European College of Zoological Medicine

Transcription

1 European College of Zoological Medicine POLICIES & PROCEDURES, PART 2: ZOO HEALTH MANAGEMENT SPECIALTY UPDATED JULY 2015 Registered Address: European College of Zoological Medicine Yalelaan 108, NL CM Utrecht, The Netherlands. e- mail: website: 1

2 The European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) recognizes five separate specialties under the ECZM umbrella; Avian, Herpetology, Small Mammal; Wildlife Population Health and Zoo Health Management. The zoo health management specialty policies & procedures (part 2) documents follow the structure below: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Requirements for admission Chapter 3: ECZM Zoo Health Management Residency Programmes Chapter 4: Examination and application procedure Chapter 5: Specific information on re- evaluation Appendix A: Reading List Zoo Mammal Health Specialty Appendix B: Re- credentialing of ECZM Diplomates Appendix C: Resident Case Record Appendix D: ECZM Exam Application Form Appendix E: ECZM Visitation Checklist Appendix F: ECZM Annual Fees 2

3 Chapter 1: Introduction Zoological medicine, the state of the art medical treatment and care of zoological species, other than the traditional domestic animals, is a distinct specialized field of veterinary medicine, which is sub- divided into specialties according to the taxonomical group or discipline in which the specialist is acknowledged. The European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) is an umbrella organization which aims to include veterinary medicine of animal species other than the traditonal domestic species. The ECZM evolved from the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery (ECAMS), which was founded in August ECAMS was founded according to the guidelines laid down in the Report and Recommendations on the Transnational Organisation of Veterinary Specialisation (III/F/5385/5/91), which was adopted by the Advisory Committee on Veterinary Training of the European Commission at its meeting on 12 th February The ECAMS was an initiative of the European Committee of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, which in turn resulted from initiatives in the late eighties/early nineties in Europe and other non- European countries (i.e. USA, Australia, Israel) in response to a growing demand for better avian medical and surgical services for birds through specialization, and a need to harmonize certification in this area. As a reaction to requests from the veterinary field directed at the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS) to develop specialties in fields of zoological medicine other than the avian field, negotiations were initiated between representatives from EBVS, ECAMS and the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZVW) and other interested parties. The need for specialization in various taxonomical fields was recognized to safeguard future developments in zoological medicine, as well as to increase the publics recognition of this field of veterinary medicine. Finally ECAMS took the initiative, seeking permission of EBVS, to change its name to the ECZM, then forming a series of taxonomic and discipline Specialities, within the umbrella organisation of ECZM. Approval for this concept was agreed in principle by EBVS at their AGM in April In principal EBVS judged this to be a good idea and based on this EBVS judgement an offical decision was made at the 2008 Annual General Meeting of ECAMS to broaden the scope of the college to include other taxonimal groups of animals and change the name of the College into European College of Zoological Medicine. Within the broader field of zoological medicine taxon and discipline related specialties are possible. Taxon related specialties are clinically oriented and involve various medical and surgical disciplines and various body systems within the different zoological taxons. Dicipline related specialties reflect the destinctive recuirements of specialists working in unique environments in zoological institutions and wildlife management settings. The specialties Small Mammal Medicine, Herpetological Medicine and Wildlife Population Health received provisional recognition by the European Board of Veterinary Specialists in April The primary objectives of the College are to advance zoological medicine in Europe and increase the competency of those who practice in this field. Further aims are to make the public aware of the ability of specialists in zoological medicine and the benefits of involving members of this college in all national and international issues relating to health, welfare, biosecurity and training, as they relate to zoological care, management, and medicine. The policies and procedures, part 2 contain information about requirements for admission to the College, a profile of the Zoo Health Management specialty, and application and examination procedures. 3

