VOICES IN
DIVERSE VOICES , BOVINE ART , AND USING MY LOVE FOR SENTIENT BEINGS AS A COMPASS ON THE CVO ’ S PANEL
BY LEAH BOON PUBLIC ADVISORY PANEL MEMBER 2018-2020
I remember the day I learned that the College of Veterinarians of Ontario was recruiting volunteers for its inaugural Public Advisory Panel . “ Governing the practice of veterinary medicine and instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation is the critical work of the CVO .” The potential opportunity to contribute to this important work was compelling .
My life ’ s passion first and foremost is the love , respect , care , and welfare of animals . Adopting animals that suffered neglect , physical , and psychological trauma and that required special care has been central to my life . My nursing profession amplified my passion to care for high needs animals , as did my later pursuit of becoming a Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist . I am grateful for the life lessons and companionship that each of these amazing sentient beings provided to me . As a pet parent , I am their friend and most importantly their advocate . Along this journey I have come to know and respect many veterinarians . Many have been excellent traditional and integrative clinicians as well as outstanding humans . Sadly , some experiences fell short . In that sense veterinary medicine is no different than human health care though its additional nuances make it more challenging .
Starting with a three-year mandate , the panel consisted of a diverse group of stakeholders such as farm animal advocates , public health , farriers , animal pharmaceuticals , and companion pet owners . From our first teleconference there was great synergy and perspectives that were thought provoking . I was struck by how well-organized , coordinated , and skillfully-led our teleconferences were .
Meeting materials – delivered in advance allowing everyone sufficient time to review – were concise , robust , datadriven , and internationally researched . This was refreshing and made meeting preparation enjoyable and maximized the opportunity for meaningful input .
During our teleconferences , each participant was given time to provide their thoughts on the wide spectrum of topics , reflecting the depth , responsibility , and impact of the CVO . While the college sought input about specific topics , it also wanted new ideas on how to best engage with the public . Moreover , it welcomed our perspectives about trends or burning issues that the College Council should consider in relation to its regulatory role .
Boring it was NOT ! In that spirit here are a few highlights that stood out as developing , timely , and relevant : public education articles on cannabis , complementary and alternative veterinary medicine , COVID-19 / influenza , zoonotic diseases , antimicrobial stewardship , animal welfare , medically unnecessary veterinary surgery , criminal records checks , the role of the CVO and the OSPCA , the value of veterinary facility accreditation , veterinary fees , and envisioning the future of veterinary medicine in Ontario .
While it was not surprising that some of the subjects were interdependent , I was struck by the degree of their complexity . Lastly , we provided comprehensive feedback on a detailed review of modernizing the Veterinarians Act & Regulations . This Act underpins and defines the veterinary profession and it needs updates to reflect today ’ s evolving world and client expectations .
Of all our meetings , the in-person Council annual meetings held in Guelph were the ones I enjoyed the most , largely because of the chance to interact with Council in real-time on thoughts and ideas .
At our first meeting while being escorted to Council ’ s Chambers , I noted a beautiful painting of a cow hanging on
Leah Boon
the wall . I admired its beauty , and for a fleeting moment I pondered its potential symbolism . Experience has taught me it is the culture of an organization that is the most predictive of how progressive , agile , and responsive it is to those it serves . I chalked up my cow musing as nerves of a panel member who was about to deliver her first ‘ uncomfortable ’ feedback regarding a widely publicized animal welfare incident .
To my relief , Council was attentive , respectful , authentically inquisitive , and welcoming as we were all familiarizing ourselves with this new ‘ think tank ’. Discussions had depth and breadth , and at times a sprinkling of humour .
I learned so much from the people involved and the process . This resulted in a deeper appreciation of the challenges and efforts the CVO takes to govern and instill public trust in the veterinary profession . By acting on several ideas and suggestions brought forth by our group over the course of our mandate , it was clear that there were no sacred cows here , just a will to evolve and do better . Sometimes the art on the wall is just that … art on the wall !
2 College Connection Winter 2021 cvo . org