Experience: World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association CertAqV Program

Category: Experiences

By: Elizabeth St. Germaine, Western University of Health Sciences

My name is Elizabeth St. Germaine, and I am a 4^th year veterinary student at Western University of Health Sciences. I recently applied to the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association Certified Aquatic Veterinarian (CertAqV) Credentialing Program.  The program seeks to identify veterinarians that have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to practice aquatic veterinary medicine. Educational opportunities outside of the classroom are crucial for success in the aquatic veterinary medicine field and I have participated in several throughout veterinary school.

In applying for certification, I’ve demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience (KSE) in 9 categories: 1) aquatic environment and life support systems, 2) taxonomy, anatomy, and physiology, 3) husbandry and industries, 4) pathobiology and epidemiology of aquatic animal diseases, 5) diagnostics and treatment of aquatic animal diseases, 6) clinical veterinary experience and client communications, 7) public health, zoonotic and seafood safety, 8) legislation, regulations and policies, and 9) principles of aquatic animal welfare. I have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience by participating in AQUAVET® I and III, volunteering at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and attending fourth year externships at aquariums (Georgia, Mystic, and Shedd).

As a CertAqV I will serve as a mentor to students that are eager to gain certification through the program. I am looking forward to the opportunity to mentor, continue my education, and advocate for the field of aquatic veterinary medicine. Please feel free to reach out to me via email (ElizabethSt.GermaineDVM@gmail.com) if you have any questions about the program, are searching for a mentor, or about any of my aquatic experiences.

Elizabeth St. Germaine

Western University of Health Science

College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2021