The word Diplomate, generally speaking, means specialist. Once a veterinarian has completed specialized training that can take several years to complete beyond Veterinary school, they must pass a comprehensive examination given by a college approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma) [www.avma.org] to become board certified. The veterinarian that has completed this training and passed the examination is then labeled as a Diplomate (or specialist). There are many types of specialists, including radiologists, surgeons, internists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, oncologists, cardiologists, neurologists, etc.