American College Of Veterinary Surgeons Research Articles

Residency program factors affecting ACVS board examination pass rates from 2017 to 2021: A survey of ACVS small animal surgery residency programs.

To identify small animal surgery (SAS) residency program factors associated with board examination pass rates for the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) board certification examinations. Online survey. Program directors of ACVS-registered SAS residency programs. An online survey was distributed to eligible 2021 ACVS SAS residency program directors. Respondents provided program information and Phase I and Phase II board examination pass rate data from 2017 to 2021. Programs were grouped based on overall combined board examination pass rates as "excellent" (≥90%) versus "adequate" (<90%). Data were analyzed using recursive partitioning. Responses from 36 ACVS SAS residency programs (18 private practice [PP], 18 academic programs [AP]) were included. Pass rates were considered "excellent" for 17/36 programs (11/17 AP, 6/17 PP). The strongest indicator of "excellent" programs was most mentors participating in rounds >75% of the time. Of those, the second indicator of "excellent" programs was a soft tissue caseload of <7 surgeries/resident/week. If the soft tissue caseload was >7 surgeries/resident/week, a high orthopedic caseload (>9 surgeries/resident/week) was indicative of "excellent" programs. If most mentors were not participating in rounds >75% of the time, APs were more likely to be "excellent." SAS APs may have higher ACVS board examination pass rates. Mentor involvement, caseload, and residency practice type may influence board examination pass rates. ACVS SAS residency programs' board examination pass rates may improve by optimizing mentor involvement and caseload regardless of practice type.

Respondents to an American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomate survey support the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

To objectively measure the current demographic makeup of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and to develop a survey tool to be used as a metric to measure future changes in the ACVS demographic profile. 737 ACVS diplomates. A 14-item electronic survey was sent to 2,199 ACVS diplomates between August 25 and September 9, 2021, via email. Survey items included demographic information as well as perceptions about the ACVS and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Responses were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The survey response rate was 34% (737/2,199). The median age category among respondents was 45 to 54. The median years in practice as a diplomate was 11 to 15. The majority of respondents identified as white/Caucasian and heterosexual, with male and female respondents being similarly represented. Most respondents identified English as their first language. Few considered themselves first-generation college graduates or identified as disabled. Many respondents considered DEI to be an important initiative to promote in the ACVS. Findings suggested that the majority of ACVS respondents are supportive of DEI efforts. This study also serves as an objective analysis that can be reassessed in the future to determine the success of such initiatives.

Worker and work-related factors influence on musculoskeletal symptoms among veterinary surgeons

Worker and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among surgeons operating on human patients. Despite incidence rates for accidents among veterinarians and their staff being 2.9 times higher than that of general practitioners of human medicine, little is known about musculoskeletal symptoms among veterinary surgeons. In this study, 212 board-certified members of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons responded to a survey regarding various work-related activities and their experience with musculoskeletal symptoms in 10 different body regions. Across all body regions, reported pain increased from before to after a typical day of surgery (p <.01). Gender, weight, age, and years performing surgery were worker factors that were related to pain (p <.05), while number of procedures, practice focus, and proportion of minimally invasive surgery were work factors related to pain (p <.05). Our findings suggest that musculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among veterinary surgeons and may help provide evidence for guidelines for minimising musculoskeletal injuries in veterinary surgery. Practitioner summary: Little is known about the risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among veterinary surgeons. This cross-sectional survey of veterinary surgeons investigates worker and work factors related to MSS. We show that MSS are prevalent and identify key factors providing evidence that MSS are a concern in veterinary surgery.

Worker and Work-Related Factors Influence on Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Veterinary Surgeons

Current literature on surgeons in human medicine provides evidence that surgeons often work in awkward positions for extended periods of time, suggesting there are significant physical ergonomic risk factors associated with the work demands of the role. These risk factors are likely also present in surgical work in veterinary medicine. In this study, 212 members of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons responded to a survey regarding various work-related activities and their experience with musculoskeletal symptoms in 10 different body regions. Across all 10 regions, reported pain increased significantly from before to after a typical day of surgery. Worker factors that were shown to be related to reported pain include gender, weight, age, and years performing surgery. Among work factors investigated, number of procedures, practice focus, and proportion of minimally invasive surgery were shown to influence reported pain. Our findings confirm that musculoskeletal symptoms are commonly experienced by veterinary surgeons.

