What do you consider the greatest threat to the profession?
One threat is veterinary colleges without veterinary teaching hospitals. This unprecedented, untested, and unproven model
assumes that private practices and other entities can teach equally to the veterinary teaching hospitals and, thus, are their
equivalent. Sending all or most of a clinical curriculum off-site, although far less costly, limits the clinical competency
of graduates, no matter how sophisticated and well-run the programs are.
A second threat is corporate ownership and control of veterinary colleges. Excellent veterinary medical education and profits
are, in my judgment, incompatible strategic goals. Profits will be optimized at the expense of education. The profession's
leading organizations and institutions must be prepared to debate this most serious matter.
Another threat is substituting accreditation for programs that make strategic sense internationally. Accreditation of foreign
veterinary colleges must be limited to only those that are essentially equal with the outstanding schools and colleges of
veterinary medicine in the United States and Canada.
Which animal health needs are currently unmet?
Creating and educating a critical mass of veterinarians to respond to national and international widespread disease threats
and outbreaks, including natural and man-made disasters. The veterinary profession has made real progress, but our profession
lacks the infrastructure to meet the challenges.
What is the greatest achievement of your career?
Helping to manage and lead the AMC to become a true postgraduate veterinary teaching hospital and medical center. Nearly 1,000
interns and residents have gained skills, knowledge, and confidence in the center's programs. Its continuing education programs
for practicing veterinarians and veterinary technicians included the unique Intensive Post-Graduate Program, primarily for
foreign veterinary college graduates. I believe this experience helped many of these bright and committed veterinarians.
What makes a good veterinarian?
Hard work, equal concern for people and animals, and an appreciation that as veterinarians we are privileged to do what we
do.
Is there a veterinary leader you'd like us to interview?
If so, please e-mail or fax us the person's name and affiliation: vm@advanstar.com
; fax (913) 492-4157.
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