College Connection Winter 2024 | Page 5

College Connection | Winter 2024

ELEVATING THE VETERINARY TEAM PODCAST SERIES

Veterinarians offer insight on team-based veterinary care

The veterinary profession is undergoing significant change , spurred by pandemic challenges and new Ontario legislation . This evolution sees the rise of collaborative , team-based care involving skilled technicians , assistants , and client service representatives .

Dr . Steven Roche hosts a podcast series discussing innovations in veterinary practice . The episodes explore the importance of team-based practices , legislative changes , and the need for cultural and operational shifts within the profession to drive innovation and improve care quality . The series promotes future-forward thinking and adapting to new legislative frameworks to improve patient and client outcomes .

Episode 1 Setting the Stage : Defining team-based care : Dr . Roche

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

An intense , historic year in veterinary regulation in Ontario

The College licensed 5,720 Ontario veterinarians last year , an increase of 12 percent since 2020 , according to the 2024 Annual Report “ History in the Making ”. discusses how the nature of teambased care is shifting in the veterinary profession with Jan Robinson ( Registrar & CEO of the CVO ), Dr . Jeff Wichtel ( Dean of OVC ), and John Stevens ( CEO of the OVMA ). Is the adoption of a team-based approach to medicine the key to future-proofing the profession ? What defines team-based care ?

Episode 2 Establishing trust , playing to people ’ s strengths , and leveraging technology : Dr . Roche and Dr . Enid Stiles ( owner of Sherwood Park Animal Hospital ) discuss the keys to staff retention and buy-in , the benefits of leveraging technology in clinic workflows , and the importance of having a team-based approach to human resources .

Episode 3 Leading by example : setting a team-based culture by walking the walk when it comes to values : Dr . Roche and Dr . Mike Pownall ( co-founder of McKee-Pownall Equine Services ) explore some of the unique features of equine medicine and innovative ways to improve employee retention and quality of life for staff .

cvo . org / podcasts “ The 2024 Annual Report reflects a pinnacle moment in the College ’ s rich history as we progress towards our new legislation , the Veterinary Professionals Act . This past year has been intense and focused as we embrace the privilege of setting the stage for the future of the veterinary profession in Ontario ,” said Dr . Jessica Retterath , President of the College .

The 2024 Annual Report provides an overview of initiatives underway in limited licensure , team-based care , and language skills evaluation . Council continues to support proposals through its regulatory sandbox to bring innovative approaches to the delivery of veterinary care in Ontario . Further , recent work in the promotion of One Health includes a promotional kit for companion animal clinics and a new farm family checklist . Education on the role of veterinary teams in antimicrobial stewardship continues to remain important .

The 2024 Annual Report includes a Supplementary Data Report which compiles data across College programs over the past five years .

The College issued 5,720 licences , 80 percent of whom work in private practice . In investigations and hearings , the Complaints Committee reviewed 169 complaints involving 206 veterinarians . The Discipline Committee heard 8 cases involving 7 veterinarians . Further , the College ’ s practice advisory service responded to 1,915 inquiries . The 2024 Annual Report and the Supplementary Data Report are available on the College website . cvo . org / AR2024

Public confidence in veterinary regulation cvo . org 5