AAHA Specialty Accreditation

COLLEGE STATION, TX - The Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences has received specialty accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Texas A&M's VMTH is the first veterinary teaching hospital to receive this specialty accreditation that is designed to be more stringent and more appropriate for academic/specialty facilities. It is only the third facility of any kind to receive this recognition.

"This specialty accreditation from AAHA demonstrates our commitment to achieving and maintaining the best quality veterinary medicine," said Dana Heath, Assistant Hospital Administrator, VMTH.

The VMTH is also the first facility to use AAHA's web-based accreditation process. This process consists of self-scoring the facility with a follow-up from AAHA to confirm their standards have been met.

"The accreditation process involves a great deal of time and effort, and the fact that we passed with such high marks is a tribute to our faculty and staff who work diligently to ensure that we maintain the highest quality standards," stated W. Terry Stiles, Director, VMTH.

An AAHA-accredited referral practice is required to have a board-certified veterinary specialist for each accredited specialty. The evaluation includes a quality assessment review of the hospital's facility, medical equipment, practice methods, and standards of patient care. In order to maintain accredited status, the VMTH must continue to be evaluated regularly by the association's trained consultants.

"The VMTH belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine," says Anna Worth, VMD, AAHA president. "AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of standards covering patient care, client service, pain management, and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, the VMTH is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients."

The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of more than 40,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, the association is well known among veterinarians for its high standards for hospitals and pet health care. For pet care information or a referral to an AAHA hospital, pet owners can visit the AAHA website at www.healthypet.com.

For more information on the veterinary medical teaching hospital at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website: http://vmth.tamu.edu.

Contact Information:
Angela G. Clendenin
Director, Communications & Public Relations
Ofc - (979) 862-2675
Cell - (979) 739-5718