The AVMA House of Delegates’ Veterinary Information Forum addressed the topic, The veterinary healthcare team—Is there a need for a mid-level position? during the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference, January 5-7 in Chicago.
The consensus from conversations was that a mid-level practitioner would not be a smart solution to workforce or access-to-care concerns. Rather, time and effort should be spent on resources, tools and programs designed to:
- retain veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians
- further develop veterinary technician specialties
- help veterinary practices operate at optimum efficiency
- effectively collaborate, within practice teams and across the profession to meet clients’ needs for high-quality veterinary services.
Source: AVMA, January 10, 2023. Link.
INSIGHTS: We noted the real concerns expressed citing educational and regulatory frameworks and the restrictions at the state and federal level.
Credentialed veterinary technicians have needed the support recommended for decades. Let’s hope those needs don’t get set aside yet again.” – Kirk Augustine