college connection
PEER ADVISORY CONVERSATION
PILOT CONVERSATIONS UNDERWAY- MEET A PEER ADVISOR
The Peer Advisory Conversation provides a positive learning experience for veterinarians. Through conversation, veterinarians will find support in their efforts to deliver quality care and service. The conversation includes tips for managing risk areas; insight into practice standards and regulatory requirements; and gives suggestions for continuing professional development
The Peer Advisory Conversation is one veterinarian speaking to another veterinarian- one of whom happens to be a trained peer advisor. At this time, 19 veterinarians have completed a rigorous training process to be peer advisors in the Peer Advisory Conversation pilot project. Meet Peer Advisor Dr. David Kerr who shares some insight into the program. What is the nature of your practice?
I am an associate veterinarian in a companion animal practice located in Bolton, north of Toronto. I graduated from OVC in 1984.
If speaking to a colleague, how would you describe the Peer Advisory Conversation program?
When I have spoken to colleagues about the Peer Advisory Conversation, I discuss it is a pilot program aimed at developing conversations revolving around the aspects of the veterinary practice, specific to that veterinarian. In general, clinical practice that would include seeing clients, assessing patients, performing procedures as well as
interacting with staff members, specialists and colleagues.
What interested you in serving as a Peer Advisor?
This role appealed to me for a number of reasons, two of which are high priority. The Peer Advisory Conversation is pro-active. The program engages veterinarians in discussions to help identify areas of strength and possible weakness so the latter areas can be improved upon. This approach is different from the complaints and discipline processes of the College which are reactive in nature. The second reason is self-serving in that for me, this opportunity will allow me to connect with and learn from many veterinarians.
How has being a Peer Advisor directed your own learning?
During training for this role, when I was the one being“ advised,” the discussions forced me to be reflective of my own method of practice. I was able to see how my medical records are perceived from someone else’ s perspective. I received input on my professional development activities, and my Peer Advisors guided me to resources I did not know were available. I found the process validated what I was doing well, and helped me improve in other areas.
Why would you encourage other veterinarians to be involved in the Peer Advisory Conversation Pilot program?
Dr. David Kerr
I would, and have encouraged other veterinarians to participate. As I mentioned above, the program is pro-active, helps to identify areas of weakness, if there are any, and guides learning to strengthen those areas. It allows veterinarians who may be isolated geographically or in their area of practice to get constructive, timely feedback in a non-judgemental manner. We, as a profession, seldom tell each other what we are doing right and the Peer Advisory Conversation allows for that positive feedback. Often, the best part of the discussion is the knowledge we are doing well in the profession we have chosen.
College Staff
Registrar’ s Office Ms. Jan Robinson- Registrar & CEO
Ms. Anita Lovrich Policy Specialist
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Corporate Services
Ms. Beth Ready Executive Partner, Corporate Services
Ms. Sarah Ellery Associate, Corporate Services
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Licensure
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Mr. Martin Fischer Investigations & Inspections Specialist
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Quality Practice
Dr. Kim Lambert Associate Registrar, Quality Practice
Dr. Susan Sabatini Practice Advisor
Ms. Megan Callaway Principal, Quality Assurance & Improvement
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Accreditation Inspectors Mr. Wilf Muller Mr. Adrian Darmon
Licensure & Quality Practice
Ms. Emily Lewis Associate, Programs
Winter 2017 / 5