Canada's Veterinary Crisis: Urgent Call for Action to Fill Workforce Shortage
Amidst a growing crisis in Canada's veterinary industry, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is sounding the alarm, urging the federal government to take immediate action to address the severe workforce shortage.
CVMA President, Dr. Trevor Lawson, highlights the far-reaching implications of this shortage, emphasizing its impact on animal health and welfare, public health, the Canadian economy, and the well-being of individual veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals.
Dr. Lawson underscores the concerning mental health challenges faced by veterinarians, with a significant proportion experiencing burnout and mental health issues. Shockingly, statistics reveal that one in five veterinarians report suicidal ideation during their careers, with a staggering 89 percent suffering from burnout.
To combat this crisis, the CVMA proposes recruiting and onboarding foreign-trained veterinarians (FTVs) and establishing a national testing center for internationally educated veterinarians. Additionally, they advocate for dedicated funds to support veterinary infrastructure, emphasizing the vital role veterinary medicine plays in supporting animal health and welfare, public health, and a healthy environment.
Dr. Lawson stresses the urgency of implementing a veterinary workforce enhancement program to support the expansion and innovation of clinical teaching, training, and research, ensuring the development of the next generation of veterinarians to meet societal demands.
Without intervention, projections indicate that the shortage will persist until at least 2031, exacerbating the strain on Canada's veterinary professionals and compromising the health and well-being of animals across the country.
Representing over 25,000 veterinarians and registered technicians and technologists, the CVMA provides essential care and services for millions of clients, including small and large animals, underscoring the critical need for immediate action to address the workforce shortage in Canada's veterinary industry. Read original story here: https://www.ckdr.net/2024/03/22/69362/
