college connection
PROFESSIONALISM
DEMONSTRATING RESPECT continued from page 2
interacting with others who appear to have acted without respecting us ? Can we still choose civility ? My assertion is that civility , even in this situation , is preferred to incivility . Self-respect is an important component of civil interactions with others in all circumstances , but in this instance , it is key .
• Thinking back at the end of the day , reflecting on your behaviour , how might you feel about yourself ?
• Understand the steps that can and should be taken in dealing with someone whose behaviour is unacceptable .
• Show leadership in demonstrating the kind of assertive , but courteous , communication and regard for others that you wish to be modeled in your community and culture .
• Demonstrate self-respect and compassion by seeking advice and support should you find yourself feeling distressed or victimized by the behaviour of others .
Humility
A humble person has an open mind , recognizes his or her own limitations , and is willing to consider other ways of being , thinking and behaving . A leader who is humble will understand the appropriate use of the power his or her status confers . Humility allows for apology when needed .
“... respect is like air . As long as it ’ s present , nobody thinks about it . But if you take it away , it ’ s all that people can think about .”
Crucial Conversations ’
Even a modicum of humility in our manner can convey respect for others , engage co-operation , and help us effectively reach the goals that a more forceful approach demands , but fails , to achieve .
Can respect and humility be taught and learned ? I don ’ t know for sure , but as a colleague once said to me : “ The invitations will keep on coming !”
Respect for others and oneself is at the heart of a caring and civilized profession . Choose civility .
Dr . Michael Kaufmann is Medical Director of the OMA Physician Health Program and Physician Workplace Support Program . At a recent Council meeting , Dr . Kaufmann delivered a presentation on civility and explained the five fundamentals of civility for veterinarians . View the presentation at www . cvo . org / video . Watch College Connection for the complete series of articles on civility .
Policy change
LICENSURE IN EMERGENCIES REVISED
At the June meeting , Council revised its policy statement , Licensure of Veterinarians in Emergency Situations . This policy facilitates licensure for veterinarians from other jurisdictions when a government body has recruited them to assist with an emergency .
The changes to the policy statement ensure veterinarians are able to move across Canada more easily in the event of an emergency and also that veterinary expertise can be brought into Ontario quickly in certain circumstances . The policy has been expanded to also apply to veterinarians from other licensed jurisdictions outside of Canada . View the policy at www . cvo . org / Resources / Licensure / Licensure-of-Veterinarians-in-Emergency- Situations .
RESEARCH CONTINUES ON ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP
The College recently launched the second phase of its Growing Forward 2 funded initiative titled “ Setting an Action Agenda for Veterinary Stewardship of Antimicrobials in Ontario .” This project continues the work that began in “ Understanding the Food Animal Antimicrobial Prescribing Practices of Ontario Veterinarians .”
The second phase will endeavour to establish consensus on which activities might be the most successful to begin to bring lasting and meaningful change in veterinary practise . This
next project is intended to advance the first project outcomes and , from the list of over 100 suggested actions , narrow down which initiatives are best led by veterinarians .
That initial list , of likely 15-20 or so actions , will be used to conduct a modified delphi research study to gain consensus in the veterinary community on the top 5 or 6 priority actions that are most achievable . Each of these priorities will have a work plan developed . An invitational forum of veterinarians and producers will then be held
to gain approval for and perhaps modify the work plans . The aim is to create a culture of collaboration and the opportunity for sustainable change .
The last phase of the project includes broad stakeholder consultation prior to the publication of a final report and the transfer of the work plans to the identified lead groups for implementation .
If you work in the food animal sector , watch for your opportunities to participate .
Summer 2016 / 3