Primary care veterinarians generally complete undergraduate school followed by four years of veterinary school. A board-certified specialist goes beyond that to complete additional training that includes an internship and a two- to four-year residency in their chosen specialty. Then they must pass a rigorous board examination in their field. Many veterinary specialty organizations also require individuals to complete a unique research project and publish those findings in a peer-reviewed journal before they can be considered for board examination. Once all these requirements are met, the veterinarian is awarded “Diplomate” status by the certifying organization in his or her specialty and can be called a ‘specialist’.