Veterinary Viewfinder 256 - Are Veterinarians "Real Doctors"? The Answers Get Murkier

Published: Oct. 27, 2021, 9 a.m.

b'In a recent episode, we asked the Viewfinders if veterinarians were \\u201creal doctors\\u201d (and also if vet techs were \\u201creal nurses\\u201d). We received a flood of comments and DM\\u2019s and witnessed many social media threads and posts discussing our comments and questions. Thank you!\\n\\u2026\\nBut some of the reasons and arguments supporting vet professionals as \\u201creal medical professionals\\u201d seemed, at first, to be solid, but after closer inspection, began to crumble, metaphorically speaking. This week we explore a few of the more popular answers and rebuttals with, well, more questions.\\n\\u2026\\nHosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT begin with a spate of threads and comments that misunderstood or misinformed readers about state laws governing the terms and roles of licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Beckie encourages every veterinary professional to begin by knowing their own state veterinary practice acts and pertinent rules and regulations. \\n\\u2026\\nDr. Ward revisits the risks and pitfalls of directly comparing veterinary professionals with human medical professionals. Dr. Ward rallies all veterinary professionals to celebrate our unique and powerful contributions to society and discontinue arguing we\\u2019re \\u201cthe same as them\\u201d when we\\u2019re (clearly) distinct and (arguably) better (that\\u2019s our opinion, Viewfinders!).\\n\\u2026\\nBeckie cautions us to be careful with our words on social media and avoid \\u201chate raids\\u201d that we complain about when vets are targeted online.\\n\\u2026\\nLimited veterinary licensure, public perception of veterinary professionals, and do we truly treat all animal species are also addressed in this episode. Dr. Ward shares his animal welfare crusade against ventilation shutdown (VSD/VSD+) and how these experiences have exposed him to accusations and criticisms from colleagues and some of the lessons he\\u2019s learned that may help any vet professionals receiving online denunciation. (Visit www.vavsd.org to learn more about this important animal welfare issue). \\n\\u2026\\nViewfinders, this is a continuation of a hot topic discussion that we believe makes our beloved profession stronger and more inclusive. Let us know what you think and share with a friend! Talk to you next week!'