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Committees

Empowering Our Specialty: The Vital Role of ACVECC Committees

An association is only as strong as the collective dedication of its members, and at ACVECC, our committees are the engine driving our specialty forward. Our mission is to create and sustain the standards of excellence in veterinary emergency and critical care. While this mission guides our overarching vision, it is our committees that translate these high ideals into daily, actionable progress.

Committees are where the real work of the College happens. They are the incubators for new ideas, the guardians of our educational and certification benchmarks, and the architects of our professional resources. From developing rigorous board exams and evaluating residency programs to spearheading scientific research and fostering diversity within our field, every committee tackles a unique piece of the puzzle.

Below, you will find the distinct charges and strategic objectives each committee along with their emails. By defining these pathways, we ensure transparency, accountability, and a direct line of connection to the leaders shaping the future of veterinary critical care. 

Any decision made by the college may be appealed by a written petition to the Executive Director’s office. Upon receipt of an appeal, ACVECC Staff notifies the President of the Board of Regents and the Chair of the appropriate committee of the appeal.

ACVECC Staff also activates the Appeals Committee to process the appeal. The Appeals Committee reviews the appeal and submits its recommendation(s) to the Regents within thirty (30) calendar days from the date the committee was appointed.

Dr. Louise Southwood (Parente), PhD, DACVS, DACVECC - Chair


Dr. Helen Wilson, BVSc(Hons), MVetMed, DACVECC, MRCVS
Dr. Dana Clarke, VMD, DACVECC
Dr. Ryan Smith, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Alison Gaynor, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
Dr. Teresa Rieser, VMD, DACVECC
Dr. Jennifer Mayer, VMD, DACVECC
Dr. Brittany Lucchetti, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Bob Murtaugh, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC

Staff Liaison: 
Email: 

Committee Email: 

The Credentials Committee approves Annual Reports and Credentials Applications each year. These duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Providing through the ACVECC Office information and application/registration forms to residency training facilities for prospective residents or fellows.
  • Evaluating and verify eligibility of residents or fellows who have registered with approved residency training facilities to begin residency training.
  • Establishing the specific criteria for monitoring the performance of mentors and training programs, as that performance relates to the successful training of residents and fellows and certification of new Diplomates.
  • Establishing the specific criteria for reporting on the performance of mentors and training programs so prospective residents or fellows are well informed about the Programs to which they apply.
  • Monitoring and reporting on the performance of mentors and training programs
  • Establishing the specific criteria for monitoring the performance of residents and fellows consistent with the residency training standards and guidelines.
  • Monitoring the performance of residents and fellows.
  • Reporting to the resident or fellow, mentor, residency training facility, and the Regents any deficiencies in training or any concerns about the progress of a resident or fellow.
  • Evaluating and certifying eligibility of applicants requesting examination by the College.
  • Notifying the Board of Regents and ACVECC Staff of applicants who are not deemed eligible for examination and delineate the areas of deficiency to the applicant, mentor, and program director.

Dr. Bridget Lyons, VMD, DACVECC - Chair


Dr. Amelia (Amy) Munsterman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC
Dr. Kristin Zersen, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Nicole Barrella, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Lisa Bazzle, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Melissa Claus, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Katherine Dawson, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Amy Dickinson, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Joanna Finstad, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. John Gicking, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Tiffany Hall, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
Dr. Jenica Haraschak, MS, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Danielle Hundley, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Cassandra Janson, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Kristen Marshall, DVM, MVSc, DACVECC
Dr. Lindsay Nielson, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Molly Racette, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Louise Southwood, BVSc, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC
Dr. Amanda Storer, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Alyx Tracy, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Page Yaxley, DVM, DACVECC

Commitee Email: 

The DEI committee seeks to embrace diversity and support inclusive and equitable environments for our members through education, support, allyship, advocacy and recruitment of diverse individuals. The committee activities include support of a DEI track at IVECCS, oversight/selection of DEI-focused scholarships for students and technicians interested in attending IVECCS, specific initiatives to enhance our professional activities through a DEI lens (including the training and mentorship of residents and/or other clinicians in training), and the creation of regular community and educational content. The Committee also collaborates with the VECCS DEI Committee on initiatives for the greater veterinary ECC community.

