Volume I, Issue 1
November 1, 2015

Importance of Veterinary Medicine: 
The Value of High Quality Animal Care

Veterinary Medicine: 
High Quality Animal Care
One Health is the integrative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment. Veterinarians play critical roles in the health of animals, humans, and even the environment, but these roles are often overlooked or unrecognized. Veterinary medicine is the only profession that routinely operates at the interface of these three components of One Health.  The concept behind One Health has existed for centuries.
                                   
The Time and Effort of 
Veterinary Specialists  
The AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) is the umbrella organization for veterinary specialties within the United States. Currently, there are 22 AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organizations comprising of 40 distinct specialties. More than 11,000 veterinarians have been awarded diplomate status in one or more recognized veterinary specialty organizations by completing rigorous postgraduate training, education, and examination requirements.
 
These are hard-working, dedicated board-certified specialists ready to serve the public, its animals, and the veterinary profession by providing high quality service in disciplines as varied as internal medicine, surgery, preventive medicine, toxicology, dentistry, behavior, and pathology.
 
Improving Knowledge of Animal Care
I n recent years, individuals involved in animal agriculture have become concerned that the public is increasingly questioning the welfare of food animals. Newspapers run stories criticizing the use of sow gestation crates, and legislators introduce bills aimed at controlling what they see as inappropriate farm practices.
 
Last year veterinarians, government officials, humane representatives, and agriculture industry stakeholders gathered at a meeting of the Animal Agriculture Alliance (AAA) in Arlington, VA, to discuss issues surrounding the state of animal welfare and public perception . 
 
AVMA reported that a survey conducted by Market Directions, Inc. found that 81 percent of 1,000 individuals polled believe farmers are concerned about the well-being of animals. "Our polls show that the public has consistently, over the years, trusted and valued American farmers and ranchers and the important job they do so well," said AAA President Bruce Andrews.
Continuity of Care
Clinician's Brief  shared from a client's perspective, continuity of care is important because it builds trust and increases satisfaction. It assures pet owners that pets are receiving great care even after they leave the veterinary hospital.
 
Clients see continuity of care differently than practice team members see it. Team members may feel that continuity of care is primarily their responsibility. Clients, on the other hand, see continuity of care as a shared responsibility between themselves and the practice team. They would like to do their part in helping to keep pets healthy.
 
Clients want their pet's condition and plans for care explained when visiting the animal hospital. They also want to know how to care for pets once home. When clients contact the veterinary hospital, they expect knowledgeable team members familiar with their pet's case. It is reassuring to know that team members will recognize when a situation requires the veterinarian's involvement.
 
Improving the Work Life of Veterinarians

Less than 10 percent of equine veterinarians have taken a leave of absence for personal growth and development, such as for education or child rearing.  Mental and physical health improves when the veterinarian takes regular vacations and time away from work. Work performance increases as well. 


Working Equids 
TheHorse.com reported that despite the enormous positive impact of horses and donkeys on people, humanity frequently fails to prioritize their health. Most of the horses and donkeys in the world live with and work for people of limited means. The impact of these animals is enormous. Working equids reduce poverty, provide food security, and help promote gender equity for much of the "bottom billion" of the world's growing population.
 
Despite these critical roles, the world has largely forgotten these animals. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization estimates of the global equine population, at approximately 113 million, is grossly underestimated due to routine omission from census data. 
 Apryle VetMD | 412-953-1112 | ApryleVetMD@ApryleVetMD.com | www.ApryleVetMD.com