The veterinary workforce in federal agencies is facing a serious shortfall, with vacancy rates reaching up to 40% in some sectors. New veterinarians often gravitate towards private practice due to higher starting salaries—averaging $114,027 compared to $87,862 in public service as of 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underlined the urgency to attract more vets into public roles.
In a bit of a pickle, right? There just aren't enough vets to go around creating a recipe for disaster. There is a need for a more comprehensive approach to fill that chronic void in federal veterinary services, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
AVMA Takes Action
To tackle this crisis, the AVMA House of Delegates recently approved a resolution. Introduced by the National Association of Federal Veterinarians during the AVMA Convention 2023, this resolution aims to elevate the status and pay of public practice veterinarians. These professionals work in diverse settings like government agencies, the military, and non-profits, covering crucial areas like food safety and public health.
What Does the Resolution Propose?
Titled "New Policy on Recruiting and Retaining Public Practice Veterinarians," the resolution calls for pay parity with private sector veterinarians. It also urges Congress to increase funding for incentive programs such as special pay, professional pay, removal of the annual salary cap in declared emergency disease outbreaks, and student loan repayment bonuses. Additionally, it recommends a new General Accounting Office assessment to understand the federal vet workforce's current state.
The Urgent Need for Veterinarians in Public Service: How Recognition and Funding Can Make a Difference
The veterinary profession has been defined as global public good by the World Organization for Animal Health. Veterinarians, managers, and owners of veterinary clinics like you would focus on the practical aspects of transitioning to or supporting public service roles, the benefits it could bring to your practice, and available resources to make the transition easier:
Increased job satisfaction. Vets will feel that their work is valued and appreciated leading to improved mental and emotional health, as well as increased productivity.
Improved morale. Vets will feel as if they are part of a larger community that values their work, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.
Greater opportunities for collaboration. Vets can connect with other vets in public practice, having more opportunities to collaborate on projects and share ideas leading to new and innovative solutions to animal health problems.
Improved access to resources. When vets are recognized for their work, they may be eligible for grants, scholarships, and other resources that can help them improve their practices.
Enhanced professional development. Vets who have access to training and resources that support public practice are more likely to stay updated on the latest developments in animal health, resulting in improved care and patient outcome.
Increased public awareness. The more the public is aware of the importance of public practice, the more likely they are to support vets and their work. This in turn leads to increased funding for public health programs and improved access to animal care.
Increased visibility. When vets are recognized for their work, they become more visible to the public and other stakeholders, resulting in increased referrals and business opportunities.
Credibility boost. When vets are seen as experts in public health and animal welfare, this can make it easier for them to advocate for policies and programs that benefit animals.
AIV Vet: Your Pawtner in Practice
Given the magnitude of vet medicine, veterinarians like you are integral to missions at the human-animal-environment interface. AIV is here to help!
At AIV Vet, we support products for intravenous medication delivery. As part of our total IV pump support program and in meeting your growing needs, we stock patient-ready, cost-effective new and used IV pumps that have reliable fluid delivery, equivalent to that of factory performance. You can also trust our IVetMATE IV Fluid Warmer for accurate fluid temperature.
Need repairs and want to extend the life of your pumps? Worry no more. We provide repair services for many popular infusion pump models, performed in our ISO 13485:2016 certified facility to strict quality standards. We offer both flat rate, all-inclusive pump repairs as well as fixed-rate labor repairs to better suit your budgeting needs!
Don't let the gap in public practice veterinary care widen. The time for action is now, and every veterinarian has a role to play.
Sources:
AVMA recognizes importance of public practice veterinarians. (n.d.). American Veterinary Medical Association.
The Essential Role of Veterinarians in Protecting Animal, Human, Public & Environmental Health - A Global Public: Joint American Veterinary Medical Association, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Statement. (n.d.). Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.