Veterinary Voices

Oversight needed in veterinary diagnostics

COMMENTARY: Clinical pathologist and VIN consultant Dr. Kathleen P. Freeman says better instructions, training and technical support are needed to the improve accuracy and reliability in the veterinary diagnostics field. Let's put veterinary diagnostic tools under the microscope published on May 18, 2023. 

VIN News Service commentaries are opinion pieces presenting insights, personal experiences and/or perspectives on topical issues by members of the veterinary community. 

 

Data access concerns raised by Covetrus promo

A promotional email sent by Covetrus to the clients of practitioners has raised concerns about the use of clinic data by corporations that have access to it.

Practice manager calls out Covetrus for 'icky' promotion published on May 15, 2023.  

 

Foreign veterinarians struggle with equivalency program

Foreign-trained veterinarians seeking the credentials to practice in the U.S. are stymied by a program that they say is poorly administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The AVMA removed a vocal critic from the panel that oversees the program but promises improvements.

Foreign veterinarians struggle with equivalency program published on March 11, 2023.

 

Clemson to open veterinary school

Clemson University's plans to open a veterinary school and outlines investments in veterinary education in other states. 

South Carolina is fifth state to pursue a new veterinary school published on April 20, 2023.

The soul of veterinary medicine: two views

Drs. Mark Helfat and Jeremy George, in different stages of their careers, address the profession's changing landscape as private equity firms and national companies acquire and consolidate independent practices. Can private practices survive, along with their values? Helfat and George each share their perspectives in back-to-back commentaries published by the VIN News Service. 

Saving the soul of veterinary medicine, by Dr. Mark Helfat, Feb. 15, 2023.

How the soul of veterinary practice will thrive, by Jeremy George, April 12, 2023.

 

 

 

Agreements that gag veterinarians face legal scrutiny

In Agreements that gag veterinarians face legal scrutiny, published April 5, 2023, VIN News journalist Ross Kelly explores how a landmark decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) challenges the legality of non-disparagement clauses found in employment, practice-sale, severance and partnership contracts.

The ruling allows workers in the U.S. who have signed gag agreements that prevent them from criticizing employers, leeway to speak more freely. 

Dr. Wendy Smith-Wilson read the article for Veterinary Voices.  

Veterinarian lauded for his skepticism

VIN News journalist Lisa Wogan talks about the prevalence of misinformation in veterinary medicine with Dr. Brennen McKenzie, a small animal practitioner in Northern California who uses evidence-backed science to debunk rumors and falsehoods in his blog SkeptVet.

In recognition of his work, McKenzie recently received the 2022 VIN Veritas Award. VIN News reported the achievement in Veterinarian lauded for his skepticism, published on April 3, 2023.

 

Student view on UPEI strike: ’It certainly isn’t a vacation’

Veterinary students at the University of Prince Edward Island say they support a faculty labor cause but worry about their studies.

Student view on UPEI strike: 'It certainly isn't a vacation,' was written by VIN News journalist Jennifer Fiala and published on March 28, 2023. Dr. Wendy Smith-Wilson read the article for Veterinary Voices.  

Stifling speech

Veterinarians are being silenced as non-disparagement clauses in contracts become more common. The agreements, often made at the behest of corporate consolidators, are aimed to ensure that staff, past and present, don't damage reputations and thereby undermine the value of the businesses.

Gag agreements on the rise in veterinary realm was published on March 22, 2023.

Purina expands recall of therapeutic diet for dogs

Vitamin premix in its Pro Plan Veterinary Diet EL contained too much vitamin D