Can we get more RVTs engaged as authors of CVJ submissions?

Dr./D^r John Kastelic

Dr./D^r Tim Ogilvie

There is no doubt that excellent, hypothesis-driven research can be undertaken by a single individual solely responsible for the germinal thoughts, passionate energy and dogged persistence that have led to important and seminal discoveries. In the publication, On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research: Third Edition, we are informed that “In the 17th century, many scientists kept new findings secret so that others could not claim the results as their own. Prominent figures of the time, including Isaac Newton, often avoided announcing their discoveries for fear that someone else would claim priority” (1).

However for many years, most sciences have been shifting away from this model of the lone researcher to a team-based model. As proposed by Cheruvelil et al (2) “effective collaborative teams exhibit important research outcomes, far beyond what could be accomplished by individuals working independently. These teams are made up of researchers who are committed to a common purpose, approach, and performance goals for which they hold themselves mutually accountable”.

Funding agencies often require collaborative proposals. Also, the team research model is facilitated by technologies, such as the Internet, leading to more timely publication of findings, early data and data-set availability, and open access. Certainly, team authorship is very common for submissions to The CVJ.

Let’s ponder how this model of collaboration and teamwork in research in general might apply in veterinary clinics and hospitals. The veterinary profession is capitalizing more and more on the value, importance, and necessity for veterinarians and others to work together to deliver high-quality veterinary services. This is occurring across species, disciplines, specialities, and modalities. Whether it be in the clinic, on the farm or at the fish pen, there is an effectiveness and excellence delivered by teams in the provision of care to our clients, patients, and communities that cannot be provided by a single individual.

The subject of veterinary clinic service teams prompted great discussions at the Summit at the CVMA Convention in Halifax on July 21, 2022. Consideration of the veterinary workforce shortage led to very thoughtful comments and sharing of ideas, with timely presentations and robust discussions on efficiencies, values and broader contributions of registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) and other service providers. Veterinarians, RVTs and frontline staff gave examples of numerous benefits to the team approach; not only to the client/patient but also to the team. This is an integral part of a veterinary workforce paradigm shift.

In exploring the specific skillsets and interests of RVTs, we were reminded of the positive economic impact that RVTs make to Ontario veterinary practices (3). Can we further broaden the value that RVTs and other veterinary support staff (i.e., the team) bring to the veterinary profession through encouragement of documentation of discoveries and other unique patient-side findings? Your Co-Editors are seeing an increase in articles coming from practices and specialty practices. Can RVTs help to generate even more?

We encourage RVTs to embrace this challenge and with support of their employer and the rest of the team, consider involvement in writing and submitting unique case reports (or better yet, a series of cases) to The CVJ. Identification of novel diseases or conditions often start in a veterinary practice. Some have been submitted by RVTs in the past. We would be thrilled to receive more! Your Co-Editors would welcome more articles authored by a variety of team members and led by any team member. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance and advice at any point in the process.