Local Vet Receives Equine Certification

Dr Richard Mitchell of Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown was recently awarded certification by the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP). The society comprises equine veterinarians dedicated to a comprehensive program of advanced education in the field of equine lamenesses and osteoarticular, musculotendinous and nervous pathology, covering the different parts of the locomotor system of the horse. This involves the latest techniques for practical diagnosis, optimal treatment and overall better management of equine lameness conditions for horse owners.

Certification requires a veterinarian to be in equine practice for a minimum of five years and complete an ISELP continuing education protocol of lectures and practical training laboratories comprising of eight specific modules and more than 160 hours. An applicant then has to document original clinical case reports and do critical reviews of scientific research papers before qualifying for the certification examination. The competency examination consists of obtaining a minimum score on a written questionnaire section, defense of specific case reports and literature reviews, evaluation of video clinical cases, interpretation of diagnostic images, and a practical demonstration of technical exercises on a horse.