The Pandemic, VetMed, and the Veterinary Technician

Hi Zoners,

I think it is time to have a discussion about the current state of affairs in this world as it relates to the large number of pets that are seen in veterinary medicine. In the past 18 months the numbers of patients and cases seen in veterinary medicine has grown exponentially. While other industries suffered through tough times, low income producing options, and the shutdowns and closures, veterinary medicine is stronger than ever. In addition to the increase in cases, the steadfast issue of the lack of staff and having the ones that are there working through the pandemic as essential workers, the mass exodus of qualified staff has also been a problem.

This has forced the veterinary community to adjust to this ever changing world. This can be seen through curbside medicine, telemedicine, switching from walk-ins and emergency to appointment only or taking emergency cases only. Changes are also seen in the way payments are obtained ( contact less) and even the way we get the patient history. But what has all of this meant for the support staff and what is being done to support them? As essential workers we were required to work through this pandemic. For most that meant working from home was not an option, commuting was/is still a challenge, and that "break" and time to reflect on life decisions did not happen for most. Instead it was dealing with clients that were more impatient and nastier than ever, being concerned about your safety and the safety of you family because you had to interact, in close proximity with clients and coworkers. The AVMA conducted a survey on the changes that occurred during the pandemic and found that in July and August of 2020 only 13% of staffers had the option to telecommute.

As we continue to work through the pandemic, consideration need to be made about the welfare of veterinary care workers. Increase in stress, workload, negativity, and issues like bullying and burnout in the workplace cannot be ignored. The needs of the patients and clients are important, but if the staff and their needs are not addressed, where does that lead us. The loss of experienced, compassionate LVTs, RVTs, CVTs, assistants, ad other support staff is a chronic issue that the pandemic has hopefully steamrolled to the forefront of challenges that cannot be ignored?

Let us know your thoughts on how the pandemic has changed the veterinary workplace? What are some of the challenges you face on a day to day? What do you think must be done to support the support staff? How can we change the workplace environment

Link to the AVMA article: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19/covid-19-impact-veterinary-practices