Specialist veterinarian
The specialist veterinarian is a title for veterinarians that is obtained in postgraduate training. In contrast to the specialist in human medicine , a specialist veterinarian is not required for independent practical occupation, but rather shows an additional qualification in a certain specialist area.
The required performance and qualification certificates differ from region to region in Germany and are regulated by the further training regulations of the individual veterinary chambers. In most cases, depending on the subject, three to five years of full-time work at a training center approved by the respective chamber is necessary. The knowledge required for authorization to use the title of specialist veterinarian is then proven in an examination interview. The Central German Veterinary Chambers also offer a modular advanced training concept in which the specialist veterinarian can also be acquired as part of a separate branch - similar to the system of specialist veterinary training in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). In order to maintain the title, veterinarians must complete a higher number of further training hours per year than veterinarians without this title.
Area names for which a specialist veterinarian can be acquired are possible both for medical specialties - such as internal medicine or surgery - and for certain animal species or animal groups - such as horses , small animals or reptiles . In the public service there are special specialist veterinary branches: for public veterinary services , for meat hygiene and slaughterhouses , meat hygiene and meat technology or for animal welfare .
Some specialties such as dermatology , ophthalmology or cardiology or animal species groups such as pets are not a field designation, but additional designations that a specialist veterinarian can acquire in addition (e.g. "hygiene and quality management in the food sector").
As of December 31, 2013, there were a total of 9,412 veterinarians in Germany. They are spread across 43 different subject areas .
The form of further training and specialization of veterinarians in the form of the Diplomate of the European College , which has only recently become established in Europe, does not lead to entitlement to use the corresponding specialist veterinary title in Germany.