title: The European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP): the professional body for European veterinary pathologists.
abstract: The European College of Veterinary Pathologists (ECVP) was established in 1995 with the aim of advancing veterinary pathology and promoting high standards within the specialty in Europe. The ECVP is one of 21 European colleges recognized by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS), which represents a quality-assurance system for European veterinary specialists. Until the ECVP was founded, there was no unified European system recognizing the specialty of pathology, and many European countries followed their own qualification systems, which varied in form and standard. The ECVP provides an annual certifying examination, the passing of which is required to gain membership (diplomate status) in the college. This qualification is now accepted on equal terms by the well-established American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). In line with EBVS requirements, the ECVP has also established a standard continuing professional development (CPD) and re-registration system for its membership. Furthermore, it has promoted and unified European post-graduate training in veterinary pathology by setting up requirements for residency training programs and making registration and monitoring of these programs by the ECVP a prerequisite for approval of an institution as a training facility. The concurrent establishment, together with the European Society of Veterinary Pathology, of an annual summer school that trains residents for the certifying examination has further fostered European post-graduate training. Within 10 years, the ECVP has succeeded in establishing common standards and a unified approach to veterinary pathology throughout Europe. This article describes the evolution and organization of the ECVP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK. akipar@liverpool.ac.uk
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kipar
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aleksandersen
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benazzi
authors.forename: Maja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002568:Certification; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004520:Education, Veterinary / Q000592:standards*; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D010341:Pathology, Veterinary / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011786:Quality Control; D012106:Research / Q000193:education; D012952:Societies; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards*