VetStrategy, a leading Canadian organization that manages veterinary practices on behalf of veterinary partners, partnered with Douglas College Foundation over this past holiday season to match every dollar donated by Douglas alumni, up to $5,000.
In September 2022, the Douglas College Foundation launched its Fall Campaign in support of Veterinary Technology (VTEC) students, which aims to raise $130,000 to establish a new endowed award to support VTEC students in their second year. Our community's support for this campaign has been outstanding, especially from those who are closest to the animal care sector.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Sarah Spears, RVT and Talent Acquisition Manager at VetStrategy, to learn more about the challenges facing the veterinary medicine field and why this campaign resonated so strongly with their organization.
Q: Veterinary medicine is a field in crisis, due to a lack of qualified human resources combined with steep increases in demand for service. How does strengthening pathways to veterinary education help mitigate this issue?
A: Having more students studying to become Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) will result in more graduates and qualified individuals entering the field. An increase in RVTs can fill clinic vacancies, replenish the RVT shortage and support pet owners and their pets. The result is the most important— pets will receive the medical care that they need and deserve.
Q: Explain some of the challenges faced by veterinary practices with the critical shortage of trained staff in the field of veterinary medicine?
A: There are many challenges that RVTs face with this shortage, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and an increase in mental health issues. Unfortunately, this also leads to pets not receiving the care they need. In severe cases, pets are passing away in transit between ER hospitals because hospitals are short-staffed. No one in the veterinary industry is okay with this and we all play a part in making things right for pets.
Q: In the veterinary industry, is there an issue that is currently being faced that can be solved by removing barriers to education for aspiring veterinary technicians?
A: The main issue is the shortage of educated and qualified RVTs. By increasing the number of well-trained and credentialed RVTs in the veterinary workforce, the workload on veterinarians can decrease to a more sustainable level. In this environment, RVTs are used to their maximum scope and training, and veterinarians are used to the fullest within their scope of practice.
Q: VetStrategy is generously supporting Douglas College Foundation’s Fall Campaign, which aims to strengthen pathways to education for students enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program at Douglas. What specifically drew VetStrategy to support this area and how does it resonate with the organization?
A: VetStrategy aims to provide opportunities to contribute to the success of students who have committed to enter the veterinary field – specifically the RVT profession. The Veterinary Technology program is challenging and rigorous, so supporting students on campus through fundraising initiatives like the one at Douglas is one of our priorities.
Q: As a proudly Canadian acquirer and operator of veterinary practices, can you describe how supporting the next generation of leaders in the animal care sector will change the landscape of animal care?
A: We are constantly trying to elevate the profession and that starts with education. While entering this profession is rewarding, it is also incredibly challenging. By providing some sense of financial relief and removing barriers to education, students can focus on and excel in their studies.
Supporting these dedicated students will result in highly educated and skilled RVTs that can help decrease the shortage.
Q: As a leader in the industry, what message would you like to share with the current and future students of veterinary technology?
A: The veterinary industry is a small world, especially in the way the corporate landscape has evolved. It is important to always present yourself as the professional you are which will contribute to the elevation of the RVT profession. Always recognize your worth and the value you provide to the industry. Moreover, stay curious and always ask questions. There is never a day that passes in which learning something new as an RVT cannot be achieved.
The Douglas College Foundation would like to thank VetStrategy for supporting the Fall Campaign in support of Veterinary Technology students. If you would like to make an impact for our VTEC students, please visit: https://www.douglascollege.ca/givealumni/foundation/donate/fall-campaign