The end of associations as we know them?

The Presidents’ Messages in the last few years frequently discussed the challenges and opportunities we face in veterinary medicine in Canada. They applauded the expertise and professionalism of our colleagues, and they championed the sheer numbers and value of the volunteers who have such a significant impact on organizations like the CVMA. The last president’s message from Dr. Jim Fairles in July, 2013 (1) specifically spoke to the value and commitment of volunteerism in organizations in Canada. There is no doubt that the CVMA could not run effectively without the incredible input and time commitment from the many volunteers on our committees, council and task forces. However, at the American Veterinary Medical Association leadership conference in January, one of the major topics was the threat to volunteerism as the population changes and ages. The book The End of Membership as We Know It(2) warns of the shifting attitudes in this culture of volunteerism and the potential effects on volunteer-based organizations such as the CVMA.

Historically, many organizations have clung to business and operational models that have worked well, to the detriment of being nimble and adaptable to shifts in their user base. This is human nature. As the millennial generation of veterinarians are entering the profession, it is apparent that there are differences in their expectations compared to the boomer generation. There is a stronger emphasis on work/life balance, an expectation to work fewer hours and have a personal life that is separate from their work lives. This certainly flies in the face of the James Herriot style of practice that many vets of my generation bought into. But I suspect the newer graduates have it right. They are not disengaged from the profession; they are just strongly committed to personal and family time. It will be interesting to look back at this group as they reach retirement age to see how many are satisfied with their personal lives and careers, how many are burnt out, and how many retire early. Is it possible that the rise in concern in veterinary circles surrounding the issue of member wellness may turn out to be a direct result of the boomer work ethic; a self-inflicted problem that will be less relevant to the newer generation of veterinarians?

The effect of the increasing number of women in the vet profession is still debated. The idea that women may be more likely to take a leave of absence in their careers to raise families, work part-time and be less inclined to buy into practices is still seen as a concern for the profession. But women have been in the majority of graduating veterinarians for over 25 years now, with all aspects of veterinary practice adapting to these changes. There have been shifts in patterns of practice, the rise of corporate practice, increasing numbers of companion animal practitioners and fewer large animal practitioners. But does this correlate with any decline in the quality of veterinary practice?

If we look at the impact of technology on society, it is hard to remember that it is only 14 years ago that RIM released its first Blackberry. Since then the smart phone has become so ubiquitous that you would be hard pressed to find a phone booth or even a landline phone in a residence. Technological change has done similar things for veterinary medicine. Most practices are now computerized, telemedicine is routine, digital radiography and ultrasound machines are the standard of care. We routinely embrace new surgical procedures, novel treatment regimens and utilize newly developed drugs and diets with great success. Most practitioners think of this type of change as transformative for practice. This is progress and we embrace it. So why are shifts in personal attitudes and expectations considered to be such a threat to the veterinary profession? Why do we not embrace lifestyle and quality of life changes among veterinarians? After all, we spend a lot of time counselling clients to consider their animal’s quality of life, whether it be a pet or a food animal species.

Maybe it is time to stop worrying that the veterinary profession is changing, and embrace the changes as they arrive. Increasingly, the veterinary profession is being driven by influences outside of our own jurisdictions and direct influence. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) is working on standards for veterinary education and animal welfare that may have far reaching implications for the practice of veterinary medicine, animal husbandry and agricultural trade in Canada. These are issues that have the ability to either positively transform or hinder our profession. Let’s step up to the plate and continue to evolve and embrace change in our governance, our members, and in science and technology. A united and strong profession can, and should be able to adapt to change and evolve into the future.