Vet Science Week 2026 is here!

Small Animal Medicine Chapter

About the Chapter

The Chapter aims to foster the interest of veterinarians in the understanding of small animal diseases. This aim is met by working within the College to provide an examination process that allows recognition of further study in the field of small animal medicine. Members should be familiar with pathophysiological mechanisms, aetiology, diagnosis, and case management of small animal disease. The Chapter:

  • actively seeks mentors for candidates and supports the formation of mentor groups to provide support and guidance for prospective members
  • prepares examinations and organise examiners for Membership candidates
  • produces regular newsletters to disseminate relevant information to members
  • provides support for members in preparation of material for publication or presentation.
  • provides a forum for presentation of material to peers at regular scientific meetings

In addition the Chapter is responsible for the organisation of Fellowship examinations. Success at these rigorous examinations allows eligibility for specialist registration. Intending candidates may be examined in either canine medicine or small animal medicine to gain entry to the Chapter.

Useful Links

Clinical guidelines and other clinical resources:

ACVIM Consensus Statements
AMR Vet Collective
International Society fro Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID)
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (an online textbook on veterinary clinical pathology)
University of Melbourne Australian Veterinary Prescribing Guidelines – Companion Animal

Journals – Open access (free to access): 

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine

Journals – Open access (with latest 6 months withheld):

Journal Of the American Animal Hospital Association

Journals – Requires payment for full articles: 

Australian Veterinary Journal
New Zealand Veterinary Journal
Journal of Small Animal Practice
Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 
Veterinary and Comparative Oncology
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Journal of Veterinary Cardiology

Associations & Organisations:

Australian Veterinary Association
New Zealand Veterinary Association
Australasian Veterinary Boards Council
World Veterinary Association
The Veterinary Kaleidoscope
Federation of European Company Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA)
World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
Veterinary Interventional Radiology and Interventional Endoscopy Society (VIRIES)
Australasian Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging (AAVDI)
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM)
European Society of Veterinary Endocrinology
European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
RECOVER Initiative
Asia Pacific Consortium of Veterinary Epidemiology (APCOVE)
Veterinary Endocrinology Society of the Pacific and Asia (VESPA)
Collaborative Care Coalition
Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College
Australian Companion Animal Health Fund (ACAHF) 
Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia 

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or an approval by ANZCVS or the chapter of any of the products, services or opinions of the organisation or individual. ANZCVS bears no responsibility for the external site’s accuracy, legality, content, or subsequent links.

Office Bearers

Events

21 May, 2025 8:00 pm · Microsoft Teams Webinar
Small Animal Medicine Membership Examiner – Panel Discussion

Goal: Providing future SAM Membership candidates and membership candidate mentors with practical advice and support as they prepare for their exams. This session is designed to help both candidates and mentors navigate the process with greater confidence and insight. Presenters: Dr. Maddie Roberts and Dr. Guy Wolfenden will share their first-hand experiences and knowledge from their time…

View event →
28 Apr, 2025 6:00 pm · Microsoft Teams Webinar
Vets and Perfectionism – with Dr Eileen Seah

As part of the Small Animal Medicine Chapter's Support Series, Clinical Psychologist Dr Eileen Seah's webinar recording on Vets and Perfectionism, has been uploaded and can be found within our Chapter Repository.  Gain valuable insights into the often-overlooked issue of perfectionism in our profession. Thesession covers essential topics such as the background research on perfectionism,…

View event →
25 Mar, 2025 6:30 pm · Microsoft Teams Webinars
Performance Coaching Tips – with Dr Helen D’Silva

As part of the Small Animal Medicine Chapter's Support Series, Clinical Psychologist, Dr Helen D'Silva's webinar recording on Performance Coaching Tips - Mindset Tools to Stress Less and Study Smarter and the associated resources has been uploaded and can be found within our Chapter Repository.  Helen delves into the mental strategies for managing stress, anxiety and performance…

View event →
28 Feb, 2025 1:00 pm · Hotel Sorrento, 5/15 Hotham Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943
SAM Chapter CE Weekend – Gastrointestinal Disease in Dogs and Cats

Dear SAM chapter Members,We are thrilled to invite you to an engaging and informative weekend dedicated to advancing your knowledge of gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats. This exclusive event is designed for ANZCVS SAM members and fellows, providing a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise while connecting with fellow professionals. Location:Hotel Sorrento, Mornington peninsula5/15…

View event →

Chapter News

Chapter announcements and College Courier articles.

Chapter Admin

2024-25 Chapter Office Bearers/Executive Committee

President: Dr Elizabeth Thrift: presidentsam@anzcvs.org.au

President Elect:

Vice-President: Dr Luke Johnston: vicepresidentsam@anzcvs.org.au

Secretary: Dr Marcia Coradini: secretarysam@anzcvs.org.au

Treasurer: Dr Sonia McGill: treasurersam@anzcvs.org.au

Science week convenor: Dr Gemma Birnie: swconvenorsam@anzcvs.org.au

Fellowship examination committee: 

Chair: Dr Ryan Cattin

HSE: Dr Luke Johnston

Membership examination committee:

Chair: Dr Louise Roberts Baily

HSE: Dr Jim Connah

Website administration: Dr Jim Connah jimconnah@gmail.com

 

TBA

Subject standards committee:

Dr Sophie Haynes (Chair)

Dr Amanda Paul 

Dr Ingrid Goodman

Website Administrator: Dr Jim Connah

Get Involved

Interested in Small Animal Medicine? Explore Membership and Fellowship pathways in this discipline.

Explore Membership

Quick Links

Examinations

All chapters

Upcoming events

Events for the Small Animal Medicine Chapter

What's Next

A collection of events from the Small Animal Medicine Chapter

Questions?

If you have any queries about the Chapter, examinations or the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, please contact the College Office.

A:

Building 3
Garden City Office Park
2404 Logan Road
EIGHT MILE PLAINS QLD 4113

Ph: 07 3423 2016

E: admin@anzcvs.org.au

W: www.anzcvs.org.au

EXPLORE THE DISCIPLINE

Pursue Small Animal Medicine at the College

Sit Membership or Fellowship examinations in Small Animal Medicine, or get involved with the Chapter.

Explore Membership →