Dr. Ames “Aja” Alwood, DVM, DACVECC - Chair


Dr. Annie Chih, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Adesola Odunayo, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Chrissie Rutter, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Emily Cottam, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Paula Johnson, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. KimMi Whitehead, VMD, DACVECC
Dr. Shaunita Sharpe, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Tandi Ngwenyama, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Steven Berkowitz, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Vibha Asokan, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Meghan Johnson, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Sarah (L.) Robbins, DVM, MS, DACVECC

Staff Liaison: 
Email: 

Committee Email: DEI.committee@acvecc.org 

The Exam Committee updates the required reading and additional articles lists, writes and grades the ACVECC examination. We also work with the Board of Reagents to determine the pass point of the ACVECC examination. These duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Preparing, administrating, scoring, validating and determining a pass point for the Certifying Examination. The method of establishing the passing scores will be approved by the Board of Regents.
  • Reporting to the Board of Regents results of such examinations and make recommendations based on the proposed passing point.
  • Administering and overseeing the monitoring process for all portions of the examination.
  • Maintaining and updating the database of examination questions.
  • Upon appeal of a candidate, providing any requested information to the Appeals Committee. 

Dr. Kathy Gerken, DVM, MS, DACVECC - Chair
Dr. Michael Kato, DVM, DACVECC - Co-Chair, SA
Dr. Jamie Kopper, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVECC (LA) - Co-Chair, LA

Dr. Ron Goncalves, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVECC
Dr. Pam Fettig, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Tereza Stastny, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Jiwoong Her, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Marcelle Hon, MS, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Emilia Terradas Crespo, LV, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Wan-Chu Hung, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Emma Evans, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Katherine Mix, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Becky Zaremba, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Laurie Stephens, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Lisa Murphy, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Kimberly Claus, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Yekaterina Buriko, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Kate Palmer, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
Dr. Maia Aitken, DVM, DACVS, DACVECC
Dr. Megan Burke, DVM, DACVS (LA), DACVECC (LA)
Dr. Sarah Dukti, DVM, DACVS-LA, DACVECC
Dr. Ana Moreira, DVM, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVECC-LA
Dr. Amelia Munsterman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC
Dr. Alicia Long, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
Dr. Barbara Delvescovo, DVM, MRCVS, DACVIM, DACVECC (LA)
Dr. Emily Schaefer, VMD, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVECC

Staff Liaison: Kristyn DeCosta
Email: kristyn.decosta@acvecc.org

Committee Email: examcommittee@acvecc.org 

The Finance committee prepares an annual budget and submits it to the Board of Regents for review and approval. The committee also advises the Regents on fees, expenditures, speaker honorariums, continuing education costs, and other fiscal matters of the college.

Dr. Scott Shaw, DVM, DACVECC - Chair

Dr. Eric Schroeder, DVM, MS, DACVECC (LA), DACVIM (LA)
Dr. Lauren Harris, DVM, DACVECC

Staff Liaison: Bailey McMurray
Email: bailey.mcmurray@acvecc.org 

Staff Liaison: Amara Khalife
Email: amara.khalife@acvecc.org 

The Joint Committee on Training & Certification coordinates the activities of the Residency Training Committee, the Credentials Committee, and the Exam Committee. These duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Monitoring the activity of the Residency Training Committee, the Credentials Committee, and the Exam Committee to ensure they are acting in a coordinated manner consistent with the Residency Training Standards & Guidelines.
  • Maintaining and updating the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines annually.

 

Dr. Amie Koenig, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC - Chair

Emily Cottam, DVM, DACVECC
Kathy Gerken, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Bridget Lyons, VMD, DACVECC 

Staff Liaison: Kristyn DeCosta
Email: kristyn.decosta@acvecc.org

Committee Email: joint.committee@acvecc.org 

The MOC committee is tasked with ensuring Diplomates required to maintain their credentials for board certification meet all necessary requirements. The duties shall include the following:

  • Monitoring the progress of Diplomates from 2016 onward who are required to undergo Maintenance of Credentials (MOC) in the MOC database.
  • Establishing criteria for maintenance of credentials, evaluating the eligible activities yearly for any additions or modifications needed, and working with the office of the Executive Director for any modifications needed to the MOC database.
  • Answering questions related to the MOC requirement and eligibility of activities to fulfill MOC requirements.
  • Reviewing MOC submissions yearly and approve automated yearly updates to Diplomates delivered via the electronic database.
  • Providing through the office of the Executive Director of the college information related to submission of application for MOC.
  • Verifying eligibility of Diplomates for application for maintenance of credentials
  • For Diplomates at the 10-year mark, evaluating MOC submissions for final approval of MOC and approving the distribution of letters related to MOC submissions.

