“Open, honest, yet respectful communication” and resolving to never denigrate a colleague in front of someone else are among 10 “Global Principles of Veterinary Collegiality” unveiled by two international veterinary groups.
The document, available at bit.ly/3qrThPS, was released Jan. 18 by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations. The date was symbolic, the groups stated, because the third Monday in January is “claimed to be the most depressing day of the year.”
“The mental and emotional well-being of the entire veterinary team and, consequently, our ability to ensure the health and welfare of our animal patients can only be enhanced by practicing in a harmonious, collegial environment,” said WSAVA past president Shane Ryan, BVSc, MVS, CVA, MChiroSc.
The 10 principles cover everything from the shame of discrimination to the importance of constructive feedback and conflict resolution.
“Poor collegiality and communication add to stress and frustration among veterinary professionals and hold back veterinary teams,” said Wolfgang Dohne, DrVetMed, senior vice president of the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations.
“Mutual respect, courtesy and support of especially junior team members, together with good communication, results not only in a better working environment but also in better clinical outcomes,” Dr. Dohne said. “It improves animal welfare and encourages the concept of lifelong learning.”
WSAVA is made up of more than 200,000 veterinarians and 110 member associations, including the North American Veterinary Community, publisher of Today’s Veterinary Business.
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