Saturday, October 19, 2013

Animals affected by fires + Have your say: the future of the veterinary profession

Phil poses in his vet gear.
This week has been an absolutely tragic week for those living on the South Coast, Central Coast and around the Blue Mountains affected by some of the worst bushfires Australia has seen in years. SAT extends its deepest sympathies to those who have lost their homes and those whose pets perished. The Australian Veterinary Association has provided resources for veterinarians treating animals for burns (click here) and some tips for pet owners on protecting their animals from natural disasters (click here).

The future of the veterinary profession

Too many vets? Not enough vets? Vet salaries too low? Vet fees too high? Technology too far behind? Advancing at too fast a pace? More training in emergency and zoonotic diseases required? Too many vet schools?

These are all questions being discussed in relation to the future of the veterinary profession (they're also being discussed in relation to many other professions including medicine and dentistry). So what is the impact on individuals within the profession and what is the future of the profession itself?

The Australian Veterinary Association's New South Wales division is hosting an open forum at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney CBD on November 21 on the future of the veterinary profession.

The panel will include represenatives from the Australian Veterinary Association, the Veterinary Practitioner's Board, Industry and Academia and promises to be lively.

They're extremely interested in hearing from new graduates, as well as both AVA members and non-members alike.

To download an RSVP form click here. I know everyone's calendar starts to fill up this time of year (hopefully its full of dates with your dog!) but if you're really interested in the future of the veterinary profession this looks like a good place to start.