In 1984, Dr. Bloom completed the requirements to become a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine and Feline Specialty.  This is similar to a family practice specialty in human medicine.  Re-certification is required every 10 years.  Dr B re-certified in 1994 and 2002. Less than 5 Michigan veterinarians have met the ABVP's exacting requirements 

          Not one to rest on his laurels, Dr Bloom began training in advanced veterinary dermatology in 1987, when he was one of 2 veterinarians from the metro Detroit area selected to participate in a dermatology clerkship at MSU's veterinary college.  The Allergy and Dermatology Clinic for Animals opened in 1988. 
         Recognizing the difficulty that referring veterinarians may have in diagnosing and managing problems of the ear, in cats and dogs, Dr. Bloom re-emphasized its importance when he changed the name of the clinic to Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets in 2007.

 Dr. Bloom became Michigan's FIRST board-certified veterinary dermatologist in full-time private practice in 2001 when he became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology.

         To attain this distinction (a board certified veterinary dermatologist), Dr B completed a 3 1/2 year residency at MSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, published a research project in a professional journal, and submitted three case reports for approval by the certifying organization, the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. Finally, he passed a rigorous 2-day examination, one of only five applicants in the nation to pass the examination in 2001. 

          Of the 145 board certified veterinary dermatologist in the country, he is currently 1 of only 5 double-boarded veterinary dermatologists in the USA.  (American College of Veterinary Dermatology and American Board of Veterinary Practitioners).

          People are often surprised to hear that there is a veterinary dermatology specialty. It is not so surprising if you consider that many pets, especially dogs, are afflicted with skin disorders. Allergies very frequently manifest as itchiness, itself a problem, which leads to scratching. Scratching often leads to skin infections. Systemic disease can also cause dermatologic symptoms.  

          Dr Bloom has acquired a broad and deep understanding of skin disease, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. He can perform allergy tests, fungal cultures, and microscopic examination of skin biopsies, skin scrapings, and secretions. Treatment methods can include topical and/or systemic medications, immunotherapy (allergy shots) and surgical procedures. 

The doctor also serves as adjunct faculty at the MSU veterinary college.  Some veterinary students spend their dermatology rotation at the Allergy, Skin and Ear Clinic for Pets, and he regularly visits the campus to work and interact with students and staff. 

He has lectured at state, national and international conferences and has written a number of book chapters and serves on the education committee for the ACVD. He continues to participate in continuing education in both of his specialties