4 European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) Zoo Health Management is a discipline- related speciality, and whereas many of the objectives of the speciality are shared with the taxon- related specialities there are important differences reflected in the following objectives: The primary objectives of the College are to advance zoological medicine in Europe and increase the competency of those who practice in these fields by: a) Establishing guidelines for post- graduate education and experience prerequisite to become a specialist in the specialities of zoological medicine. b) Examining and authenticating veterinarians as specialists in the above specialties to serve animal owners (avian, herpetological and small mammal medicine), wildlife populations (wildlife population health), and zoological institutions (zoo health management), respectively by providing specialist veterinary expertise. c) Encouraging research and other contributions to knowledge relating to the relevant specialties of zoological medicine and promoting communication and dissemination of this knowledge. In order to achieve these aims, the Executive Committee of the ECZM is guided by the following criteria: i. A registered specialist shall spend at least 50% (i.e. > 20 hours/week) of the time working at the specialist level in the relevant specialty of zoological medicine (in the case of Zoo Health Management specialists, practicing the specialty is defined as being employed by or contracted to one or more zoological institutions on a basis of at least 20 hours/week). ii. The training programme should be at least equivalent to those developed elsewhere (e.g. North America), thus enabling recognition of the training programme and specialist iii. registration in other countries The registration ceases by default when the specialty has not been practiced for two continuous years or the equivalent of two years during a period of 5 years d) Encouraging research and other contributions to knowledge relating to the relevant specialties of zoological medicine and promoting communication and dissemination of this knowledge. e) The College is a non- profit organization and does not pursue commercial interests. f) Financial means of the College may only be spent according to the Constitution. g) Members of the College receive no payment from the funds of the College, except reimbursements. h) Nobody may be favoured by expenditures or excessively high compensations, which are not according to the purposes of the College. Further objectives are: i) Encouraging zoological institutions to use veterinary practitioners who are qualified to fill a unique and specific role in the delivery of modern comprehensive service in the relevant specialty area of zoological medicine at the specialty level. j) Positioning the specialist in one of the specialties of zoological medicine as a common source for referrals in the zoo and conservation community. k) Improving and promoting the structure of health care for animals, thereby improving its 4

5 perception and understanding by conservationists, scientists, governments and the public. l) Providing an incentive and reward for achieving postgraduate education and experience in a specialty of zoological medicine at the specialist level. The title European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management) should be restricted to those persons working in the field who have reached the highest level of achievement. m) Encouraging interested veterinary colleges to establish in- depth instruction and high standards for training in zoological medicine and develop specific funding for areas of needed research. n) Promoting continued improvement of standards and knowledge in zoological medicine through continuing education and self- assessment. o) Supporting the protection of animal species and their habitats by promulgating the concept of wise use of animal resources and the breeding of endangered species in captivity. p) Encouraging responsible management, care and propagation of all animal species both in captivity and the wild. q) Preventing the occurrence of zoonotic and allergic diseases in humans originating from zoological species. 5

6 Chapter 2: Requirements for admission The constitution of the European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) has established the following requirements for active membership status. The applicant should: 1. have graduated from a European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE)- approved veterinary school. The Credentials Committee may excuse this requirement upon request. 2. have a satisfactory moral and ethical standing in the profession. Evidence of professional or legal misconduct, such as misrepresentation or committed felony, may be reason for disqualification. 3. have devoted at least four years, by the application deadline, to a training programme in general veterinary education, training, and practice, and to a pre- approved special training program in avian medicine, small mammal medicine, herpetological medicine, wildlife population health or zoo health management after the date of graduation from veterinary school. The EAEVE agreed on June 1, 1991, that for specialization in clinical veterinary medicine, the training should preferably be composed of internships (duration 1-2 years), giving a broader orientation in the chosen field, and residencies (duration 2-3 years) of a totally specialized nature. The following sequence of training is to be used. a) A first period of one to one- and- a- half years must be an internship, or its equivalent, as defined by the Education and Residency Committee of ECZM. b) A second period (the residency) shall comprise a two- and- a- half to three- year postgraduate training programme under supervision of Diplomates of the appropriate specialty of ECZM or its equivalent, as defined by the Education and Residency Committee of ECZM. The period is designed to educate the resident primarily in the art and science of the relevant specialty of zoological medicine. There shall be additional instruction in the disciplines of anatomy, physiology, diagnostic imaging, anaesthesiology, reproduction biology, clinical pathology, clinical nutrition, epidemiology, preventive medicine, and gross pathology. Alternatively the candidate must have followed an approved alternative programme, with a minimum of two years in general practice (first phase) and four years or its equivalent in the relevant specialty of zoological medicine, with a minimum of 60 percent of the applicants time, such at the discretion of the Education and Residency Committee (second phase). The alternative route is intended for clinicians, for whom, moving to another country, or for whom, for other reasons a standard residency is impossible. If an alternative residency is proposed, a programme must be suggested which is appropriate for the resident, such that they achieve the required standard by the time of completion. The programme will be considered by the Education and Residency Committee. An alternative residency is most likely of longer duration compared to a standard residency and certainly not shorter. The alternative training residency must, at the discretion of the Education and Residency Committee, be equivalent to a standard residency. An alternative residency, as with any other, must be approved prior to commencement. 6

7 4. Have made a significant contribution to their respective specialty field, as represented by publications and demonstrated by a high standard of proficiency in the specialty. In keeping with the constitutional objectives of the ECZM each applicant must demonstrate continuing willingness to contribute to the literature. The minimum requirement for admission is: - Three (3) original peer reviewed papers in a well established internationally refereed scientific journal (i.e. mentioned in the Science Citation Index or in the reading list [see Appendix]). Of two (2) of these papers the applicant must be the principal author; of the other one the applicant is not necessarily the principal author. 5. Have successfully passed the examination by the College and certification by the Executive Committee of the College. 7

