Reimagining Board Certification: How Ethos is Shaping a New Era in Veterinary Credentialing
June 12, 2025
At Ethos, we’re transforming veterinary medicine. Through the vision of our Clinical Learning & Development team, we’re breaking down longstanding barriers and reimagining what’s possible — not just for emergency veterinarians, but for the profession.
One of our proudest innovations is the ABVP Guided Program — a groundbreaking alternative to a residency program for board certification that combines flexibility, academic rigor, and real-world support.
A First-of-Its-Kind Pathway
In 2022, Michael Dutton, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), launched the first hybrid credentialing pathway for veterinarians pursuing ABVP Diplomate status. Recognizing its potential, Chief Medical Officer Stacy Burdick, DVM, MBA, DACVIM (SAIM), advocated for expanding the program to emergency veterinarians across the Ethos network.
Following thorough evaluation and validation by an independent third party, the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) officially approved the initiative. As a result, we now offer the only program in the world providing this type of flexible and supported route to board certification for emergency veterinarians.
What Makes the ABVP Guided Program Unique?
Designed by Matt Booth, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), and Gareth Buckley, MA, VetMB, DACVECC, DECVECC, the ABVP Guided Program spans 36 months and is built around a cohort-based model. Participants engage in a structured, academically rigorous experience while continuing to work full- or part-time in their clinical roles, maintaining full wages and benefits.
Program highlights include:
- Asynchronous coursework through the VetBloom platform
- Live grand rounds and journal clubs led by expert faculty
- Structured credentialing preparation, including:
- Case logs, self-assessments, and reference letters
- Comprehensive case reports with literature reviews
- Iterative feedback from local mentors and ABVP Diplomates
- Scholarly collaboration with Ethos Discovery and Science House Officers, with opportunities to publish in peer-reviewed journals
A Veterinarian’s Perspective
For Lindsay Renzullo, DVM, Medical Director at Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, the Guided Program has been both professionally enriching and practically feasible.
“The ABVP Guided Program appealed to me because it offers both structure and flexibility — providing the support I needed while allowing me to continue in my current role,” she said. “Compared to traditional routes, this pathway makes board certification more accessible for working professionals by integrating learning into a busy clinical and leadership schedule.”
Support and mentorship are cornerstones of the program’s success.
“The VetBloom coursework is engaging and relevant, and the mentorship has been exceptional,” Dr. Renzullo said. “Matt and the other mentors are approachable, responsive, and genuinely invested in our success.”
Balancing Growth with Real Life
Like many veterinary professionals, Dr. Renzullo juggles a demanding clinical role, leadership responsibilities, and a busy family life. The program’s thoughtful design acknowledges these realities.
“Time is always the most limited resource — especially when you’re a mom to three active kids,” she said. “The biggest challenge has been finding a consistent rhythm for completing modules and writing case reports. The program’s flexible structure and the ongoing support from the mentor community have been key in helping me find balance and stay motivated.”
More Than a Program — A Catalyst for Growth
Whether participants choose the structured Guided pathway or opt for a more independent, self-paced credentialing model, the focus remains the same: helping veterinarians advance their expertise, elevate their clinical practice, and grow as leaders in their field.
“This program has been transformative for me — even after 17 years in practice,” Dr. Renzullo said. “It’s challenged me to grow as a clinician and as a mentor to the ER doctors I work with. It’s a powerful way to invest in yourself and your team.”