McEachran Institute Dialogues: Integrating social accountability in veterinary medical education at the Ontario Veterinary College — Comments

Dear Editors,

As a recent OVC graduate, I regret to state that many of Dean Wichtel’s claims do not accurately reflect the opinions and experiences of many alumni.

Dr. Wichtel reflects on whether “veterinary colleges [can] better serve all Canadian and global citizens and the animals under their care.” Unfortunately, the OVC is increasingly viewed as companion animal-focused. Students are seldom encouraged to pursue large-animal medicine and face challenges in accessing these opportunities.

The recent closure of the Avian and Exotics (AVEX) service at OVC is an example that not only reduces veterinary care for such species but also further limits future training opportunities in species other than common companion animals.

Dr. Wichtel questions whether veterinarians should better reflect the “cultural and intellectual diversity of the communities” we serve. Unfortunately, OVC currently chooses candidates on an almost exclusively academic basis, despite ongoing requests from veterinarians to improve this problematic selection process.

A great majority of applicants denied entry to the DVM program are strong academic performers with diverse backgrounds, hands-on experience, and an understanding of the demands and realities of veterinary medicine. Chosen applicants often have slightly higher, but arguably academically equivalent, grades.

The disproportionate focus on grades is a natural deterrent to the diversity and equality sought by OVC. Applicants in more precarious economic conditions may be forced into part-time studies, working to support themselves, with limited opportunities to obtain extracurricular experiences.

Dr. Wichtel mentions the “evolving definition of ‘standard of care’,” yet OVC’s curriculum emphasizes and expects the “gold standard.” As a mixed, rural practitioner, I understand that maximizing patient benefits often involves financial limitations and/or substandard conditions. The evolving specialty approach of veterinary medicine is marginalizing a growing cohort of patients and clients who neither can afford, nor necessarily require, the full spectrum of care in the pursuit of improved health and welfare.

I disagree with Dr. Wichtel’s assertion that DVM graduates “leave OVC with ... the experience and skills ... to confidently support the provision of full-spectrum care” in the communities in which they work. This is reflective of neither my own experience nor those of the countless colleagues with whom I have discussed this issue.

In the 3 years since graduation, I am shocked and saddened at the exodus of classmates and colleagues from general practice (or the profession). Common reasons include negative client interactions, inadequate mentorship, a desire to limit working hours, client financial limitations, and a strong aversion to corporate takeover. Veterinary medicine is an exceptionally challenging, yet rewarding and fulfilling, career. Those who enter this profession should be enlightened to its realities before admission, not upon graduation.

The crises facing veterinary medicine are nuanced and will not be resolved with a change in the OVC admission process. There is no shortage of people wishing to be veterinarians; however, there is a shortage of veterinarians wishing to remain in the field. Therefore, we need to choose individuals who are prepared — academically, emotionally, socially — to participate in this honorable profession.