LEARNING IN PRACTICE
Members of the veterinary profession have a responsibility to uphold standards to ensure the public has access to safe , quality veterinary care . When those standards are compromised , the College responds . Every veterinarian can learn from these situations and publishing the details of complaints received and resolved is intended to support that learning . Learning from peers is best . The example below is taken from an actual case that went before the Complaints Committee and is offered as a self-reflection tool to improve practice across the province
UNDERTAKING AIMS TO ADDRESS ABUSIVE BEHAVIOUR
CASE SUMMARY
The member behaved in an unprofessional and inappropriate manner towards an auxiliary staff member at the hospital where they were both employed . The member used vulgar language towards the auxiliary in response to her attempts to establish his availability to provide services to a client .
CASE OUTCOMES
The Complaints Committee panel decided that , although serious , the allegations made against the member did not warrant a discipline hearing in the circumstances and therefore , directed that this matter not be referred to the Discipline Committee .
The panel decided remedial action was required to address concerns about the member ’ s failure to behave in an appropriate and professional manner towards an auxiliary staff member , his abuse of authoritative power and apparent lack of remorse for his actions .
The member agreed to enter into a Mutual Acknowledgement and Undertaking with the College . The member undertook to complete the PROBE ( Professional Problem-Based Ethics ) Program , which addresses ethical behaviour in professional practice . As part of the Undertaking , the member received oral advice about his responsibility as a veterinarian to act in a professional manner at all times . This includes being respectful and considerate to auxiliary staff even when faced with challenging situations .
Abusive behaviour on the part of veterinarians is not tolerated and brings disrepute not only to the individual veterinarian but to the profession as a whole . As health professionals , veterinarians are held to a higher standard and are expected to behave in a manner that reflects the integrity of the profession .
CASE CONSIDERATIONS
In considering the member ’ s behaviour towards an auxiliary staff member , the panel considered the member ’ s explanation . The member said he was the only veterinarian at the hospital on a busy day and he was busy reporting bloodwork , attending scheduled appointments and refilling medications .
According to the member , the auxiliary informed him a client wanted to speak to him . The client arrived at the clinic close to closing time and the auxiliary asked the member to speak with the client . The member indicated the client would have to wait until he was done appointments .
The member indicated the auxiliary ’ s response came across as sarcastic and snarky which added to a stressful day . The member apologized for using profanity but was not apologetic for the sentiment of his response .
The member indicated he had completed an online course with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety on Violence and Harassment in the workplace . Further , the clinic now has two veterinarians on shift for the busiest days . The member claimed he has never the used the profanity in the past and will never use it again .
The panel reviewed a transcript of the conversation between the auxiliary and the member as recorded on the clinic messaging system . It was evident there was tension between the auxiliary and the member and that both parties were involved in assisting clients and patients on a very busy evening .
The auxiliary claimed she was frustrated because the member avoided talking to individuals who were not his clients . The member said he was under pressure and the auxiliary ’ s comment set him off as he was trying to manage the workload and was being distracted by her comments .
The panel took into account the member ’ s regret for using profanity and that he apologized for his word choice . However , the member also said he was not apologetic about the sentiment expressed .
The member provided statements from former and current staff who attested they did not feel bullied or harassed by him . The panel was not convinced the member demonstrated sufficient insight into how his workplace conduct was unacceptable and unprofessional for a veterinarian . In the panel ’ s opinion , the member ’ s language appeared to constitute verbal assault .
The panel acknowledged the member was experiencing stress , however , he managed the situation badly . It is the member ’ s obligation to maintain a professional demeanour . Using abusive profanities is unacceptable behaviour .
The College does not tolerate abusive behaviour from its members . The panel decided serious action was warranted to meet the College ’ s obligation to protect the public interest . The member was offered the opportunity of entering into a voluntary Acknowledgement and Undertaking with the College through which he agreed to attend the PROBE Program designed to address ethical issues experienced by healthcare professionals . The member received oral advice from a panel of his peers about the inappropriateness of his behaviour . This decision will form part of the member ’ s history and may be considered by the Complaints Committee in the case of any future complaints .
6 College Connection Summer 2021 cvo . org