College Connection | Spring 2024
Education programs , not graduated licensing , to support new licensees transition into practice
College Connection | Spring 2024
Education programs , not graduated licensing , to support new licensees transition into practice
Last fall , the College conducted a survey discussing supports for new licensees . We appreciate everyone who responded and wanted to provide an update on what we have done with your feedback .
Background
In 2021 , the College Council formed the Standard of Care Working Group to better understand apparent confusion related to the College expectations and their potential link to anxiety in practice . One of the Working Group ’ s recommendations was to create programs that support newly licensed veterinarians transition to practise , including consideration of a graduated licensure system , to better control the entry to practice period of newly licensed veterinarians .
The College ’ s Strategic Plan includes a tactic “ to consider programs that support new graduates to gain confidence in front line practice .”
The transition into practice is as a critical period for new veterinary professionals . Challenges may include developing clinical confidence , moving towards independent responsibility for patient care , refining professional communication and collaboration skills , establishing relationships with clients and understanding and adapting to settings with varying resources . The College studied this issue to determine whether new supports are needed and whether a graduated entry to practice model would help .
What did we learn ?
The College reviewed an environmental scan , a literature review , data analysis , and survey feedback to gather information to develop a recommendation for Council . Our survey of licensed members received over 300 responses and was helpful in providing examples of support .
Survey respondents felt additional supports are needed for new licensees but the needs of these veterinarians vary considerably . The idea of a required graduated licensing program did not receive broad support . Respondents indicated with the veterinary shortage , we do not need to place additional barriers , especially when there is not broad evidence of increased risk from new licensees .
An analysis of College complaints data did not indicate newly licensed veterinarians are over-represented in our complaints process . In fact , newly licensed veterinarians are under-represented in the amount of complaints we receive compared to the percentage of licensee population .
What did Council decide ?
The evidence recognizes the transition into practice is best supported by education programs , employers , the College and others . Council supported the need for more supports for newly licensed veterinarians and directed the Registration Committee to oversee their development .
Resources that may be under consideration include , information on how to support new veterinarians through mentorship , and a series of orientation to practice videos . Council chose not to implement a mandatory transition program .
CONTACT THE COLLEGE
Registrar Jan Robinson , Registrar & CEO registarsinbox @ cvo . org
Shilo Tooze , Deputy Registrar stooze @ cvo . org
President Dr . Wade Wright , President president @ cvo . org
Associate Registrar
Dr . Kim Lambert , Associate Registrar , Quality Practice klambert @ cvo . org
Contact College Staff Find the staff list & contact information at www . cvo . org / contact-us
Program E-mails inquiries @ cvo . org licensure @ cvo . org accreditation @ cvo . org complaints @ cvo . org qualityassurance @ cvo . org
Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 5