NEWS FROM COUNCIL
NEW PODCAST
VETERINARIANS
DISCUSS
PROFESSIONAL
ENGAGEMENT
Dr. Kim Lambert and Dr. Shannah
Kavonic shared their individual
experiences getting involved in the
veterinary profession in the College’s
newest podcast which focuses on
professional engagement.
Professional engagement demonstrates
a veterinarian’s responsibilities to
the profession and to society and
also supports the trustworthiness
of veterinarians individually and the
profession as a whole. Both agreed that
seeking opportunities to contribute to
the profession provided growth and
learning opportunities and increased
their career satisfaction.
Seeking some inspiration? Tune in to the
podcast to learn more!
cvo.org/podcasts
COUNCIL ELECTION 2020
THREE DISTRICTS
UP FOR ELECTION
Serving on Council is an opportunity
to provide leadership in veterinary
regulation. By participating in the election,
either as a candidate, nominating a
colleague or through voting, every
licensed member has an opportunity
to influence the future of veterinary
medicine and regulation in Ontario.
In 2020, one Council member will be
elected from each of the following:
––
Electoral District 5: Bruce, Dufferin,
Grey, Huron, Simcoe
––
Electoral District 9: licensed members
employed by the Government of
Canada
––
Electoral District 10: Toronto, York
cvo.org/election2020
FORMS OF ENERGY
COUNCIL PROVIDES DIRECTION ON
THE USE OF FORMS OF ENERGY
At the June meeting, College Council
approved policies related to the use of
forms of energy in the treatment and/or
care of animals.
Council has done extensive work in
reviewing the risks associated with
the use of various forms of energy on
animals. There is a range of different
forms of energy being used by veterinary
and non-veterinary providers to treat
animals. This presents risks to animals
and the public.
Council approved both a position
statement and a policy statement on this
important area. The position statement
articulates Council’s position on who
can use the forms of energy in treating
animals. Forms of energy are divided into
three categories based on the potential
for harm. The policy statement presents
the classification for each form of energy.
There are multiple forms of energy which
pose a moderate to high risk, such as
MRIs, laser therapy, shockwave therapy,
and diagnostic ultrasound, which are to
be used only by a veterinarian or their
REGULATORY SANDBOX
auxiliary under supervision. Lower risk
forms of energy, such as therapeutic
ultrasounds or electromagnetic field
therapy, may be used by veterinarians or
non-veterinarians.
While a non-veterinarian may make use
of the lower risk tools, it is important for
animal owners to consult a veterinarian
when making choices on therapy which
impact your animal’s welfare.
The forms of energy policy documents
will be available on the College website
soon.
COUNCIL ENGAGING IN “SANDBOX”
College Council strives to be innovative
and nimble in its efforts to best manage
public protection. Council approved the
concept of a regulatory sandbox at its
June meeting.
The concept, which originated in the
financial sector, provides an environment
where the regulator can temporarily
adjust a regulatory barrier in order to test
potential solutions to a specific challenge.
The regulatory authority would observe
and evaluate the sandbox activity to
determine the best course forward in
serving the public interest. The regulatory
sandbox is managed under strict
protocols.
Applying the regulatory sandbox to
veterinary medicine was a thought from
the College’s international advisory
group on innovation and technology.
The group is exploring ways for
regulatory and innovator communities
to develop technology to support health
assessment, treatment and monitoring in
animals.
For further information, listen to the
video replay of Council’s public policy
discussion on this and other interesting
topics related to public policy.
cvo.org/Council
2
College Connection Summer 2020 cvo.org