What is a Veterinary Specialist?
A veterinary specialist is similar to a medical specialist in the healthcare world. They focus their expertise on one narrow aspect of medicine. Veterinary specialists generally undergo 4 to 6 years of additional training after receiving their doctorate of veterinary medicine. Training is rigorous and regulated, often requiring publication of a research paper and its presentation at a national conference. Completion of all board examinations grants a specialist the title of “board-certified”, giving them diplomate status within the specialty. Numerous disciplines are now available for veterinarians to specialize in including surgery, anesthesiology, internal medicine, radiology, cardiology, oncology, dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, emergency and critical care, and pathology. A complete list of AVMA-recognized veterinary specialists can be found HERE.
While all veterinarians can perform surgery and treat conditions in the above disciplines, veterinary specialists often manage the more challenging cases. Their advanced knowledge and training help ensure that the pet and pet owner receive the best possible outcome. To achieve this, veterinary specialists work closely with primary veterinarians and other specialists depending on the complexity of the case. Your primary veterinarian may recommend seeing a specialist at some point in the life of your pet.
Find out What Your Neighbors Are Saying About Us
Dr. Serratore performed surgery on my 11-year-old male GSD on Thursday, November 3rd to remove a large and probably malignant tumor from his throat. She did a magnificent job, and my boy (Qanuk) was able to come home with me Thursday afternoon. He is doing just great, eating well and wanting to play! Dr. Serratore was extremely professional and worked very hard to give me all of our options along with their pros and cons. I cannot thank her enough for her efforts! I would VERY highly recommend Dr. Serratore to anyone looking for a skilled, caring and professional veterinary surgeon.
Bill Waz
Dr. Serratore is very knowledgeable and professional. Our pet needed a complex surgery, and we were very nervous about it. She was wonderful and took the time to answer all of our questions. We greatly appreciated her attention to detail and commitment to providing the best possible care for her patients. She and her staff go above and beyond to ensure her patients receive the highest level of care possible and that the pet owner(s) feel supported.
Vik Buzzard
My 11 year old Rottweiler needed a complex surgery last month for an anal mass. Dr. Serratore was amazing, we are so very grateful to her, and her staff. Mr. Roo/Hans is doing fantastic, he will turn 12 years old in May. We cannot thank her enough for everything. I highly recommend Dr. Serratore, if your pet needs a highly skilled veterinary surgeon she is the best!
Joette Shaw
Happy patient from 2023