8 Chapter 3:ECZM Zoo Health Management Residency Programmes The Residency Programme will focus primarily on one specialty and prepare the Resident for examination in that discipline. I. Definition: A Zoological Medicine Residency Programme, is a training programme allowing a graduate veterinarian ("Resident") to acquire in- depth knowledge of zoo health management and its supporting disciplines under the supervision and guidance of a Diplomate of the respective specialty of the European College of Zoological Medicine ("Diplomate") or its equivalent, as defined by the ECZM specialty Credentials Committee. IIa. General objectives of the Training Programme: A. To promote aptitude and clinical proficiency in management and medicine of species kept in zoological institutions. B. To instruct the Resident in the science and practice of zoological medicine and its supporting disciplines, particularly preventative medicine, anaesthesiology, population management, nutrition and pathology. C. To provide the Resident with the opportunity to pursue career goals in teaching, research, and/or specialty practice. IIb. Detailed objectives of the Zoo Health Management Training Programme. A. Knowledge and skills concerning professional contacts and transfer of knowledge. The specialist should be able to: - express thoughts clearly, in oral as well in written form in the English language. - approach problems in an analytic, scientific way to find solutions and be able to assign priorities for these. - organize work efficiently. - make effective use of the available literature and find required information quickly. - develop scientific activities in order to contribute to the quality of the specialty. B. General knowledge and skills concerning the specialty. The specialist shall: - be able to assess the significance of health matters for groups of animals appropriate to their own specialty, under the specific conditions under which they are held and the consequences for the collection or the public. - be acquainted with the main current theories, principles and problems of the specialty. - maintain up to date knowledge through conferences and literature. - be acquainted with the structures, objectives, approaches and problems of the veterinary profession and specifically with regard to the specialty. - be acquainted with the social role of the specialty. - conform to modern standards of skills and equipment. 8

9 C. Knowledge and skills concerned with obtaining help for problems that lie outside the specialty and/or facilities. The specialist shall: - keep abreast of new developments in their specialty and become familiar with new methods, before applying these in practice. - understand the limitations of their specialty. - understand the possibilities that other specialities have to offer. - be familiar with the potential of multidisciplinary co- operation. D. Knowledge and skills concerned with working as a professional specialist A specialist should have extensive practical experience within the specialty. Through experience the specialist should have developed the self- confidence, self criticism and sense of responsibility that are essential for the practice of the specialty. E. Knowledge and skills concerned with the general practice of zoological medicine. A specialist in Zoo Health Management shall; - be able to handle emergencies in a zoological institution. - perform procedures and investigations according to the principles of good veterinary practice. - cooperate with specialists and colleagues in other clinical and related disciplines to the benefit of human and animal health and welfare. - contribute to the development and application of concepts and methods in zoological medicine. F. Specific knowledge and skills with regard to practising Zoo Health Management. Areas and level of knowledge Any zoological specialist should have a broad knowledge of the principles outlined below and have ready access through an up to date personal library to specific details of the following: - the taxonomy and the geographical distribution of animals commonly kept in zoological institutions. - the general anatomy and physiology of the animals mentioned above. The specialist should be aware of important variations among the different taxa relevant to their specialty. The Zoo Health Management Specialist must have a thorough knowledge of preventative medicine as applied in zoological collections, including health programs, disease screening, quarantine management, and vaccination programs. A detailed knowledge of the diseases of the relevant animals (aetiology, epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment and control) is required. A detailed knowledge of the diagnostic possibilities in their respective patients, in relation to medicine (e.g. haematology, blood chemistry, endocrinological tests, immunological tests, diagnostic imaging, diagnostic endoscopy, electrocardiography, aspiration biopsy, microbiology, cytology) and the ability to interpret results of these techniques is expected. Zoo Health Management specialists must have sound knowledge of the principles of 9