Long-term outcomes in dogs with elbow dysplasia, assessed using the canine orthopaedic index.

Elbow dysplasia (ED) is an important cause of lameness in dogs. This study aimed to report long-term outcomes in dogs with elbow osteoarthritis. Demographic data, medical management, and scores from The American College of Veterinary Surgeons' Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI) were collected from owners of dogs radiographically screened for ED, graded as normal, mild, or moderate. Telephone interviews were performed in 2017 (Q1), followed by an email survey in 2020 (Q2). The association between ED grade and deterioration in COI scores over time was evaluated with logistic regression. A total of 765 replies were collected for Q1 and 293 for Q2. At Q2, 222 dogs (76%) were alive, with a median age of 8 years (range 5-12 years). No association was found between ED and changes in COI score over time or between ED and survival (p = 0.071). Dogs with mild and moderate ED were treated with analgesic medications to a higher degree than dogs without ED (p < 0.05). Only owner-assed data were assessed; no clinical orthopaedic examination or follow-up radiographic evaluation was performed. No association was found between the grade of ED and the worsening of clinical signs in dogs with elbow osteoarthritis.

Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Veterinary Surgeons-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) in veterinary surgeons using an online survey. An online survey was distributed to 1,031 diplomates of American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Responses were collected with data regarding surgical activities, experience with various types of MSS in 10 different body sites and attempts to reduce MSS. Two hundred and twelve respondents (21% response rate) completed the distributed survey in 2021. Ninety-three per cent of respondents had experienced MSS associated with surgery in at least one body part, with the neck, lower back and upper back frequently affected. Musculoskeletal discomfort and pain worsened with prolonged surgical hours. Forty-two per cent of them suffered from chronic pain persisting longer than 24 hours after surgeries. Musculoskeletal discomfort was common regardless of practice emphasis and procedure types. Forty-nine per cent of respondents with musculoskeletal pain had taken medication, 34% sought physical therapy for MSS and 38% ignored the symptoms. Over 85% of respondents showed more than some concern regarding career longevity due to musculoskeletal pain. Work-related MSS are common in veterinary surgeons, and the results of this study warrant longitudinal clinical studies to determine risk factors and attention to workplace ergonomics in veterinary surgery.

Knowledge and attitudes towards surgical safety checklists: a survey of veterinary professionals

To determine the knowledge and use of safe surgical checklists (SSCs) and surgical safety practices (SSPs) in different sectors of veterinary medicine. 1,235 small animal veterinarians who perform surgery in the United States and Canada. An online survey was distributed to veterinarians through social media platforms, specialty listservs, and the Veterinary Information Network. Respondents provided information regarding their role, practice type, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and use of SSCs. Respondents also provided information about performance of SSPs including team introductions; confirmation of antibiotic prophylaxis, patient identity, procedure to be performed; and confirmation of completion of all procedures. A greater proportion of Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (49/77 [64%]) reported using an SSC than other veterinarians (257/1157 [22%]; P < .0001). A greater proportion of veterinarians working in university and multispecialty hospitals reported using a SSC (71/142 [50%]) than in other practice settings (235/1092 [22%]; P < .0001). Use of a SSC correlated with consistent performance of surgical safety practices listed above (P < .0001). Primary care veterinarians commonly reported not using a SSC because they did not know about them (359/590 [61%]). Of the 507 respondents who had ever used a SSC, 333 (66%) believed the checklist had prevented an error or complication. Despite widespread knowledge and adoption of SSC use in human medicine, knowledge and use of SSCs is lacking in primary care veterinary practice. Checklist use has previously been shown to decrease post operative complications and in this study was correlated with increased use of SSPs that decreased complications.

Variations in the application of equine prosthetic laryngoplasty: A survey of 128 equine surgeons.