Dr. Joel Weltman, DVM, DACVECC, PhD - Chair


Dr. Melissa Edwards, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Clare Hyatt, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Dr. Tara Fetzer, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Rebecca McQuitty, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Virginia Frauenthal, DVM, DACVECC

Staff Liaison: 
Email: 

Committee Email: MOC@acvecc.org 

The Nominating Committee presents a slate of officers and at-large Regent candidates composed of ACVECC Diplomates prior to the election as specified in Article VII Section 4 of the ACVECC  Bylaws. At least one qualified member for each position is presented by the committee.

Dr. Megan Whelan, DVM, DACVECC, CVA - Chair

Staff Liaison: Amara Khalife
Email: amara.khalife@acvecc.org 

Staff Liaison: Bailey McMurray
Email: bailey.mcmurray@acvecc.org 

The RTC establishes the specific standards for training residents as outlined in the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines that are written and edited from time to time by the Joint Committee on Training and Certification. These duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Establishing the detailed requirements for Residency Training Facilities and Residency Training Programs consistent with the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines.
  • Reviewing, evaluating, and approving Residency Training Facilities such that all Programs are in compliance with the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines and meet the requirements of the College and the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS).
  • Developing the specific requirements under the Knowledge, Immersion, Experience, and Skills requirements of the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines. Provide this information through the Executive Director to all active residents and fellows, to all Residency Training Facilities, and to all prospective candidates and institutions requesting such.
  • Developing the specific requirements for the benchmark prerequisite of the Residency Training Standards and Guidelines. Provide this information through the Executive Director to all active residents and fellows, and to all Residency Training Facilities.
  • Providing guidance and support to mentors, supervisors, and residency program directors according to Residency Training Standards and Guidelines and the standards and procedures adopted by the College and the AVMA.

 

Dr. Emily Cottam - Chair

Dr. Alicia Mastrocco, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Kendon Kuo, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Selena Lane, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Janine Calabro, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Marley Wipond, DVM, DACVECC, BSc
Dr. Bradley Harris, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (Cardiology)
Dr. Lindsay Cuddy, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Carissa Tong, DVM, BVM&S, DACVECC
Dr. Vincent Thawley, VMD, DACVECC
Dr. Tori Miller, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Caroline Tonozzi, DVM, DACVECC
Dr. Daniela Bedenice, DVM, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVECC
Dr. Margaret Thies, DVM, DACVECC

Staff Liaison: Kristyn DeCosta
Email: kristyn.decosta@acvecc.org

Committee Email: residency.training.committee@acvecc.org 

The duties of the Scientific Committee include the following:

  • Coordinating all continuing education and research endeavors of the college, including the PGR.
  • Coordinating with the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) to assist in the organization of the annual International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS).
  • Selecting recipients of resident abstract awards at the annual IVECCS and submitting the abstracts to Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.
  • Overseeing the poster session and award at the annual IVECCS.
  • Overseeing and ensuring the timely publication of all proceedings generated from ACVECC educational programs.
  • Reviewing and evaluating all grant proposals for the ACVECC Research Grant in emergency and critical care medicine and RECOVER awards. Recommending recipient(s) to the Council of Regents and review the final research project report. 

Alex Lynch, BVSc(Hons) DACVECC MRCVS - Chair

Liz Rozanski, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVECC
Katie Rhue, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Steve Friedenberg, DVM, PhD, DACVECC
Pamela Wilkins, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LA-IM), DACVECC
Megan Kees, DVM, DACVECC
Sonya Hansen, DVM, DACVECC
Tom Edwards, DVM, DACVECC
Yu Ueda, DVM, PhD, DACVECC
Kelsey Turley, DVM, DACVECC
Jolene Babyak, DVM, DACVECC

Staff Liaison: 
Email: 

Committee Email: scientific.committee@acvecc.org