10 group and individual medication in their patients. The Zoo Health Management specialist must have detailed knowledge of the legislation relating to the role of the zoological institution as well as the veterinary practitioner in the field (e.g., CITES, legislation with regard to import and export of animals, TRACES and BALAI legislation, animal welfare, capture from the wild, and the use of drugs). The Zoo Health Management specialist must maintain good knowledge on zoonotic diseases and public health implications of animal disease. The Zoo Health Management specialist must be able to assess diets, understand the formulation of diets for zoo animals and be aware of the current trends in animal nutrition. A sound knowledge of the interaction of nutrition and health is expected. The Zoo Health Management specialist should have sound knowledge about population management including contraceptive techniques and drugs as well as assisted reproductive methods. The Zoo Health Management specialist should have good knowledge about animal management related issues including enclosure design, environmental enrichment techniques, studbooks and the working of European endangered species programs and taxon advisory groups. Theoretical knowledge should be to the level of current textbooks (see Appendix A). Furthermore it is essential to be aware of the relevant scientific literature published over the previous five years in representative journals (see Appendix A). Technical experience - The Zoo Health Management specialist should have had extensive practical experience with a wide variety of species kept in zoological institutions. - The Zoo Health Management specialist must be competent in the various skills associated with the field including history taking, and clinical examination including sample collection and medication methods. - The Zoo Health Management specialist should be familiar with the techniques of remote injection, anaesthetic management and physical restraint of animals of various taxa. III. Training programme description: A zoological medicine residency programme ("Programme") shall consist of a period of three (3) years of supervised training, postgraduate education, and clinical experience in the science and practice of the specialty within the field of zoological medicine and its supporting disciplines under the supervision of at least one (1) Diplomate of the relevant subspecialty, who participates actively in that programme or its equivalent, as defined by the Credentials Committee of the ECZM. A. Prerequisite: prospective Residents will be required to have undertaken broad training and experience in clinical veterinary medicine and surgery and their supporting disciplines, which must be attained by either 1. participation in an internship of 12 months duration, 2. two years in general practice or 3. completion of a Masters degree in a relevant discipline as approved by the Credentials Committee of ECZM and one year in general practice. 10

11 Criteria for the credentials committee to evaluate whether an internship is at a good quality practice. This practice should be a place where: or more vets work. Ongoing training is required. Qualified veterinary nurses or technicians are employed. Radiography, endoscopy and/or ultrasonography is used regularly. Gaseous anaesthesia is available. Correct aseptic operating techniques and standards are employed. Fluid therapy should be used as a routine. Where modern standards of analgesia and antibiosis are employed. B. Graduate degree studies: graduate degree studies may be included in the Programme; however, extensive hands- on experience with clinical medicine and pathology must be included. C. Continuing education programmes: continuing education programmes as the sole method of training will not meet the requirements of certification as a Diplomate. D. Participation of Diplomates of the ECZM in the respective specialty Residency Programmes: 1. Each Programme must be supervised by at least one (1) Diplomate (Programme Director). 2. One Diplomate may be responsible for up to three (3) residents concurrently (responsible supervisor). 3. the Programme Director shall be responsible for the administration and continuity of the Programme and the Programme Director must be a Diplomate of the ECZM, but not necessarily of the specialty. 4. Daily supervision is required, although it does permit the intermittent absence of the supervising Diplomate or the resident for vacations, meetings, days off, etc. Supervision must include consultations, case discussions, and case management with actual cases. Daily supervision is performed by an ECZM Diplomate of the respective specialty (responsible supervisor) after instructions from the Programme Director. Other faculty in direct support of their programme and their credentials should be supplied with information concerning the extent of their supervision. E. Evaluation of the Resident: Residents must meet with the responsible supervisor at least twice yearly for evaluation of performance and progress. When the resident has multiple supervisors, this meeting should be preceded by a meeting among the supervisors. F. Application for certification as a Diplomate: Following completion of the Programme, the Resident may submit an application to the Credentials Committee to determine eligibility for certification as a Diplomate by examination. IV. Specific Programme description The Resident must work under the supervision of an ECZM (Zoo Health Management) Diplomate. For at least 80% of the 3 year programme the Resident must work in or with one 11

12 or more zoological institutions. This work may be undertaken at a single institution or may require time to be spent in one or more partner institutions. Either route requires direct supervision from a Diplomate in Zoo Health Management or equivalent approved by the Education Committee. Resident responsibilities: the degree of responsibility assumed by the Resident shall be appropriate to the nature of the procedure and training experience. The Resident shall be responsible for: a) direct interactions with keeper and management staff during clinical rounds. b) writing, updating and executing preventative medicine protocols. c) supervising daily management of hospitalized animals and sick animals in enclosures. d) providing optimal clinical service and prompt professional communications. The caseload of the institution(s) must be large enough to afford the candidate adequate exposure to all required phases of practice of the specialty. While a minimum case load is necessary to develop clinical experience, the candidate must also be provided with sufficient time to evaluate patients properly, to study, and to participate in rounds, workshops, work with other board certified specialists and to lecture. A. Preventative Medicine Through the Programme, the Resident should: - design and implement preventative medicine programs including quarantine, vaccination and parasitology protocols. - participate in public health management in the zoological institution(s) including pest control, survaillance programs and zoonosis prevention. B. Clinical Zoo Medicine Through the Programme, the Resident should: - acquire a broad knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and behaviour of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates commonly kept in zoos. - acquire a comprehensive knowledge about infectious and non- infectious diseases of the species commonly kept in zoological institutions. - be able to perform routine health checks and diagnostic procedures, and be able to interpret diagnostic results such as haematology, biochemistry, cytology and diagnostic imaging. C. Restraint and anaesthesia Over the Programme, the Resident should: - acquire knowledge of the techniques and equipment used to physically restrain various taxa of zoo animals, and to be able to perform physical restraint. - acquire knowledge of the principles of remote drug delivery devices, field anaesthesia techniques and pharmaceuticals. - perform inhalation and injectable anaesthesia. - apply and interpret appropriate anaesthetic monitoring including capnography, pulse oxymetry and arterial blood gas analysis. - acquire appropriate knowledge about fluid therapy. D. Animal Management in the Zoological Collection 12

