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ACVECC 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 ACVECC 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.

Louise Southwood (Parente), PhD, DACVS, DACVECC - Chair
Dana Clarke, VMD, DACVECC
Alison Gaynor, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC
Brittany Lucchetti, DVM, DACVECC
Jennifer Mayer, VMD, DACVECC
Bob Murtaugh, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC
Teresa Rieser, VMD, DACVECC
Ryan Smith, DVM, DACVECC
Helen Wilson, BVSc(Hons), MVetMed, DACVECC, MRCVS

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

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.

Bridget Lyons, VMD, DACVECC, Chair
Tiffany Hall, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Vice Chair

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

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

Commitee Email: credentials.committee@acvecc.org

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.

Ames “Aja” Alwood, DVM, DACVECC
Annie Chih, DVM, DACVECC
Adesola Odunayo, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Chrissie Rutter, DVM, DACVECC
Emily Cottam, DVM, DACVECC
Paula Johnson, DVM, DACVECC
KimMi Whitehead, VMD, DACVECC
Shaunita Sharpe, DVM, DACVECC
Vibha Asokan, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Meghan Johnson, DVM, DACVECC
Sarah (L.) Robbins, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Nicole Tey

Staff Liaison: Bailey McMurray, IOM, MAOL, CAE
Email: bailey.mcmurray@acvecc.org 

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. 

Kathy Gerken, DVM, MS, DACVECC - Chair
Michael Kato, DVM, DACVECC - Co-Chair, Small Animal
Jamie Kopper, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVECC (LA) - Co-Chair, Large Animal

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

Scott Shaw, DVM, DACVECC - Chair
Lauren Harris, DVM, DACVECC
Eric Schroeder, DVM, MS, DACVECC (LA), DACVIM (LA)

Staff Liaison: Bailey McMurray, IOM, MAOL, CAE
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.

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.

Joel Weltman, DVM, DACVECC, PhD - Chair
Melissa Edwards, DVM, DACVECC
Clare Hyatt, DVM, MS, DACVECC
Tara Fetzer, DVM, DACVECC
Rebecca McQuitty, DVM, DACVECC
Virginia Frauenthal, DVM, DACVECC

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

Committee Email: MOC@acvecc.org 

Megan Whelan, DVM, DACVECC, CVA - Chair

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

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

Committee Email:

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.

 

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

Staff Liaison: Kristyn DeCosta, MEd
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 - Co-Chair
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: Amara Khalife
Email: amara.khalife@acvecc.org 

Committee Email: scientific.committee@acvecc.org