Mass Resignations Could Hit Practices Hard

 

Mass resignations across the US (currently being dubbed as the ‘great resignation’ by economists) may hit practices hard, experts warn.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after a period of relative stability, resignations have hit an all-time high. This is likely due to the pandemic (which had many people reevaluating their careers) and the rise in job openings.

Given the veterinary professionals’ high levels of burnout and stress, this potentially could hit practices hard.

‘Having employees leaving in larger numbers is disruptive’ writes John Volk, an author for Today’s Veterinary Business.com.

‘Yet today it’s a seller’s market for Labor. As a result, employers and employees are going to have to re-think their relationship to maximize both opportunity and continuity. That will be more challenging as teams spend less time together’.

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Chewy Pushes Into The Pet-Med Space- At The Expense Of Vets 

 

Pet giant Chewy has angered some veterinarians over its aggressive push into the multi-billion pet med business.

The organization, which became a ‘wall-street favorite’ during the pandemic pet boom, has filed a suit against Covetrus- a billion-dollar company that creates online storefronts for vets in exchange for revenue.

Chewy is hoping to end the practice of vet-approved ‘pet prescriptions’, which often give practices a cut of the profit.

‘It’s our clients’ right to get medication and food from whatever source they want, but it hurts the business’ said Manhattan vet Dr. Katja Lang.

‘It’s impossible to compete with Chewy.’

For more on this story, click here.

BVA Hits Out At RCVS For Online Prescription Ruling 

 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has hit out at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for extending online prescription requests.

In an open letter, the BVA raised concerns over the regulator’s decision to permit vets to prescribe medications without seeing patients first.

While the BVA says that it initially supported the remote measures, it is now worried about ‘several subsequent extensions to the guidance’ as it sets unrealistic expectations for clients and risks the welfare of patients.

Concluding the letter, BVA President Dr. Shotton said:

‘We would like to better understand the evidence base on which RCVS continues to allow remote prescribing, including the impact on prescribing behaviors and the proposed exit strategy. As far as we are aware, RCVS is still assessing the findings from the RAND survey as part of the under care review and as those results are yet to be shared it is unclear how the continual extensions to remote prescribing dovetail with longer-term plans and potential changes to the Code.’

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The AVA And AVBC Call For More Action To Be Taken To Help Afghan Vets 

 

Members of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) have called for the Australian government to take more decisive action to help vets stranded in Afghanistan.

‘We are deeply distressed by the events currently unfolding in Afghanistan, and the serious risks to the safety of the Afghan people’ AVA President Warwick Vale and AVBC Chair Peter Gibbs said in a joint statement.

‘We are highly concerned for the wellbeing of Afghan veterinary teams and their families. We call on the Australian government to provide all possible assistance to Afghan veterinarians, veterinary paraprofessionals, and their families seeking to leave the country – especially those who have worked with western charities and non-government organizations whose safety may be at risk.’

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How We Can Prioritise Mental Health At Work 

 

If the last 18-months have taught us anything, it’s that prioritizing our mental health is of the utmost importance.

But what are some of the ways employees and employers can make their workspaces psychologically safer?

Frame Mental Health Positively 

 

When we talk about mental health in the workplace, it is often perceived in a negative way. Focussing on prevention, rather than intervention, is a far more holistic approach that makes the whole subject of mental health less daunting. 

Eliminate Barriers To Care

 

Getting professional help can be really difficult when you work long hours.

Making healthcare more accessible in the workplace can open up ample opportunities for employees and employers to seek help.

For more advice, click here.