver, Colorado: June 8th through 11th, 2016

Additional Forum Program Committee ActivitiesThe main function of the Forum Program Committee is to assemble the CE that is presented at the annual pre-Forum and Forum meeting. However, the Committee also strives to improve the Forum every year by considering changes in format, content and management of the program. This year, the Committee has put forth a plan to increase what we pay our speakers. Comparatively, the ACVIM pays an honorarium that is similar to that of many other veterinary meetings, but the reimbursement for travel is not equivalent. To continue to have the most qualified, state of the art speakers, the committee is proposing an increase in travel and other aspects of the compensation policy and will ask the Board to approve these recommendations at the June meeting in Seattle. If changes are approved, they will likely apply to the 2014 Forum.

IX. Journal of Veterinary Internal MedicineThe Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine continues to be among the top veterinary journals, a goal that has been accomplished by implementing policies that elevate the quality of the articles published within the Journal and serve as a standard for journals of a similar nature. The JVIM has an efficient review process, with a rapid turn around and publication of accepted article. In 2012, the mean time from submission to the first decision was 45 days, and mean the time from submission to acceptance was 5.4 months. Once accepted, the mean time to publication was 3 months.

Worldwide recognition of JVIM is also growing, in part due to the efforts of the two editors-in chief to promote the journal at international meetings. For the second year in a row, the ACVIM supported this effort by subsidizing the cost for one editor-in chief to attend an international meeting. In addition the ACVIM approved the addition of two 2 new associate editor positions for the Journal: a small animal editor with expertise in experimental design and an equine editor with expertise in cardiology. According to the Corona Survey results, the JVIM is considered one of the primary continuing education benefits associated with ACVIM membership (along with the Forum and ACE Courses).

S o me J V I M h ig h lig h t s The JVIM was ranked number 15 among 145 veterinary journals with an impact factor of (1.992) in 2011 as

monitored by the Institute for Scientific Information: down 4 places in rank from #11 (2.277) in 2010. In 2012 (volume 26), there were 132 published original manuscripts, 10 reviews, 11 brief communications

published and 15 case reports. In 2012 (volume 26), there were 38 manuscripts published related to cardiology, 13 for neurology, 12 for

oncology, 52 for small animal, 38 for equine, and 15 for food and fiber animals with 18 manuscripts classified as “other”.

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In 2012, there were a total of 366 manuscript submissions with 149 accepted (acceptance rate of 41%)

The co-editors, associate editors, and staff are to be commended for their efforts. More details about the Journal are provided in the JVIM editors’ report to the membership.

X. ACVIM Specialist Quarterly E-NewsletterThe ACVIM Specialist Quarterly E-Newsletter continues to be the primary mechanism for communication with the membership regarding ACVIM initiatives and other ACVIM news. If you are not receiving the ACVIM Specialist Quarterly E-Newsletter by e-mail every 3 months, please contact Laurie Nelson (Laurie@ACVIM.org) to correct the problem. Spam filters are often to blame.

XI. ACVIM FoundationThe ACVIM Foundation serves the discovery mission of the ACVIM by funding original research studies as well as fellowships that increase the discovery capabilities of ACVIM Diplomates. To date, the ACVIM Foundation has awarded over $1.3 million dollars for 74 grants, 3 fellowships and 39 externships.

Following the June 2012 Foundation Board of Directors meeting, the Foundation underwent significant organizational changes in both in terms of the structure and size of the staff. The staff size was reduced and the Foundation‘s activities were refocused on its two core programs, the Research Grants Program and the Memorial Program. Outside of the Foundation’s two core programs, the staff also continued to work on development and awareness generating initiatives including the Foundation Challenge, the Silent Auction and the Animal Survivor Video Series (a joint Foundation/College project).

Since last summer, the financial status of the Foundation is much improved. As of April 30th, the Foundation has raised $22,075 towards this year’s Foundation Challenge goal of $29k. This includes two $5,000 corporate sponsorships. At the same time last fiscal year, the Foundation had raised $15,225 and had only one $5,000 corporate sponsor. There are 105 items for the Silent Auction fundraiser at Forum this year, compared to last year’s 69 items. The Foundation has also secured three corporate sponsorships for the Animal Survivor Video Series this year, whereas there were none last year.

The ACVIM Foundation continues to be our Foundation, and it offers our members a direct opportunity to contribute to our understanding of the diseases that most affect the animals that are our patients. With your help it can provide greater benefits to the College, the profession, and to you. You can contribute to the Foundation in numerous ways, including direct financial support, volunteer efforts in leadership and public fund-raising, or as an advocate helping to spread the word of the benefits that the Foundation's work provides to animals and their owners. Please help your ACVIM Foundation in advancing your Specialty through discovery and public awareness.

