The First 25 Years of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine

SummaryIn a brief period of 25 years the ACVIM has developed from an idea into one of the leading specialties in veterinary medicine. The varied training, experience, and backgrounds of the specialists who designed the College were the necessary basis from which high but attainable standards were established. The continued involvement and interactions of the diplomates with organized veterinary medicine, species and client groups, allied specialty groups, and research organizations have enabled the College to remain at the cutting edge of the clinical sciences. The contacts that undergraduate veterinary students have with diplomates in veterinary teaching hospitals, along with attendance at the ACVIM Forum and the Journal, encourage many to undertake careers in one of the specialties of the College.The collegial atmosphere within the ACVIM that began in its formative years is a hallmark of the College. That atmosphere continues to be fostered by acquaintances that interns and residents establish during their training programs, during examinations, and while presenting and attending papers at the Forum. Many collaborative educational and research projects have emerged from these networks. In many cases, diplomates have decided to accept positions or pay visits because of these friendships.The ACVIM is a caring organization that treasures the creation of new knowledge and its ability to share that knowledge with its main public—the veterinary profession and others responsible for the care of animals.May it always be so.