ÃÛÌÒTV

The Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee (SMAC) works to increase public understanding of the unique value of Board-certified veterinary specialists. With a representative from each of the six ÃÛÌÒTV specialties and one primary care veterinarian, the committee collaborates on projects that enhance consumer awareness, contribute content to VetSpecialists.com, and identify opportunities to partner with other veterinary specialty organizations. SMAC also provides insight into emerging challenges that affect ÃÛÌÒTV Diplomates.

In 2024, SMAC broadened its impact by launching a multi-year research initiative to better understand how animal owners and referring veterinarians perceive Board-certified specialists. After identifying Trone Research Company as a partner, the committee defined research goals, audiences, and the framework for data collection. This two-year project (2025–2026) will first focus on animal owner perceptions, followed by primary care veterinarian perceptions, with plans to publish findings and use them to strengthen ÃÛÌÒTV marketing efforts. SMAC also developed a survey for ÃÛÌÒTV Diplomates on referral relationships, which will inform the research design.