From 2000-2007 there was an emphasis on recruitment and training. There were too few veterinarians for the number of open positions. One of the most active committees was the Career Pathways Committee, which visited veterinary schools, attended meetings of the Student Chapter of the AVMA, and awarded externships in laboratory animal medicine. A mentoring system was developed to assist veterinarians who wished to become certified through the experience route. Standards for training programs were updated and several additional training programs received recognition.
The certifying examination continued to be a primary focus of ACLAM. An examination consultant was hired to take a one-time look at all aspects of the ACLAM examination and its processes. Among the consultant’s recommendations was that the exam be closely aligned with the Role Delineation Document. This became a continuing objective of the Examination Committee. Another recommendation was that there be a Standard Setting Study to set the passing score for the exam. The Study would use 10 to 14 Diplomates to set the passing score by reviewing the exam and deciding what percentage of minimum competency was needed for a laboratory animal veterinarian to pass the exam. After the required statistical analysis a report was submitted to the Board of Directors. Use of the Standard Setting Study resulted in a low percentage of candidates passing the written exam. There was concern about this low pass rate. It seemed that those taking the exam might not realize that the questions were closely aligned with the RDD. Therefore the emphasis on, and importance of, the RDD was to be stressed to Training Program directors and those candidates entering by the experience route. Although the pass rate on a single exam might be low, candidates were allowed to take the exam three times with a single application. The three year pass rate was much higher being around 75%. Starting in 2007 changes were made in the exam: the practical slides which previously had been projected were printed in color in the exam booklet and the practical and written were combined for comparison to the RDD. There were 375 questions on the combined exam. Starting in 2010 the written and practical were completely combined and there would be one pass score to become a Diplomate. After 2006 the traditional examination review where Diplomates sat through a session of examination questions with an opportunity to comment on them was no longer conducted. This was due to the new Standard Setting Study and concern that questions could be leaked. The Examination Review Committee still reviewed the exam prior to administration.
ACLAM continued its textbook publishing program. Titles were: Bioethics and the Use of Laboratory Animals: Ethics in Theory and Practice; Laboratory Animal Medicine, 2nd edition;The Laboratory Rat, 2nd edition;The Mouse in Biomedical Research, 2nd edition, 4 volumes; Flynn’s Parasites of Laboratory Animals, 2nd edition.
“Camp ACLAM” was a new educational program. The first “Camp” was held in conjunction with the AVMA meeting, but in 2005 and thereafter it was held with the Charles River Short Course. The program was to be a continuing education experience and a training experience for those preparing for the certifying exam. The program consisted of 16 courses which were closely aligned with the RDD.
ACLAM continued to cooperate with ASLAP on matters of mutual concern such as the Economic (Salary) Surveys, sharing booth space at the AVMA meeting, international relations, and liaison to students at veterinary schools.
The ABVS/AVMA questioned the waiting period required for candidates who completed 2 or 3 year training programs. Therefore effective in 2003 candidates who had completed a training program would not be required to have up to 2 years post-training experience. The ABVS was also concerned that there be an appeals process for both credentialing and examination of candidates. ACLAM decided to use the Certification Oversight Committee to review appeals. In 2005 ACLAM was notified it received continued recognition as a specialty Board of the AVMA for the next 5 years.
Public relations, government and regulatory affairs received increased attention in the 2000’s. ACLAM authored a number of position papers on the care and use of animals in research. These position statements were placed on the ACLAM website and sent for information to such groups as FASEB, AALAS, AVMA, ILAR, USDA, NIH, AAALAC and others. There was concern that the quality of animal care could suffer because of a shortage of veterinarians entering the field of laboratory animal medicine. In response ACLAM began funding summer externships for veterinary students as an introduction to laboratory animal medicine.
The Strategic Plan was revised in 2000 and again in 2004. It gave impetus to programs and activities described in this section. By the end of 2007, ACLAM had a total of 837 members, 686 active, 134 retired and 17 honorary members.
The Foundation continued to be active. Funds were received by contributions from Diplomates and organizations in the field. Several grants were awarded in cooperation with other agencies. Through 2006 the Foundation had funded 57 grants in the amount of almost $1 million.
In 2007 ACLAM completed its 50th year. ACLAM had matured to a well organized, influential and respected College. ACLAM had become a people knowledgeable in the care, techniques, models and laws involving research animals. It bridges the knowledge between human and non-human animals, not only for scientists, but for regulators, other professional groups and the general public. Throughout ACLAM’s existence, knowledge has been a primary goal. Knowledge demanded of Diplomates certified through the exam. Knowledge spread through textbooks, seminars, workshops and position papers. Knowledge obtained through research. Knowledge shared with others nationally and internationally. And all this knowledge, first and foremost, now and in the future, dedicated to the care and well-being of laboratory animals.