To document variations in the application of equine prosthetic laryngoplasty among equine surgeons. Cross-sectional survey. Six hundred and seventy-eight equine surgeons performing prosthetic laryngoplasty. An online questionnaire was sent to equine surgeons, including diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and European College of Veterinary Surgeons. Questions focused on participant profile, surgical technique, antimicrobial therapy, and concurrent procedures. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the survey output. Complete responses were received from 128/678 individuals, mostly from experienced surgeons. Most participants used 2 prostheses (106/128, 82.8%) and a single loop was the most common method used to anchor the prosthesis in the cricoid (95/128, 74.2%) and arytenoid (125/128, 97.7%) cartilages. Use of general anesthesia was common, although 46/128 (35.9%) participants now performed most laryngoplasty surgery with standing sedation. The material used as a prosthesis varied among surgeons, although participants typically aimed to achieve grade 2 intraoperative arytenoid abduction. Participants most commonly administered perioperative systemic antimicrobial therapy for 1-3 days (57/128, 44.5%) and 48/128 (37.5%) used local antimicrobial therapy. Most surgeons performed laryngoplasty with 2 prostheses, a single loop construct at the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage and systemic antimicrobial therapy. There was variation in the preferred method of surgical restraint, prosthesis material selection, and use of local antimicrobial therapy. Long-established techniques remain popular in clinical practice despite evidence that variations offer advantages, particularly in relation to biomechanics. Other factors are also likely to influence technique selection in a clinical context.

Abstract Presentation at Two Veterinary Surgery Conferences and the Impact on Publication Rate.

The aim of this study was to compare the publication rate (PR) and report descriptive findings from abstracts presented at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society (VOS), and those presented at both conferences. All conference abstracts from 2001 to 2010 ACVS and VOS meetings were reviewed. PR in peer-reviewed journals was evaluated and compared between Group 1 (abstracts presented at ACVS only; n = 1,277), Group 2 (abstracts presented at VOS only; n = 645), and Group 3 (abstracts presented at both conferences; n = 121) abstracts. Abstracts were assigned a level of evidence (LoE) score. Approximately 6% of all abstracts evaluated were presented at two scientific meetings (Group 3). The PR of Group 1 (66%) and Group 3 (62%) abstracts was significantly higher than that of Group 2 (45%). The majority of abstracts were assigned a low LoE (3 or 4). Once presented, most Group 3 abstracts took <12 months to be submitted and <24 months to be published. This study found that a limited number of abstracts were presented at both ACVS and VOS, and PR was significantly different between those presented at ACVS only or both ACVS and VOS compared with VOS only. There was no significant difference in PR between Group 1 and Group 3 abstracts. This study has provided the initial comparison between abstracts presented at two veterinary surgical conferences.

Training residents in minimally invasive surgery; confirming competence or hoping for the best?

BackgroundVeterinary minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is rapidly developing, and most surgeons are performing MIS in their clinical practice. The technical skills of presented surgical techniques are increasingly complex. Required training of American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) surgical residents in soft tissue MIS (laparoscopy/thoracoscopy) are limited to traditional apprentice training. Unfortunately, such training has been found insufficient to create competent MIS surgeons.Aim of the reviewThis review discusses development of MIS training for Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) residents in context of veterinary applicability and investigates comparative evidence for how to best train veterinary residents in soft tissue MIS.ConclusionsA structured curriculum, with validated tasks and clear training goals have been found imperative for training success. Such a curriculum includes both didactic sessions and manual skills training, with video tutorials and reading material to inform and motivate the residents.Implications of key findingsACVS residents and diplomates may benefit if a MIS curriculum was developed and made available to all training programs.

Ability to Perform Laparoscopic Intra- and Extracorporeal Suture Ligations in a Live Canine Ovariectomy Model after Simulation Training.

