Why the Future of Veterinary Care Needs Vet Techs, Not a Mid-Level Position 😬

Why the Future of Veterinary Medicine Needs Leadership & Innovation 🐾

Hey there, fellow veterinary professionals! I’m Dr. Jen Quammen, and today I want to dive into a topic that could drastically shape the future of our profession – Colorado’s Proposition 129 which would introduce a mid-level position in vet med. As a candidate for AVMA President-Elect 2025, I believe this is a conversation we must have – and one we can’t shy away from. So, let’s break it down! 🚀

Proposition 129: What’s Happening in Colorado?

In case you haven’t heard, Colorado voters are considering Proposition 129, which proposes the creation of mid-level providers (MLPs), also known as a veterinary professional associate (VPA), in veterinary medicine. This initiative aims to address the veterinary workforce shortage by allowing individuals to practice veterinary medicine after completing a 4 semester, mostly online program. Yes, you read that right – two years, mostly online, and these individuals would be authorized to perform procedures, including surgery, traditionally within a veterinarian’s scope.

What’s more, Colorado State University – a top-tier veterinary school – is planning to launch a VPA program as part of this push. If this passes, we could see DVM/veterinary students at one of the nation’s best vet schools trained alongside these MPL/VPA students. Talk about an awkward situation! 😬

Why This is a Problem

I get it – we have workforce challenges in veterinary medicine, and solutions are needed. But here’s the catch: this isn’t the right solution. Let’s break it down:

Lack of Proper Training 📚

An online, four-semester program is not adequate preparation for performing surgeries and other complex medical procedures. Veterinary medicine requires deep knowledge and hands-on experience – things that can’t be replaced by a short course, no matter how intensive.  As someone who primarily performs surgeries, I can tell you – there’s no such thing as a “simple spay”!

No Liability Coverage ⚖️

Another major concern is that these mid-level positions would lack adequate liability coverage. Who’s responsible when things go wrong? Without proper protections, the animal patients, the human clients, and the rest of the vet team are at risk. Liability would fall back on veterinarians – and that’s a huge concern.

Impact on Veterinary Technicians 💼

This is perhaps the most frustrating part for me. Introducing mid-level positions could devastate our credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVTs) and Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS). These professionals have already invested years in their education and training – and they’re more than capable of handling many of the tasks that MLPs would be marketed to do.

We Already Have a Solution: Vet Techs and VTS

The solution to our workforce issues is right in front of us – credentialed vet techs and VTSs. These are the unsung heroes of our profession, already handling complex tasks, assisting in surgeries, and delivering exceptional care for years.

Instead of introducing mid-level providers with limited training, we should be investing in our vet techs. Expanding their roles, offering better career advancement opportunities, and providing more support are much better ways to tackle this issue.

In fact, in eight U.S. states, veterinary technicians aren’t even regulated by credentialing or licensing. This lack of regulation in more than 15% of the country means we’re underutilizing trained professionals who could already be filling many of these gaps. It’s time to recognize the incredible value that vet techs bring to our teams. ✨

What About Vet Med Students? 🎓

I also feel for vet students at Colorado State University and other schools who could get caught in the middle of this. Imagine being a vet student working your way through the intense, multi-year veterinary program, only to be told that someone with a four semester, mostly online program could perform some of the same procedures you’re training for. 😳 Oh, and if there is a problem, the veterinarian is still the person ultimately responsible to the patient and client. 

This not only undermines the value of a veterinary degree but also creates confusion for those entering the field. Do you pursue the traditional vet med path, or take a shortcut? And what about the quality of care? The potential for subpar outcomes could put everyone – patients, clients, vet techs, and veterinarians alike – in a tough spot.

Veterinary Medicine is About Quality, Not Quick Fixes 🏥

We’re all looking for ways to solve the workforce crisis, but we cannot compromise quality care in the process. Introducing mid-level positions with insufficient training and liability coverage does just that.

As veterinarians, we take an oath to protect our patients, alleviate pain and suffering, and safeguard public health. If I am true to my oath, I have to stand up for what’s right—and that means standing with our vet techs, vet students, vet tech students, and fellow veterinarians. Together, we can ensure that the future of veterinary medicine remains grounded in quality care and trust. 🩺🐾

The answer isn’t a quick fix – it’s a strategic investment in the people who are already part of our vet teams. Let’s give our techs the respect, opportunities, and support they deserve.

Why I’m Running for AVMA President-Elect 2025

As a candidate for AVMA President-Elect 2025, I’m committed to finding long-term solutions that support the growth of our profession while maintaining the high standards of care we’ve built. Whether it’s through investing in our vet techs, advocating for better work-life integration (hello, sleep hygiene! 💤), or incorporating tech without losing the human touch – I’m here to lead us into a future that serves both our veterinary teams and our patients.

Thanks for reading! If you believe in a future where vet med thrives through leadership, innovation, and care, I’d love your support in my campaign for AVMA President-Elect 2025.

Together, let’s create a future where vet med thrives! 💪🐾