I remember when I first started practicing veterinary medicine that my mind was full of information—drug names and procedures and protocols, etc. Early in my career, I was somewhat disappointed to learn that all of those drug names and protocols, anesthesia, equipment, etc. weren’t just sitting there on the shelf waiting for me to grab them and use them. The doctor that I worked for had his own set of medications and procedures and protocols. He had his own set of equipment that had worked fine for the last 10 to 15 years and didn’t see any reason why it shouldn’t keep working fine for the next 10 to 15 years.
At that time I didn’t realize that the problem was two-sided. Yes, I needed to realize that there are multiple ways to do the same thing and that all of those ways might be 100% correct. But, my employer needed to realize that there are multiple ways to do the same thing and that all of those ways MIGHT NOT be 100% correct. Over time, things got better as he saw positive outcomes from my clinical cases and I saw positive outcomes from his clinical cases. Something that helped tremendously was when we would exchange journal articles or attend the same continuing education meeting. We could compare notes and ideas and come up with new procedures, policies, etc. together. The secret was developing a life-long commitment to continuing education.
Now that the tables are reversed and I have been in practice for quite some time, I am encountering times when the newer doctors are doing things different and I have to step back and realize that it’s the exact same situation. Continuing education is the secret to a long and rewarding career with lots of positive clinical outcomes. Whether you’ve just graduated or have been in practice for many years, continuing education is important. Like human medicine, veterinary medicine is always advancing with new techniques and it is in your best interest to keep up-to-speed. Read scientific journals, industry publications and attend professional meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars. As a matter of fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org), approximately half the states require veterinarians to attend continuing education courses to maintain their licenses.
Although we’re struggling in the U.S. economically, money and time used toward education and certification can be resources well spent. Extra credentials and more knowledge just might mean a higher salary…a new wave of clients with your new specialization…a promotion…who knows where it can take you.
Make it your year to develop yourself professionally. Here are a few websites worth visiting that offer a variety of continuing education courses and other educational opportunities:
- AVMA (http://www.avma.org/education/default.asp)
- Vetlearn (www.vetlearn.com)
- WorldWideLearn(www.worldwidelearn.com/continuing-education/veterinary-ce.htm?s=ypi)
- National Veterinary Education Association (http://www.veterinaryeducation.org/)
- Lifelearn (www.lifelearn.com/c2/2000.html)
- VSPN (www.vspn.org/LIBRARY/WWWDirectory/CE.htm)
- AASVB (www.aavsb.org/RACE/RACEHome.aspx)
- ContinuEd (www.continu-ed.com/ContactInfo.html)
- Veterinary Information Network (www.vin.com)
- International Veterinary Information Service (www.ivis.org)
This is just a start as there are many continuing education options available through colleges and universities. If we’ve left anything out, please let us know.