Veterinary resident training in minimally invasive surgery is currently inconsistent and depends on innate psychomotor skills. Simulation training has been shown to effectively increase basic skills, but demonstration of simulation training effects on advanced skills in the operating room is sparse. We aimed to determine if simulation-trained novice surgeons were able to perform laparoscopic suture ligation in live dogs. Three novice laparoscopic surgeons underwent a 12-session simulation training program with subsequent laparoscopic skills testing to demonstrate competency. The median skills scores of trainees and of one experienced surgeon were 417 and 472, respectively. Eighteen healthy client-owned (shelter) dogs were operated on by four surgeons: one experienced American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomate, two novice ACVS residents, and one novice ACVS diplomate. Laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed with suture ligation of the ovarian pedicles. Successful surgery was defined as no evidence of ovarian vessel bleeding after transection of the pedicles. Simulation-trained novices performed successful suture-ligated ovariectomies in 11/13 dogs (85%), and the experienced surgeon in 5/5 (100%) dogs. Median total ligation time was 30 minutes (range: 17-57), which was not different among surgeons (p = .118). Median total surgery time was 105 minutes (range: 69-156) for novices and 89 minutes (range: 65-99) for the experienced surgeon (p = .038). Extensive simulation training including suturing may contribute toward surgery residents being able to perform complex laparoscopic procedures. These results need to be confirmed in larger numbers of trainees.

A survey of attributes of surgical resident applicants deemed important to American College of Veterinary Surgeons board-certified surgeons involved in resident selection and methods used to evaluate these attributes.

To determine which attributes of residency applicants were most commonly assessed by large and small animal American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomates and to determine which evaluation methods were perceived to assess those attributes. Online survey. American College of Veterinary Surgeons board-certified surgeons as of March 2019. An online survey was sent to eligible individuals. Respondents rated the importance of 23 attributes assessed by the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) application as well the usefulness of interviews, conversations with people knowledgeable with the applicants, and review of the VIRMP packet for evaluating each of these attributes. Responses were compared between large and small animal practitioners and between individuals involved in residency selection (supervisors) and individuals not involved in residency selection (nonsupervisors). Surveys were completed by 221 individuals (14.6% response rate). Seventeen of the 23 attributes were considered important by most respondents. Grade point average (GPA) and class rank were used as screening tools by 73% and 65% of supervisors, respectively. Letters of reference (LOR) were ranked as the most important part of the VIRMP packet. Conversations with people knowledgeable with the applicant was the only method judged by most respondents to be appropriate to evaluate all 23 attributes. Responses were similar between large and small animal supervisors and nonsupervisors. Respondents considered conversations with people knowledgeable with the applicant to be the most useful methods for assessing a resident applicant, but LOR, GPA, and class rank were also important. Resident applicants and mentors can use this information to strengthen applications.

Influence of speaker's gender on speaker introductions at the 2018 ACVS Surgical Summit.

To evaluate whether formality of introduction differed between male vs female speakers at the 2018 American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) scientific meeting and identify other variables that predisposed introducers or chairs to informal introduction. Observational study. Thirteen session chairs introducing 68 lectures (41 by females, 27 by males) by 63 speakers. Observers recorded the session introducer, speaker, and whether speakers were introduced with a formal or informal title. Information evaluated included type of oral presentation; introducer gender, year, and country of graduation from veterinary school; speaker gender; whether the speaker was a resident; and speaker's year of graduation. Female speakers were introduced by their first name in 9 of 41 introductions compared to in 1 of 27 introductions for male speakers. This difference reached statistical significance when data independence was assumed (P = .043); however, this significance was narrowly lost when data clustering on session introducer was controlled for (P = .067). In this study, female speakers were more likely than male speakers to be introduced by their first and last names rather than with their professional title at a recent ACVS scientific meeting. Additional research is required to determine the effect of this type of subordinate language and gender bias in veterinary surgery.

Prognostic factors for short-term survival of dogs that experience postattenuation seizures after surgical correction of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts: 93 cases (2005-2018).

To identify prognostic factors for short-term survival of dogs that experience seizures within 7 days after surgical correction of single congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (cEHPSS). Multi-institutional retrospective study. Ninety-three client-owned dogs. Medical records at 14 veterinary institutions were reviewed to identify dogs that underwent surgical attenuation of a single cEHPSS from January 1, 2005 through February 28, 2018 and experienced postattenuation seizures (PAS) within 7 days postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with 1-month survival. Factors investigated included participating institution, signalment, shunt morphology, concurrent/historical conditions, presence of preoperative neurologic signs, presence of preoperative seizures, aspects of preoperative medical management, surgical details including method and degree of shunt attenuation, type of PAS (focal only or generalized ± focal), drugs administered as part of the treatment of PAS, and development of complications during treatment of PAS. Thirty (32.3%) dogs survived to 30 days. Seventy-six (81.7%) dogs experienced generalized PAS. Factors positively associated with short-term survival included having a history of preoperative seizures (P = .004) and development of focal PAS only (P = .0003). Most nonsurvivors were humanely euthanized because of uncontrolled or recurrent seizures. Dogs that experienced PAS that had a history of preoperative seizures and those that experienced focal PAS only had significantly improved short-term survival. The results of this study provide information that will help in the counseling of owners who seek treatment for PAS after surgical correction of cEHPSS. © 2020 The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The intersection of personal and professional lives for male and female diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2015.

