AVMA continues to work hard to support your professional success. Your delegates just returned from the 2023 annual convention in Denver and have a few developments to share. Most notably, AVMA has come out strongly against creating a new “mid level practitioner” position, passed and updated several animal welfare initiatives, and discussed issues surrounding the spectrum of care and sustainability in veterinary practices. It has been very exciting to observe the increased diversity and representation of AVMA leadership to better reflect who is actually in our profession.
In January, AVMA solicited comments from members on the idea of creating a new role in veterinary medicine, the so-called “mid level practitioner” who would have the ability to diagnose, prognose, and prescribe without a veterinary degree, to address our workforce challenges. There was a broad consensus that patient health and safety would be better served if we focus on leveraging our technicians and assistants to support the role of the licensed veterinarian. Pursuant to your feedback and that discussion, Resolution 10, Safeguarding care for Veterinarian-Led Teams, was passed by the House almost unanimously. In addition, Immediate Past President Dr. Lori Teller delivered remarks to industry leaders dispelling myths about our workforce needs and outlining a path forward. You can read a summary of her comments here: https://www.avma.org/news/straight-talk-about-veterinary-workforce-issues
Measures updating policies on canine devocalization, docking of lambs’ tails, tail docking of cattle, physical restraint of animals, and a new policy of canine hybrids were also passed with strong support. Measures on sheep and goat castration as well as dehorning and disbudding were referred for further refinement. Finally, a statement to the profession outlining the need for better support of federal veterinarians to protect public health was passed.
Veterinary Information Forum topics, for which we solicited your comments this spring, addressed the spectrum of care in veterinary medicine and environmental sustainability in veterinary practice. Regarding the spectrum of care, several comments were made that we should move away from language like “gold standard,” “low vs. high quality,” and other terms that may carry judgment and toward using terms like “basic versus advanced” treatment options. The House requested that the Board of Directors research these issues and develop tools to better support the profession in these areas.
Dr. Sandra Faeh was elected President-Elect, marking the first time in history that women have occupied the roles of Immediate Past President, President, and President-Elect. We are seeing more BIPOC candidates and officers as well. This change means that AVMA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t just idle talk, and that your AVMA is ready to evolve with our profession into a new era with expanded opportunities for people of varied backgrounds and identities.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, or requests for more detail on any of these matters, feel free to reach out to your delegates!
Carolyn Naun, DVM, CHPV cnaun@armsofaloha.com
Jenee Odani, DVM, DACVP