Wellness is consistently at the forefront of discussions on the veterinary profession in Ontario . In particular it is a pressing concern during the ongoing pandemic .

At its March meeting , Council approved the Quality Assurance Committee ’ s request to undertake research into expanding the College ’ s role in veterinary wellness .

Profession-based regulators have a mandate to assure the public that licensed professionals are fit to practice , and this includes mental and emotional well-being . The Council places a priority on the wellness of licensed veterinarians and the Committee will be examining emerging research among regulators in this important area . The College supports veterinary wellness through several initiatives .

The College manages fitness to practice issues related to mental health through a non-disciplinary process which helps a veterinarian get well and return to practice . The College encourages veterinarians to be attentive

to their mental health and partners with Homewood Health to provide veterinarians with free , confidential services to support their health , wellbeing , and resilience .

The College ’ s Peer Advisory Conversation includes a discussion on wellness and veterinarians can identify concerns using a validated external tool ( Professional Quality of Life Scale or ProQOL ). Information is provided about relevant resources or supports .

Spring 2021 / Vol . 37 No . 1 ISSN 2370-5965

FEATURED

Ethics Resources Hub coming soon to cvo . org

The College is excited to launch the Ethics Resource Hub later this month . The Hub contains a collection of online resources to assist veterinarians including a learning module , decision-making tools , a resource library , various case scenarios and recorded discussions - all focused on ethical decisionmaking .

The public trusts veterinarians to make sound ethical decisions . The Code of Ethics provides a framework to guide veterinarians in ethical decision-making . It reflects the profession ’ s core values and ethical principles which provide guidance on how one is to act as a morally responsible member of the veterinary profession .

Find an ethical dilemma on handling errors on page 4 . And watch for the launch of the new Ethics Resource Hub later this month !

Code of Ethics Guide to the Code of Ethics Ethical Decision-Making Video

YEAR 2 TACTICS

In spite of the limitations of the pandemic , the College is making progress on its priorities outlined in Strategy 2023 .

At the March meeting , Council approved the year two tactics which include the launch of an ethics resource hub ; recommendations on standard of care ; engaging the impact strategy unit in implementing new Council policies ; introducing the concept of building a culture of safety and continuous improvement within veterinary practice ; and publishing a statement on antiracism . Strategy 2023 and the year two tactics are posted on the College website .

www . cvo . org / Strategy2023

Instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 1