To characterize objective and subjective elements of the personal lives of American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and identify elements of personal life associated with professional life or career success. 836 ACVS diplomates. An 81-item questionnaire was sent to 1,450 diplomates in 2015 via email and conducted by means of an online platform. Responses were analyzed to summarize trends and identify associations among selected variables. Men were more likely than women to be married or in a domestic partnership (88% vs 68%, respectively) and to have children (77% vs 47%). Among women but not men, respondents in large animal practice were less likely than were those in small animal practice to be represented in these categories. Women had children later in their career than did men and indicated that their stage of training played an important role in family planning. Respondents with children worked significantly fewer hours than did those without children, with a greater reduction in hours for women versus men (6.0 vs 3.1 hours, respectively). Women were more likely to require external childcare services than were men. Women were more likely to report that having children had negatively impacted their professional lives. No negative associations between measures of professional success (eg, advancement or personal income) and parenthood were identified. Family demographics differed between male and female ACVS diplomates, yet no objective impact on career success was identified. Work-life balance may play an important role in recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction of veterinary surgeons.

Demographics, measures of professional achievement, and gender differences for diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2015.

To characterize elements of employment, professional success, and personal life for American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and identify elements of practice that may serve as barriers to work-life balance or affect men and women differently. 836 ACVS diplomates. An 81-item questionnaire was sent to 1,450 ACVS diplomates in 2015 via email and conducted by means of an online platform. Responses were analyzed to identify associations among selected variables. The survey response rate was 58% (836/1,450). The median age category among respondents was 41 to 45 years. The ratio of male to female diplomates was equivalent among those < 40 years old. Respondents in small animal private practice worked the fewest number of hours; those in equine or large animal private practice worked the most and had the most on-call responsibility. Women were more likely than men to be employed in academia. In both private practice and academia, respondents in small animal practice earned more than did those in equine or large animal practice, and women earned less than did men, even after adjustment for relevant covariates. Women were less likely than men to be practice owners or to hold a prestigious academic title and rank. Perceptions about the effect of gender in the workplace differed between men and women. Findings suggested that the veterinary surgical profession is demanding for both genders, although increased flexibility in certain areas may improve work-life balance.

A survey of criteria used to evaluate applications for small animal surgery residency positions.

To determine attributes of applicants to small animal surgery residency programs (SRP) that are considered important, favorable, or detrimental according to surgeons at SRP registered with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Online survey. Residency-trained surgeons at ACVS-registered SRP. An online survey was advertised to eligible surgeons. Respondents anonymously provided information about their professional backgrounds and SRP interview practices and rated candidate attributes in terms of importance during application screening and favorable or detrimental effects during selection or ranking. Responses were compared by respondent practice setting and sex. Surveys were completed by 148 of 289 (51%) invited surgeons. Male and female surgeons were equally represented, and 61% worked in academia. Most respondents' SRP offered in-person interviews, typically to a select applicant group from whom residents were ultimately chosen. Letters of recommendation were the most influential factor in all phases of application review, particularly when respondents knew the writers. Other critical attributes were academic record, internship reputation, research activity, and indices of interpersonal skills. Nearly all respondents considered multiple prior unsuccessful applications detrimental. Academic respondents emphasized academic performance and academic internships; private practice respondents valued personal contact with applicants and surgical specialty internships. Responses did not differ by self-identified gender. Surgery residency program surgeons preferred first- or second-time applicants with excellent academic credentials, specific internship and research experiences, and letters of support from trusted colleagues as well as strong interpersonal skills. Prospective residents can use this information to assess their candidacies, identify potential weaknesses, and prepare competitive applications.