13 The Resident should be involved in and acquire active knowledge on: - animal welfare. - enclosure design and evaluation. - International studbooks, taxon advisory groups and endangered species programs. - import and export regulations (e.g., TRACES, CITES and BALAI). - population control including contraceptive techniques. - assisted reproduction. - environmental enrichment, sterotypies and behaviour- modifying drugs. - evaluation and design of diets for animals in zoological collections. E. Comparative Pathology and Disease Investigation Over the Programme, the Resident should: - be able to perform gross post- mortem examinations. - be able to take appropriate samples for further diagnostics. - be able to perform basic laboratory work including parasitology, cytology and basic bacteriology. - be able to interpret histopathology results. During the residency period the resident must obtain at least one month of training under the supervision of a Diplomate of the European or American College of Veterinary Pathology or their equivalent. F. Research and Academic Studies Over the Programme, the Resident should: - understand how to design research projects within the constraints of a zoological setting. - undertake one or more such research projects which constitute 20% of the resident time over the three year period. - write and publish peer reviewed articles. - give presentations at national or international conferences. Residents must be given a clearly allocated period of time to: - do research or clinical investigation. - prepare scientific manuscripts. - follow graduate degree studies if deemed necessary. - follow external zoological rotations with the approval of the Programme Director in order to see different species than usually exposed to. The following conferences are recommended for attendance: - International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals of the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV). - Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) International Conference. - Annual conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV). - Scientific meeting of the European College of Zoological Medicine. - Veterinary anaesthesiology conferences. - Other scientific meetings, including human medical conferences. Participation in at least two such international conferences, relevant to the specialty is required during the residency period. V. Performance Monitoring of Resident The performance of the resident is formally monitored by the Education Committee after three months and then on a six- monthly basis. Each of the six elements mentioned under 13

14 item IV are assessed, although it is accepted that due to the structure of residency programmes not all elements will be assessed on every occasion. A. Preventative Medicine - a Preventative Medicine Case Report (~1,000 words per report) analysing an enclosure or a species/taxon in the affiliated zoological institution must be submitted every 12 months. The report should cover the current health status, a review of existing programs, a list of problems identified, and a proposal for a preventative medicine program. B. Clinical Zoo Medicine - a Resident Clinical Zoo Medicine Log listing clinical cases (of groups or individuals) and medical interventions shall be maintained. The log should include date of procedure, animal ID, species, diagnosis and diagnostic procedures done, elective or emergency, treatment, and outcome. The log should detail whether the resident was the primary veterinarian or assisting a senior colleague. C. Restraint and Anaesthesia - a Resident Restraint and Anaesthesia Log which should contain date of procedure, Animal ID, species, reason for restraint, methods used including drug dosages, and a summary of parameters monitored shall be maintained. The log should detail if the resident was the primary anaesthesiologist or the level of supervision provided. D. Animal Management in the Zoological Collection - an Animal Management Report (~1,000 words per report) describing a significant animal management issue in the affiliated zoological institution must be submitted every 12 months. The report which could cover topics in enclosure design, import/export, reproductive problems, nutritional management etc., should include a description of the challenge/background and a proposal for a management plan. E. Comparative Pathology and Disease Investigation - a Resident Pathology and Disease Investigation Log which should contain signalment, date, investigations undertaken, post mortem diagnosis and relevant preventive and control measures applied shall be maintained. The log should detail if the resident was the primary investigator or the level of supervision provided. F. Research and Academic Studies - a Resident Continuing Education Log listing conferences, seminars and lectures attended must be maintained. - a Resident Presentation Log listing presentations given at zoological medical conferences and other professional meetings must be maintained by the Resident. Apart from the logs which are submitted every 6 months, the resident shall retain (or be able to retrospectively create from clinical records) a single page record of each clinical case, anaesthetic event or post- mortem procedure. The resident will be requested to submit random examples of these sheets, after submission of the case log. The resident is responsible for maintaining the above Resident Logs and Reports. The resident is responsible for submission of the evaluation materials of the following: Resident Clinical Zoo Medicine Log Resident Restraint and Anaesthesia Log Pathology and Disease Investigation Log 14