XII. Task Forces, Committees, and Other ActivitiesA list of all Task Force and Committees can now be found on the ACVIM website. The information includes the committee’s purpose, names and contacts for current committee members, terms of appointment, and more. Please use this list to consider what committee you might want to become a part of, or to find out whom to contact if you have ideas that you’d like to share with a particular committee. The dedication of the diplomates that volunteer to serve on the ACVIM Committees and Board is best illustrated by their on-going efforts to make a lasting contribution to the ACVIM. The following are some examples of these contributions.

HighlightsMarketing and Communications Committee (MCC)During the past year, much of the MCC’s efforts have been dedicated to the development and execution of the Corona Insights Survey Project. The project was approved in June of 2012, and resulted in the development of six surveys. ACVIM diplomates and candidates, general practitioners, the animal owning public, and horse trainers define the groups that were surveyed. The main goals of the study were to assess public awareness and understanding of veterinary specialty medicine; better define the relationship between general practitioners and specialty practitioners; assess the level of satisfaction experienced by ACVIM diplomates and candidates with the

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services that the ACVIM provides. Over a six month period, six surveys were conducted using both electronic and conventional means. A summary report of the results was presented to the Board on April 17 th, and parts of the report have been presented to target groups since then (LAIM marketing committee, JVIM Editorial Committee, and the MCC). Highlights of this report will be presented during the ACVIM Luncheon and as part of an informal follow-up session in the diplomate lounge. Based on the analysis, Corona Insights also provided a series of recommendations that will be considered during the 2013 June Board meeting.

In association with the MCC, a Scientific Advisory Board was established in November 2012 for the purpose of actively reviewing the animal owner section of the ACVIM website; specifically evaluating the fact sheets that are currently available; and developing new material for that website. This advisory board will work closely with the MCC in an effort to develop information and materials for clients and referring veterinarians. It is anticipated that these activities will assist in elevating the visibility of the ACVIM and specialty medicine.

Advanced Education Committee (ACE)The Advanced Education Committee was established in 2009 and has since provided 16 continuing education courses designed especially for veterinary specialists and candidates in associated residency training programs. The following table provides a list of those courses.

Fiscal Year Course Name Dates

# Diplomates Attending

# Candidates Attending

2010/2011:

Endocrinology Oct 28-30, 2010 65 12

Advanced Respiratory Diagnostics Oct 28-30, 2010 11 8Urethral Stenting Lab Oct 30, 2010 11 8Equine Cardiology Jan 14-16, 2011 18 18Adv Techniques in Neurosurgery Feb 4-6, 2011 24Adv Techniques in Neurosurgery July 15-17, 2011 24Gastroenterology – Wet Lab Only Sept 22, 2011 19 13Gastroenterology – Lab & Lecture Sept 22-24, 2011 51 19

2011/2012:

Adv Techniques in Neurosurgery Dec 9-11, 2011 23

Adv Techniques in Neurosurgery March 9-11, 2012 24Interventional Radiology Summit Oct 7, 2012 16Interventional Radiology Summit Oct 8, 2012 16

2012/2013:

Adv Techniques in Neurosurgery Dec 7-9, 2012 17 5

LAIM Endocrinology Jan 25-27, 2013 19 17The Science of Veterinary Oncology March 1-3, 2013 59 65 (46 comp’d)Interventional Radiology Summit March 8, 2013 11

These highly successful courses provide in depth information in an atmosphere that promotes interaction among the attendees. The popularity of these programs has grown substantially in the three years and there are a number of proposed courses in the planning over the next several years. In 2013 and early 2014, the following CE will be offered while additional course are in the planning stages. If you have suggestions for future ACE courses don’t hesitate to contact an ACE committee member and share your ideas.

2013: August 17 and potentially August 18: Veterinary Interventional Radiology Summit September 6-8: Advanced Techniques in Neurosurgery September 6-8: SAIM Nephrology: Something Old, Something New November 2: Veterinary Interventional Radiology Summit

2014: January 17-19: LAIM Advances and Controversies in Equine Neonatology September 19-21: SAIM Infectious Disease

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Leadership Development Committee and The ACVIM Luncheon Finding ways to connect with and better engage our newer diplomates has been a focus of the ACVIM’s Leadership Development Committee (LDC). This year, members of the LDC, the Forum Program Committee, ACVIM, staff, and the ACVIM President worked together to consider how the ACVIM Luncheon could be made more attractive to our community. As an outcome of that collaboration, it was decided that for the first time in the history of the Forum, candidates will be invited to the ACVIM luncheon. In addition, some new events have been added to the Luncheon program including an overview of the Corona Insight Survey results. If you are coming to Seattle, make sure to place this on your Forum calendar of events and please encourage new diplomates & candidates to join you.