Perceptions and experience of veterinary surgery residents with minimally invasive surgery simulation training.

To determine access to and use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) simulators among American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) small animal residents and to identify barriers to simulator use and perceptions of simulator training. Voluntary online survey. One hundred forty-one ACVS small animal residents. American College of Veterinary Surgeons residents were identified by contacting ACVS residency program directors. An emailed online survey was sent to residents along with a reminder email 2 weeks later. All surveys were collected within 1 month. Participation was voluntary but incentivized. Response rate to the survey was 79 of 141 (56%) residents. Twenty-eight of 77 (36%) residents have access to a simulator, with box simulators being most common. Lack of time was the most frequent reason for not using the simulator more. Sixty-eight of 77 (88%) and 65 of 77 (65%) residents agreed or strongly agreed that simulator-based training improves laparoscopic skills and that simulator skills are transferable to the operating room, respectively. Residents with access to a simulator were more comfortable with basic laparoscopic surgeries at the end of their residency than those without such access (P = .04). There is substantial room for improved access to and use of MIS simulator training in ACVS residency programs. Despite lack of simulator access, residents believed that simulator training improved their skill and comfort level with basic laparoscopic procedures. The results of this study inform us about access to and perceptions of MIS simulator training among residents. This information is important to surgeons responsible for training residents and may help guide the creation of a surgical skills curriculum.

Adaptation of the Canine Orthopaedic Index to evaluate chronic elbow osteoarthritis in Swedish dogs

BackgroundOwner questionnaires may be used to assess osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. The validated American College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (ACVS) Canine Orthopaedic Index Questionnaire quantifies quality of life in dogs with orthopaedic disease. This index was modified and translated into Swedish and evaluated for validity, reliability and sensitivity. One group with confirmed moderate elbow dysplasia (n = 117) and one healthy control group (n = 146) without radiographic elbow disease and without lameness were included. Telephone interviews with the dog owners were conducted throughout the study using owner-completed questionnaires.ResultsA 16-item questionnaire developed from an initial data set including 22 items, were able to differentiate between the affected group and the control group with good readability. Validity was measured through factor analysis which yielded a three-factor model accounting for 66.3% of the variance. Cronbach’s α was 0.89 for the total instrument, > 0.7 for stiffness, lameness and function, but < 0.7 for quality of life. Based on the process the modified questionnaire can be used in Swedish, as the ACVS COI, to make intra-patient comparisons and evaluation of disease progression.ConclusionsA sound owner-completed questionnaire translated into Swedish and modified, able to differ healthy dogs from dogs suffering from chronic osteoarthritis is presented. Performed statistical analysis show the items of the instrument to be reasonable and have high construct validity. The questionnaire may be used in the clinical setting and for research.

Teaching and proficiency assessment for arthroscopy in veterinary surgery: A 2017 survey of diplomates and residents of the American and European College of Veterinary Surgeons.

To determine current methods of arthroscopic skills training and proficiency assessment, identify skills considered fundamental to arthroscopy, and evaluate desire for a formal training and assessment program. Anonymized electronic survey. Diplomates and residents of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS). An electronic survey was distributed in commercial software (Qualtrics, Provo, Utah). Questions were divided into 4 categories: (1) demographics, (2) arthroscopy experience, (3) teaching, and (4) proficiency assessment. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Comparisons between groups were performed by using χ2 , t tests, and 1-way ANOVA (P ≤ .05). In total, 429 diplomates and 149 residents responded (response rate 28%). Overall, 80% of respondents trained using clinical cases. Barriers to simulator training included cadaver/simulator availability and time. Skills deemed most fundamental included anatomic knowledge, precise portal placement, triangulation, and image orientation. Overall, 90% of respondents supported a formal training program with requirement to demonstrate proficiency; 80% believed this should be part of standard ACVS/ECVS residency training. Arthroscopic skills are taught by using clinical cases, with subjective proficiency assessment. Fundamental skills are those that may be taught using simulators. There is enthusiasm for formal arthroscopic skills training and assessment. Improved acquisition and assessment of fundamental arthroscopic skills is indicated. A validated methodology for formal training using simulators, minimizing morbidity, and facilitating objective evaluation is warranted. This is the first phase of a project to develop and validate a simulator program.