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December 15, 2020
A New Era Calls for Radical Transformation in the Veterinary Profession: A Visionary Perspective from AVMA's Chief Economist
In a world altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Matthew J. Salois, AVMA's chief economist, encourages us to reflect on lessons learned and envision future challenges with innovation as our guide. Despite the upheaval that defines our current reality – from social distancing nor economic instability, racial awareness, and the staggering toll of over 200,000 lives lost in America alone – Dr. Salois emphasizes that crises offer opportunities for change.
He highlights three realities facing veterinarians today:
1 The widespread gap between pet ownership and veterinary care utilization - approximately one-third of pets don't receive annual vet check-ups, representing a $7 billion loss in potential revenue.
2 Inefficiency in veterinary practices – nearly half to two-thirds struggle with operational inefficiencies affecting service delivery and financial sustnability.
3 A profession where only one third would recomm it to others, as revealed by the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study II.
Dr. Salois argues that while the veterinary profession enjoys a promising landscape of advancements like technology for better care delivery and enhanced pet owner convenience, it also confronts significant challenges that seem daunting. These include burnout, financial insecurity, ger pay disparities, racial diversity deficits, and health risks such as suicide and psychological distress.
His metaphorical take on redwood trees with deep yet extensive root systems illustrates the need for collective strength in overcoming these issues: We can't grow and flourish alone; we must be dedicated to each other.
Dr. Salois challenges the status quo of comfort-driven initiatives, advocating instead for radical transformations that break with tradition:
The more radical our approach towards open conversations about these issues – especially at conferences – and embracing risk-taking, the closer we'll come to achieving real impact, he asserts.
He concludes by urging us to think beyond conventional solutions and embrace bold, possibly daring strategies that push boundaries. Dr. Salois emphasizes that our profession is too important not to have that.
The 2020 AVMA Economic State of Veterinary Profession Report highlights major trs in the industry including veterinary education, employment statistics, and service delivery. This resource provides a comprehensive look at the current state of our profession.
In summary, while we may be navigating uncharted waters during this time of unprecedented challenges, Dr. Salois' perspective offers us a beacon: that by working together with innovative vision and bold actions, we can create a thriving veterinary profession capable of uring future storms.
Dr. Matthew J. Salois's insights encourage us to embrace the uncertnty as an opportunity for transformation rather than allowing fear to dictate our response. As the leader in veterinary science innovation, Dr. Salois calls on us not just to survive but thrive, fostering a profession that mirrors the resilience and adaptability of redwood roots intertwined.
American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA 2020 Economic State of Veterinary Profession Report
For an in-depth analysis of recent trs including education reforms, employment opportunities, service demands, and industry challenges.
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This article is reproduced from: https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2020-12-15/new-old-challenges-beg-radical-change-veterinary-profession
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Radical Transformation in Veterinary Profession Era Innovative Vision for Future Challenges Redwood Tree Metaphor for Profession Strength Overcoming Issues with Collective Dedication Pathways to Real Impact Through Risk Taking Thriving Veterinary Field Beyond Conventional Solutions