US Equine Veterinary Shortage Prompts Major Action by AAEP
Many areas across America are facing a shortage of equine practitioners. Because of this, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has set to work on finding more ways to retain and recruit more veterinarians.
According to data collected by the AAEP, around 1.3% of new veterinary graduates enter equine practice each year, with another 4.5% taking on further equine internships. However, within the first five years, 50% have either left equine work for small animal practices or have quit veterinary medicine.
Two of the main reasons for the high dropout rate are believed to be burnout and the personal struggle of starting on a lower salary than veterinarians in GP-based practices, with upwards of $200,000 in student loan debt.
“In order to transform equine practice, we must address the pain points which are driving exceptional horse doctors away. Without change, future veterinary care for our nation’s horses will be greatly jeopardized,” AAEP president Dr. Emma Read said.
Find out more here.
RCVS Faces Criticism of Proposed ‘Under Care’ Plans
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is facing backlash around its proposed reform of “under care” guidance after refusing to release legal advice underpinning the plans.
Critics have argued that the plan does not address fundamental issues and risks undermining public confidence in the sector. Whilst former council member, Dr. Colin Whiting, has said the review was one of the reasons behind his resignation from the organization back in June.
“I think if we asked the profession a simple ‘do you think it is a good idea for a completely third-party, virtual-only vet service to be able to consult and prescribe for a patient under your practice’s care?’, you would get a resounding ‘no’.
“Instead, we have a ‘we know you won’t like them, but we’ve chosen sprouts for you anyway… But we’re asking you if you’d prefer them boiled or fried… see how we always consult with you?’
“An independent, unconnected, third-party, remote provider prescribing for your practice’s patients will be a convenient, but substandard, service for owners, will delay definitive care or early diagnosis of most conditions, and will reduce public confidence in the profession, as there are frequent contradictions and changes of approach.” said Dr. Whiting.
Read the full story here.
The Veterinarian Who’s Breaking Barriers with Inclusive Children’s Books
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, nearly 90% of veterinarians across America were white. As someone in the non-white 10%, Dr. Cherice Roth decided to do something about it, and in 2020 began writing two children’s books aimed to tackle stereotypes in the medical profession in a light-hearted way.
Oregon-based veterinarian, Dr. Roth, based the first of her two books “What’s a Real Doctor?”, on her two sons, Tristan and Cooper, whilst focussing her second book “What Does a Real Doctor Look Like?” around her sister, Kylee.
“The second book is my favorite. When I put it together, I was thinking, ‘What is the book I wish was around when I was that age?’ My goal for that book was to be able to talk about ethnicity, gender and abilities. My favorite illustration is the one that shows all of the different body types of doctors, where some are in wheelchairs and some are using crutches. That drives home that not only do doctors look like all of us, it is OK to see yourself in the field that you want to go into.” said Dr. Roth, author, and chief veterinary officer.
Read the full story here.
New Zealand Launches Accredited Employer Work Visa
As of July 4th, New Zealand launched it’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The new, temporary work visa allows for New Zealand employees to hire migrant workers more easily.
In order to hire employers using this scheme, employees must apply for AEWV accreditation and pay a fee.
The new working visa can be granted for up to three years, and must be for a job that is more the 30 hours per week, have a median wage, and comply with New Zealand’s employment standards and laws.
Find out more here.
Second Annual Relief Rover Clinic 5K Raises $13,000 Towards Inclusion and Wellness For The Vet Med
Relief Rover, an online community that helps connect practices to relief veterinarians, has raised a whopping $13,000 in its second annual virtual 5k run.
Over $10,000 of the money raised will go to PrideVMC, an organization that aims to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community. Whilst, Not One More Vet – an organization that aims to transform mental wellness in the profession and stop veterinary suicides – will receive $2,000 in funding. And the remainder of the money will be given to Stryder Cancer Foundation, an organization that aids pets and their humans fighting cancer by offering emotional and financial support.
“The team at Relief Rover is thrilled with the support and love our community showed for improving the inclusivity and wellness of our veterinary professionals during this year’s Clinic to 5K. It’s rewarding to again see our industry and allies rally around each other to positively impact those selflessly giving their all for the health and well-being of pets.” said Dr. Cindy Trice, founder, and CEO at Relief Rover.
Read the full story here.
Dealing With Workplace Drama
Drama in the workplace comes in many forms, from gossiping, rumors, and ranting, to even bullying. No matter how it manifests, it can be highly destructive to the workforce and energy of the team.
So how can you deal and cope with workplace drama?
- Disengage: Instead of rising to the drama, disengage. If the drama is directed directly at you, try not to take their accusations personally. If the drama does not directly affect you, then stay out – gossiping more will only create more drama and rumors!
- Hold open conversations: If there’s an issue, instead of going behind someone’s back and complaining, reach out to them and find out the actual issue in an open conversation. You may find an undiscovered root cause, or a personal issue may be causing them to act out.
- Set boundaries: If one of your co-workers is actively seeking you out to complain about others in the team, set boundaries with them. Rather than being caught up in the rumor mill, tell them you no longer wish to listen, especially if they are putting you in an awkward position.
- Avoid gossiping/venting: When something happens at work it can be so easy to moan or vent to your work ‘bestie’. However, venting in the workplace never really resolves anything and often just ramps up negativity. If you need to vent, opt to pick someone outside of work who can support you.
- Be as transparent as possible: Drama thrives in secretive environments. Instead of gossiping, be transparent where you can. If someone is upsetting you, consider being transparent with them and asking why.
