Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA president, addressed some of the major issues affecting the veterinary workforce during the AVMA convention. The article here provides a summary of her comments, including perspectives on what is termed as an abundance of misinformation currently driving conversations about veterinary supply and demand.
Teller notably mentioned:
- Normalizing trends in veterinary services demand
- Concerns about relaxing VCPR requirements
- New veterinary schools
- Creation of mid-level positions
- Telemedicine
- The importance of retention of current professionals and trained staff
Source: AVMA, July 14, 2023. Link.
INSIGHTS: Teller provides a concise review of the complexities in the issues affecting the veterinary medical workforce. Her lifestyle comments resonate with our team as an important factor in looking ahead.
I would like to note that Dr Teller was on a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Peter Weinstein which included Dr. Jim Lloyd, Dr Andy McCabe, Mr. Jim Penrod, and Mr. Mark Cushing at the Midyear VetPartners meeting. The association is composed of consultants and advisors to the veterinary profession, and it was our Program committee who finally brought all the players to the table at the same time. Also in the room, Dr. Eleanor Green and Jamie Rauscher the current President of NAVTA. Our topics were Tech Utilization on day One and the Staffing Crisis on Day 2. Our association is now launching a task force to work on what we can do NOW to help practices. We have a retention problem – not a talent shortage.
Thank you for the additional information Debbie.