Veterinary Medicine Crisis: The Gathering Storm
Recently, our dog had to be rushed to the pet emergency room over a holiday weekend. She had stopped eating and moving, showing clear signs of illness. Sadly, a diagnosis of advanced osteosarcoma was made, and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her go. The following week, while at the vet with our other dog for a check-up, I shared the weekend’s events with the vet. She was deeply affected, grieving not only our loss but also the inability to provide care during our pup’s final moments.
My vet and I have a close friendship, built over nearly a decade of shared discussions on animals and the veterinary field. She once informed me about the alarmingly high suicide rates among veterinarians, which are four times higher than the general population and double that of the medical field, as per the National Institutes for Health. Organizations like Not One More Vet have emerged in response to such disheartening statistics.
In the wake of our dog’s passing, I inquired about my vet’s well-being during my visit to her office. Her response was unconvincing, prompting me to delve deeper into the current state of veterinary medicine. I learned about the increasing corporatization of private practices, soaring care costs, and the exodus of talented veterinarians due to mounting mental stress and client interactions.
Rest in peace, Sadie. You were a beloved companion.
Leila Grossman / Grannis Photography
In our previous conversation, you expressed concerns about the veterinary medicine landscape. Can you elaborate on that?
During our candid discussion, my vet, who preferred anonymity, shared some revealing perspectives with me. Considering the lack of awareness among many regarding this topic, I felt compelled to shed light on these issues, as one can only address a problem once it is acknowledged.
My fear is that veterinary medicine is becoming overly corporate, potentially rendering pet care unaffordable for many in the future. In recent experiences, families have faced exorbitant bills at specialty clinics, raising questions about the accessibility of quality care.
What are your thoughts on the trend of private practices transitioning to corporate entities?
Running a vet clinic is already a challenging enterprise, made more arduous by the emotional demands from clients and staff. Many veterinarians opt to sell their practices to private equity groups due to the overwhelming pressures of ownership.
Additionally, you mentioned the alarming suicide rates within the veterinary community. Can you elaborate on the underlying causes?
The veterinary profession is an emotional roller coaster, oscillating between difficult decisions and heartbreaking diagnoses. The constant exposure to such intense emotions, coupled with the stresses of the job, contributes to the high suicide rates among veterinarians.
When a dog comes in after being hit by a car and requires CPR, followed by the task of explaining the delay to a disgruntled owner at the reception – it may seem extreme, but for vets, it’s just a typical Tuesday. The transition of a private vet practice to a corporation raises questions about what this means for pet owners and their beloved animals. What are the advantages and disadvantages? Unfortunately, the pros are few. Clients often observe increased wait times, decreased personalization, and higher costs. Service fees tend to rise, and the vet may have limited autonomy to make decisions in the best interest of the pet, relinquishing control over medical choices.
The primary challenge in the current work environment revolves around managing escalating costs of supplies and personnel. Looking ahead 5-10 years, there is hope for the continuation of privately-owned practices. The field of veterinary medicine has seen remarkable advancements in the quality of care provided, with diverse specialists such as internists, radiologists, cardiologists, surgeons, and oncologists now more accessible. However, affordability of these specialized services remains a concern.
To address the concerning trend of veterinarians leaving the profession in large numbers, raising awareness is vital. It is often misunderstood by the public, as illustrated by a friend’s insensitive response to a challenging week involving cancer diagnoses and euthanasias. The emotional toll on vets is significant, and support from both the community and loved ones is crucial.
As for reaching a breaking point and considering leaving the profession, uncertainty lingers. Despite moments of feeling overwhelmed, the rewarding aspect of saving lives keeps many veterinarians going. Pet owners can contribute positively by investing in pet insurance, choosing privately-owned practices, and simply being kind. These small actions can make a significant difference in supporting the well-being of veterinary professionals.
