Acknowledging the challenges veterinarians face, Marc Rosenberg, VMD, shares a fictitious story based on real occurrences where a veterinarian had to step in, set aside fears of client alienation and address an animal’s needs head-on. His story is about animal abuse and it underscores the role of veterinarians, veterinary teams and animal health pros as animal health advocates.
. . . veterinarians are the gatekeepers and advocates for these animals that share the Earth with us. We are not just medical practitioners. We must be humane advocates and support the humane associations in our communities. We must never rationalize or turn a blind eye . . .”
Source: DVM 360, May 16, 2023. Link.
INSIGHTS: Advocates (noun) are often considered argumentative. But to advocate (verb) is to speak or write in favor of, support, urge or recommend. Those actions need not be argumentative yet often require a level of assertiveness some people fear.
To give our best efforts as animal health pros requires we advocate for best practices, best treatments and best stewardship of the animal resources we encounter and support daily.