15 The Resident Continuing Education Log The Resident Presentations Log Preventative Medicine Case Report Animal Management Report The resident will prepare an annual evaluation of the Residency and submit it to the Chair of the Education and Residency Committee, using the standard evaluation form as posted on the College web site. A copy of 'verification and authentication' of the above logs by the Programme Director must be made available to the Executive Secretary by the Programme Director. Research and publications: 1. Research project: the Resident must complete at least one investigative project that contributes to the advancement of veterinary medicine relevant to their specialty. 2. Publications: - The Resident must author three (3) original peer- reviewed scientific papers in a well established internationally refereed scientific journal (i.e. mentioned in the Science Citation Index or in the reading list [see Appendix A]), relevant to the specialty. Of at least two (2) of these papers the applicant must be the principal author. At least one of the principal author publications must be the result of an original research project. VI. Documentation and verification of the zoological medicine residency programme The Programme Director, Resident and the European College of Zoological Medicine have responsibilities for documentation and verification of satisfactory training for each resident. A. The Programme Director is responsible for: Verification of pre- residency training, and presence of suitable facilities, equipment, and supplies prior to Programme initiation. The Residency Training Programme and facilities shall be approved (by the Education and Residency Committee) and may be inspected prior to the start of any Residency Programme. One or two Diplomates (as appointed by the Education and Residency Committee), may visit the Residency facility to observe procedures, equipment, records, etc. A standard verification form will be used for these inspections (See Appendix E). Cost of the inspection is covered by the ECZM unless the facilty fails to be approved. The made expenses will then be charged to the proposed training facility. At the discretion of the Education and Residency Committee, further inspections may be carried out in the following situations: a. If the Programme Director changes, b. If the Residency changes site, c. Ten years after initial approval or previous inspection (or at any 10 years thereafter), d. If any two successive Residents do not pass, or fail to present themselves for examination. 15

16 B. The responsible supervisor is responsible for 1. the provision of - a curriculum vitae. - evidence of qualification as a veterinary practitioner. - evidence that the applicant has completed the first part of the training programme. - ensurance that the candidate satisfies minimum entry requirements. 2. Distribution of the documentation and verification forms to each resident annually. 3. Submission of copies of the verified pre- residency training to the Credentials Committee. An outline of the programme and facilities are submitted for approval to the Education and Residency Committee, before the Resident begins the proposed programme. 4. Verification of semi- annual progress and performance evaluations. 5 Verification of the Resident Clinical Zoo Medicine Log. 6. Verification of the Resident Restraint and Anaesthesia Log. 7. Verification of the Pathology and Disease Investigation Log. 8. Verification of the Resident Continuing Education Log. 9. Verification of the Resident Presentations Log. C. The Resident is responsible for: 1. Maintenance of the logs and case reports required for performance monitoring. 2. Submission of copies of the verified materials required for performance monitoring to the Chair of the Education and Residency Committee of the European College of Zoological Medicine on 1 st January and 1 st July each year. 3. Providing an updated curriculum vitae annually to the Programme Director. 4. Candidates participating in an ECZM approved Residency Programme must still apply for approval of their credentials by the Credentials Committee, prior to applying to the Secretay of ECZM by Jan 1 st, for permission to sit the examination that calendar year. 5. Annual Residency Assessment by the resident, utilising the standard evaluation form as located on the web site. D. The Education and Residency Committee of the European College of Zoological Medicine is responsible for evaluation of Programmes and Programme Directors and for monitoring of each Resident's progress through the receipt of regular reports and communication of deficiencies to the Resident, and Programme Directors. VII. Facilities, services, and equipment required in a European College of Zoological Medicine- approved Zoo Health Management Residency Programme. *Please refer to Residency program guideline and checklist provided in a separate document. A. Medical library: a library containing recent textbooks and current journals relating to the specialty and its supporting disciplines must be immediately accessible to the Programme participants (working collection). B. Medical records: a complete medical record must be maintained for each individual case and rapid retrieval of information about any patient or flock/group should be possible. 16

17 C. Diagnostic imaging services: 1. Radiology. Appropriate equipment for comprehensive radiographic imaging must be available together with safe radiation working practices. 2. Ultrasonography. Appropriate equipment for ultrasonographic imaging must be available. D. Pathology services: 1. A separate post- mortem facility needs to be available for gross post- mortem examinations. 2. A clinical pathology laboratory for haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, and cytological diagnosis must be available. Clinical pathology reports must be retained and retrievable. 3. Facilities for histopathological examination of necropsy tissues must be available. Anatomic pathology reports must be retained and retrievable. E. Medical and surgical facilities: 1. Clinical examination room: the examination room must be designed, constructed, used, and maintained consistent with the current concepts of practice. They must be sufficient in number and size to accommodate the case load. 2. Surgical facilities: facilities including appropriate instrumentation for basic surgical procedures must be available, but a separate surgical room is not required. 3. Hospitalization areas: Areas for isolation and good nursing should be available with consideration to biosecurity and control of pathogen spread between patients. 4. Isolation unit/quarantine area: An area for isolation of animals entering the facility must be available. 5. Anaesthetic and critical care equipment: appropriate anaesthetic and critical care equipment must be available. Remote injection systems as well as gaseous anesthesia equipment are mandatory. Equipment for monitoring of anaesthetic patients including blood pressure measuring devices, pulseoxymeters and capnographs is required. 6. Instrumentation: a full complement of instrumentation for diagnostic and surgical procedures must be available. 7. Photography: photographic equipment for the documentation of disease must be available. 8. Sterilization: Appropriate sterilization of surgical instrumentation and supplies must be available, and the sterilization capacity must be commensurate with the caseload. F. Animal collection: 1. The resident should be exposed to a broad variety of animals, and the collection (s) in which they work should comprise at least three (3) orders within at least two (2) classes of animals. A multiple facility approach is desired. 17