International Relations Committee (IRC) and Associate StatusThe “Associate Status” was proposed by the International Relations Committee and approved by the Board of Regents in 2012. This status offers qualified non-ACVIM boarded veterinary specialists some privileges, like access to the advanced continuing education courses and the pre-forum ACVIM specialty meetings. However, it does not grant diplomate status. Since approved, only one individual has qualified to be recognized as an “Associate”.

Maintenance of Credentials (MOC) Task ForceIn February 2011, the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) required that all veterinary specialty organizations have a mandatory program for maintenance of credentials (MOC), beginning no later than 2016. In response to this mandate, the ACVIM established the Maintenance of Credentials Task Force to develop a draft template that could be modified by to accommodate specific MOC criteria for each ACVIM specialty. This committee has nearly completed its task and has presented the Board of Regents with a plan of action that will be considered for approval during the meeting this June.

The details of MOC will be established by each specialty but general continuity will be maintained across specialties. The MOC guidelines will only apply to diplomates certified from 2016 onwards and MOC will not require re-examination but will be achieved by logging professional activities such as attending or delivering continuing education presentations, publications, and ACVIM committee participation. Candidates and resident mentors should be on the lookout for further developments relating to the MOC process.

Training and Oversight Task ForceThe number of ACVIM residency training programs has reached 222 training 477 residents. The clinical environment in which residency training occurs has become more diversified. Because of this growth, the ACVIM is now considering our role in assuring that all programs continue to meet the College’s and Specialty requirements and provide residents a quality learning experience. Last year the Residency Training Oversight Task Force was established to investigate this issue.

Joint Specialties Task ForceAt the November 2012 meeting, the Board of Regents approved funding to support a joint meeting between members of the ACVIM and ACVS Executive Board. The goal of the meeting was to identify challenges that were common to both specialties and determine if a unified approach could be more efficient and effective method for addressing some of these shared challenges. In particular, the need to promote Specialty Medicine was identified as an important common concern among the members of both of our organizations. In addition, residency training program oversight, assessment of the certification process, and better use of internet communication tools were considered challenges that our organizations shared. Methods for combining resources to address these issues will be discussed at the June 2013 Board meeting. A member of the ACVS Executive Committee will be in attendance for part of the meeting to promote further interactions between or organizations and to exchange ideas about future collaborations.

The 2014 Nominating CommitteeThe 2013 Nominating Committee provided us with highly qualified candidates for this year’s College’s election. The Nominating Committee for 2014 is listed below along with the member’s email addresses. Please forward your suggestions to a committee member. This year we will be seeking nominees for the ACVIM Vice President and SAIM At-large positions.

Mary Rose Paradis (chair) maryrose.paradis@tuft

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s.eduLaurent Couetil couetill@purdue.edu

Eleanor Hawkinseleanor_hawkins@ncsu.edu

Mark Kittlesonmdkittleson@ucdavis.edu

Gerald Post gpost@vcchope.comRebecca Packer rpacker@purdue.edu

XIII. Closing ThoughtsIn 1981, the first “central office” of the ACVIM was set up in the basement of one of the founding Diplomate’s home, and he and his wife comprised the ACVIM staff. The first Forum occurred in 1983 in New Orleans and the first edition of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine was published 1987. In a short time we have come a long way, and much of that progress has occurred as a result of the dedication and drive of our diplomate volunteers. The range of tasks that our diplomates and staff currently perform for our College is vast and their commitment to excellence is unfailing. The responsibilities of residency oversight; examination development, validation and administration; candidate certification; and continuing education are fulfilled in a manner that often sets the standard for all other veterinary specialty organizations. In addition, our diplomates and staff consistently strive to better our organization and to expand our services to meet the needs of our growing membership. The current membership of the ACVIM is nearly 2400 with 687 candidates working toward board certification; clearly, as an organization we are destined to continue to grow and change. As you attend the Forum, work with your residents, read the current issue of JVIM, or tap into any of the services made available through your membership in the ACVIM, consider where you might contribute to this organization. There are numerous Specialty and ACVIM committees and task forces that could use your help. These are described in the ACVIM website. In serving, you learn as well as contribute. It’s also a great way to get to know your fellow diplomates and help shape our organization. And if you already are a volunteer, the accomplishments of the ACVIM are a credit to your efforts.

It has been my privilege to serve as the President of this organization. All of the ACVIM Board of Regent members are here to serve our members. If you have any needs or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us. And don’t forget that you can make a difference by volunteering!

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia Buechner-Maxwell DVM, MS, MS, Diplomate ACVIMACVIM President