Veterinary medicine is certainly a team effort.
In recognition of Animal Health Week (Oct. 1 to 7), the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), in partnership with the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC), is recognizing those working in the industry who safeguard the health of animals every day.
Indeed, this year’s theme—It Takes a Team… To Protect Your Animal’s Health and You—raises awareness about the importance of animal healthcare teams and the valuable role each member plays in protecting pets’ health and wellness.
“Animal Health Week is an opportunity to showcase the importance of veterinary medicine to our clients,” says CVMA past-president, Dr. Louis Kwantes. “It is a chance to have our animal healthcare team feel that we are a significant part of a larger profession, rather than a small group toiling on our own. Both of which advance the impact and significance of the veterinary profession.”
Veterinary practices across Canada are invited to recognize Animal Health Week by engaging clients through educational resources. Specifically, clinics can share with clients the following Animal Health Week campaign “key messages” to help dispel misconceptions and educate the public about the importance of the entire veterinary team:
-
- Veterinarians are medical professionals who are trained to protect the health of animals and people in contact with animals. Veterinarians can work with large and small animals to evaluate animals’ health, diagnose and treat illnesses, provide routine preventive care, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. Veterinarians have completed a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM) and are licensed to provide medical and surgical care to animals. Veterinarians also work in zoos, wildlife parks, or aquariums; focus on public health and regulatory medicine; enter academia or research; or pursue other animal related career paths.
- Veterinary Technicians are invaluable team members who directly assist veterinarians with medical and non-medical services in clinical practice. Veterinary technicians undergo extensive studies and training to assist veterinarians with surgery, laboratory procedures, radiography, anesthesiology, treatment and nursing care, and client education.
- Veterinary Assistants support the veterinarian, the veterinary technician, and/or the client with daily tasks. Assistants may be asked to perform kennel work, assist in the restraint and handling of animals, feed and exercise animals, or complete clerical duties.
- Hospital Managers greatly improve the team’s efficiency by overseeing the business operations of the practice. Depending upon the size and type of hospital/clinic, the manager’s duties could include personnel hiring and supervision, budget and inventory management, accounting, marketing, and developing recordkeeping and other business standards for practice.
- The Receptionist is usually the first person to welcome a client into the hospital and the last person the client sees before leaving. A skilled receptionist will address all client interactions with compassion, organize front desk tasks, handle a variety of client questions or requests, and efficiently coordinate appointment schedules.
- Other Team Members may also include adoption counsellors, grief counsellors, social workers, administrative assistants, kennel or barn workers, and part-time volunteers.
- Everyone plays an important role in assuring the health and well-being of animals and people who care for them.
