Veterinary Interns Sue Over Alleged Wage Suppression in Antitrust Lawsuit
A federal antitrust lawsuit filed in Virginia has sparked attention within the veterinary field, alleging that universities, animal hospitals, and a prominent veterinary trade association engaged in a conspiracy to suppress wages and restrict job mobility for veterinary interns and residents.
The proposed class action, led by two former veterinary interns, targets the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC), as well as renowned institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The lawsuit claims that these organizations colluded to maintain artificially low salaries for veterinary professionals in specialized training.
The Allegations: A Rigged System?
At the heart of the lawsuit is the AAVC’s "matching" program, which pairs applicants with internship and residency programs at veterinary schools and hospitals. The plaintiffs argue that this program violates antitrust laws through several anticompetitive practices, including:
Salary restrictions: Preventing interns and residents from negotiating their salaries before the matching process is complete.
Data sharing: Sharing compensation information among competing institutions, which the plaintiffs claim artificially limits wage growth.
Restricted job mobility: Forcing veterinary interns into low-paying positions, hindering their ability to seek better-paying opportunities.
The lawsuit further asserts that while the average veterinary intern earns approximately $56,000 annually, first-year private practice veterinarians earn an average of $131,000. The plaintiffs contend that this wage gap highlights the disparity created by the alleged wage-suppression practices.
A Growing Trend in Professional Training
This lawsuit follows a similar legal action filed last month against hospital systems and pharmacy associations, which accused them of engaging in wage-fixing schemes for pharmacy residents. The growing trend of professional trainees challenging wage suppression practices could have far-reaching implications beyond the veterinary field.
What’s Next?
The plaintiffs, Riley Amore and Carolina Parker, are seeking unspecified damages, along with a court order to cease the alleged anticompetitive practices. With more than 5,000 potential class members, this case could bring about significant changes to how veterinary training programs operate across the country.
Defendants’ Response
In response to the lawsuit, the AAVC stated that it is currently reviewing the allegations. Tufts University declined to comment, while the University of Pennsylvania has not yet issued a statement regarding the case.
Why This Matters
If the claims in this lawsuit are proven to be true, it could expose systemic wage suppression within specialized training programs, not just in veterinary medicine, but potentially across other professional fields as well. The case could also pave the way for future legal challenges to similar practices in various industries.
Case Reference
Riley Amore and Carolina Parker v. American Association of Veterinary Clinicians et al, U.S. District Court, Western District of Virginia, No. 7:25-cv-00229-EKD-CKM.
As the legal battle continues, many are watching closely to see if veterinary interns will finally secure fairer compensation and better opportunities for professional advancement.