18 2. Housing conditions should be up to current standards, and the institutions should be accredited by appropriate national authorities. Note: Items listed under C and D can be provided by a close- by referral centre. 18

19 Chapter 4: Examination and application procedure Applicants must submit their completed ( i.e. all publications which have been at least accepted for publication and other requirements met) credentials to the Executive Secretary before January 1 of the year of anticipated examination. The period of the training programme must be completed at least 2 months before the anticipated examination date, in order for examination of the candidate to be permitted in that calendar year. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The dates of examination will be posted on the website at least one year in advance. All candidates must submit the standard application form of the College (Appendix D) together with other required documents together with the Application Fee (see Appendix F). The Credentials Committee must verify the successful completion of a standard residency or alternative training programme. If the Credentials Committee is satisfied with the Examination application, the candidate will be notified by the chairperson of the Credentials Committee and should then submit a completed examination application form (Appendix D), together with the Examination Fee (see Appendix F), by March 1 st. The responsibility for accuracy and availability of all required credentials rests with the applicant. The following materials must be submitted: 1. Complete Application Form (4 Copies) - available at Appendix D 2. Curriculum Vitae (4 Copies) - Attach one copy of the curriculum vitae to each copy of the completed application form. The curriculum vitae should follow the following format: MODEL CURRICULUM VITAE FULL NAME ADDRESS DATE OF BIRTH EDUCATION COLLEGES DATES DEGREES PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES MEMBERSHIP OF WHICH SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS HONOURS PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICE HELD PROFESSIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS PUBLISHED PEER REVIEWED RELEVANT SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS 3. There must be (a) letter(s) from the Programme Director and Supervisor(s) of each institution involved in the zoological medicine training programme. All letters must be from persons familiar with the candidate's postgraduate zoological medical training programme and mailed directly to the Executive Secretary by the referee. Requests by the applicant for 19

20 reference letters should be made early so as to assure that these letters are received by the Executive Secretary on or before the application deadline (October 1). It is the applicant's responsibility to see that all letters are sent to the Executive Secretary on time. The Credentials Committee is responsible for absolute discretion and confidentiality regarding the reference letter(s). After approval of the candidate to sit the examination the reference letter(s) will be destroyed. Reference letters must document the following: a. Verification of the specialty zoological medicine training programme and level of supervision. b. The applicant's proficiency, judgement, and competence as a specialty Zoological clinician/academic and readiness to sit the examination. c. The commitment of the applicant to the constitutional objectives of the ECZM. d. The moral and ethical standing of the applicant within the veterinary profession. 4. Documentation Forms (4 Copies): The Resident Logs and Reports must accompany the application, as must the casebook (4 copies) with summaries of three (3) reports of cases personally handled (relating to the specialty), with a maximum of 1500 words each, which give an impression of analytical approach of the candidate. 5. Publications (4 Copies) - See Requirements for Admission. At least three (3) original peer reviewed original papers in a well established internationally refereed scientific journal (i.e. mentioned in the Science Citation Index). Of two (2) of these papers the applicant must be the principal author; of the other two, the applicant is not necessarily the principal author. The subject matter of these papers must cover at least two different classes of animals, and at least one of the principal author publications must be the result of an original research project. 6. Previous correspondence relating to the training programme and application. 7. Application fee: a. The application will not be evaluated or processed without the credentialling fee (see Appendix F) being paid in full. b. The application fee is not refundable c. If any portion of the application has to be resubmitted the entire fee will be reassessed. The application materials must be divided and arranged in the sequence listed, then indexed and bound in folders to prevent loss and to facilitate review. The applicant's name should be on the front of each folder. If the credentials are accepted by the Credentials Committee and approved by the ECZM Executive Committee, the applicant will be notified by the Executive Secretary in early January. The Chair of the Examination Committee will notify successful applicants of the dates and procedure of examination. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified at the same time by a letter explaining the deficiencies in credentials. A subsequent reapplication must include resubmission of those credentials found deficient and a new application form (4 Copies), an updated curriculum vita (4 Copies), relating correspondence (4 Copies), and the application fee. 20

