It’s a new hot topic in veterinary medicine – a sort of physician’s assistance in veterinary medicine, except with this new position will have latitude to do far more but with questionable training.

Dr. Gail Golab, Chief Veterinary Officer and Executive Vice President at the American Veterinary Medicine Association, explains that the veterinary professional associate – or mid-level professional – would be practicing at the intersection of the veterinarian and the credentialed veterinary technician.

For starters, do we really need this new position? And it seems this additional job will drive up costs further. What’s more, veterinary technicians who arguably should be making more money, won’t benefit and the shortage of credentialed technicians may worsen. Also, discussed is telehealth, and why it’s a good idea if and only if there is a veterinary client-patient relationship.

Petco has banned the sales of rabbits (they will adopt from shelters or rescue). It’s great news for bunnies.