ISSN 2370-5965 | Spring 2024
College introduces position on innovation in veterinary medicine
Focus on new Act
ISSN 2370-5965 | Spring 2024
College introduces position on innovation in veterinary medicine
Veterinarians are encouraged to embrace the tools of the future , according to the College ’ s new position on innovation .
“ The practice of veterinary medicine is highly innovative and regularly makes use of technology to support innovation in care and access to veterinary treatments . Our Council ’ s new position reminds veterinarians of their professional obligations in this rapidly evolving and largely unregulated environment ,” said Dr . Wade Wright , President .
Council approved the position statement “ Embracing Innovation in the Digital Age in Veterinary Medicine ” at its March meeting . The position
states , “ The College acknowledges the need to experiment with new models of practice , new models of delivery , new diagnostic tools , and new approaches to treatment . Veterinarians faced with this future need to develop skills that support curiosity , critical analysis , balanced skepticism , and experimentation with the knowledge that this environment is largely unregulated .”
Veterinarians are urged to be attentive to data security , to thoroughly test all products , to explore the tool ’ s outcomes , and to consider potential biases which may exist in the analysis of the data .
The Position Statement was developed with input from its Ontario Veterinary Regulatory Innovation Panel , established in 2023 to strengthen the acceptance and exploration of technology in the future delivery of veterinary medicine in Ontario .
Focus on new Act
The College welcomes the introduction of the Enhancing Professional Care for Animals Act .
The College Council , and its partners , have been working towards the modernization of its governing legislation for several years . The College is committed to strengthening public protection with legislation that more accurately reflects current veterinary practice and recognizes the skillset of veterinary technicians .
The College encourages you to stay informed as the legislation moves forward . Information on the proposed legislation and frequently asked questions is available at cvo . org / modernization . Please contact the College ’ s Practice Advisory Service with any questions .