21 The application materials must be presented in the manner previously described. All correspondence regarding application procedure and notification should be addressed to the Executive Secretary. All submitted application materials become the sole property of the ECZM and will not be returned to the applicant. Qualifying examination The examination will test all aspects of the relevant specialty of zoological medicine and may be composed of three sections. 1. The first section consists of multiple choice questions with one correct answer. 2. The second part consists of essay questions. 3. A practical/written section of the exam is designed to test interpretive skills. The questions may be based on photographs, or specimens related to the relevant specialty of zoological medical and surgical diseases or conditions. The photographs or specimens depict anatomical specimens, instruments, zoological diseases (relevant to the specialty), pathological and histological specimens, and radiographs. The candidate may be asked to give information regarding diagnosis, method of treatment, interpretation of radiographs or other diagnostic images, identification of instruments or equipment. Short written answers of a few words to a sentence are expected. Each question will be read or shown to the candidates and at the end a review period of 20 minutes is granted before the forms are passed to the examiner. Successful candidates shall be obliged to submit ten multiple choice questions and two practical questions with properly referenced answers (i.e. references to the literature from the reading list [see Appendix A]. Model examination questions may be accessed on the web site. Candidates must pass the examination within eight years of being notified that they have satisfied the credentials process, and may sit the examination on four (4) occasions only. Failure to satisfy either of these requirements necessitates that the candidate go through the credentials process again and additional periods of training and/or experience may be required by the Credential Committee. The second approval by the Credentials Committee will be reviewed annually, the incoming Examination Committee chairperson and the incoming Credentials Committee chairperson having the option of recommending reapplication on a yearly basis. Reapplication credentials must include: 1. A written outline of the applicant's self- evaluation and his/her remedy to correct these deficiencies. 2. A completed application form (4 copies) 3. An updated curriculum vitae (4 copies) should be provided. An addendum should reflect training and experiences directed toward correcting the deficiencies as noted by the report from the Secretary of the Examination Committee. 4. At least one letter of reference. These letter(s) should specifically address the efforts taken by the applicant to correct the deficiencies of previous examinations. 5. At least one additional major publication in the field of the relevant specialty in Zoological Medicine, with the applicant being the first or sole author is required. The publications must have been published or at least fully accepted for publication (proof provided) by internationally refereed scientific journal (i.e. mentioned in the Science Citation Index or one of the journals mentioned in the reading list [see Appendix]). The publication must be less than five years old at the date of the current application deadline. 6. All relating correspondence (4 copies) should be provided. This should include a list of all 21

22 dates of previous applications and appropriate correspondence. Credentials of candidates who pass the examination will be forwarded to the President by the Chairperson of the Examining Committee. Examination fee: a. Taking part in the examination is not possible if the fee is not paid at the time of application. The deadline for the latter is March 1 st in the year of anticipated examination. b. The examination fee is non- refundable c. If a candidate has to sit for an examination for a second or third occasion the full examination fee will be due. The integrity of the Diplomate status examination will be maintained by the European College of Zoological Medicine to insure the validity of scores awarded to candidates. 22

23 Chapter 5: Re- credentialing of diplomates After each 5- year period, each diplomate shall provide validation that they may continue their Diplomate status. The ECZM Constitution established a standard procedure (see Appendix B) by which this requirement for membership can be objectively re- evaluated on a periodic basis. This procedure meets the requirements as established by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS). The procedure relies on earning the required number of re- credentialing points over a 5 year period. These may be earned via publications, presetnations, conference attendance, exam question submission, committee membership and residency supervision. These activites aim to documents continued activity within ECZM as well as activities conssiten with a specialist status. Other requirements for re- credentaling are set out in the consrtitution, bylaws and the policies and procedures: Art 5.8. ECZM Constitution: The registration ceases by default when the specialty is practised at a level of less than 50 percent devoted to patients of their specialty (i.e < 20 hours/week), or when the specialty has not been practised, for reasons other than those being reasons for temporary or permanent suspension, for two continuous years or the equivalent of two years during a period of 5 years. These Diplomates are awarded a Non- Practising Diplomate status. Art 5.9. ECZM Constitution The College has established a standard procedure (see Appendix B) by which the requirement for membership are re- evaluated on a periodic basis. This procedure meets the requirements as established by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS). Continuing education: validation system ECZM At the 2001 ECAMS Annual General Meeting in Munich it was decided that the recredentialling procedure was to start from January 1 st 2001 onwards. Any diplomate failing to achieve sufficient points may alternatively re- sit the examination. Please note that recognition of conferences must be validated with the Education and Residency Committee prior to the conference. All diplomates are advised to maintain a log throughout the period. 23