This volume is the first of the series for which I am privileged to serve in the capacity of Series Editor. The subject, veterinary medical specialization, is the bridge between practicing clinical veterinarians and academic scientists that generates new knowledge to further the art of veterinary medicine. Of course, much of the scientific discovery that benefits animal medicine is derived from the basic and applied sciences with the original purpose of benefitting human health. This often includes biomedical research on animals along with in vitro alternatives to animal testing. Much of the information gathered from the biomedical research effort can be applied equally to human and veterinary medicine
