PRACTICE NEWS
Is Veterinary Medicine Ready For Mid-Level Practitioners? by J.A. Keith, DVM, MBA, MEcon, CVJ
I believe we will all concede that there is a shortage of veterinarians across the country. I talk to practices from all over the country that have been looking for a veterinarian for a long time (some 2-3 years). Tis
brings to the forefront a new discussion: Are we ready to consider mid-level professional staff members in our industry? On the human side, they are Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, not as formally educated as physicians, but more than Registered Nurses. I have not made up my mind yet if this is a formi- dable idea to offset the lack of professional staff members, but I have several concerns to be honest.
Tis will, of course, need governmental intervention for training programs and certification. Generally speaking, I am wary of anything the government gets involved with. Will they establish new training facili- ties? Will they coordinate with the veterinary colleges? Who will oversee the implementation and evolution of training (AVMA, COE, etc.)?
Many cases that seem simple can turn into a much larger problem than initially expected and a DVM will need to get involved. Heck, I’m trying to lessen my load! Tis will add to the caseload for an already busy veterinarian(s). Tere is a lot to learn and squeeze into an abbreviated curriculum and, from my own per- sonal experience, it takes several years beyond school to begin to feel comfortable with managing the more difficult medical problems.
Does this person fall under my liability insurance as their employer for specific actions or non-actions 0on their part? Te argument on the human side is that the mid-level practitioners have fewer malpractice claims than medical doctors. However, physicians perform surgery, advanced care and the scope of their duties are far more involved.
I would suppose that this would involve a 4-year Registered Technician Degree with an additional two years of advanced training(?). Tis is just two years short of becoming a veterinarian! What responsibilities would they have – diagnosing? prescribing? full-case management? You can see the yet unanswered questions that will arise.
Corporate Veterinary Medicine is at the fore- front of pushing this new thinking. It would save tens of millions of dollars every year for them. You can bet their deep pockets already have the ear of congressmen/ women and the lobbyists. Since employee costs are the largest portion of expenses in most businesses, this is a paramount priority for them.
Again, I am more than willing to listen to pro- posals and adapt to new ideas. Our industry is changing very rapidly, and we all must think forward. Not all ideas will work for us, but we need to entertain those things that will make our beloved profession better. At this point, the jury is still out on this one and I am finding it hard to see this as a promising reality.
J. A. Keith, D.V.M., M.B.A., M. Econ Versailles, KY
859.753.5000
vetau94@aol.com Winter 2024 21
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