For the past several years, the AAEP has been focusing strongly on sustainability, because “if people aren’t choosing equine practice and staying in equine practice, then we won’t still have equine practice,” said 2024 AAEP President Katie Garrett, DVM, DACVS. The Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability’s work is now mostly complete, and the five subcommittees will merge into other standing committees for continued efforts. The results of the Commission’s efforts have been outstanding, Garrett opined, and she shared future plans for each subcommittee.
Compensation Subcommittee
The Compensation Subcommittee has disbanded, and the Finance Committee will issue alternating surveys on fees and compensation every three years going forward. With the AVMA’s 2023 Graduating Senior Survey reporting starting salaries of over $94,000 for new graduates without internships, compensation improvements are already encouraging more students to consider entering equine practice.
Practice Culture Subcommittee
The Practice Culture Subcommittee’s work will continue. The subcommittee compiled additional resources for its handbook, which was available in print at the 2024 Annual Convention. This subcommittee will likely merge with the standing Wellness Committee, because many of the seven pillars identified as crucial to a healthy culture are central to well-being.
Emergency Subcommittee
The Emergency Subcommittee identified various avenues for reducing the heavy load of after-hours emergency duty on individual veterinarians. The subcommittee also created educational materials for practices and horse owners. With its charge complete, this subcommittee was disbanded as well.
Student and Internship Subcommittees
Efforts to support equine-oriented veterinary students and interns will continue. The Student Subcommittee has become a task force with all current members intact while a strategic plan is finalized. The Internship Subcommittee will sunset, although several members will join the newly formed Early Career Development Committee, whose charge and roster are being completed. As a final deliverable, the Internship Subcommittee submitted a Clinical Skills list to the AAEP Board, which was approved. This document will be reviewed every five years.
Final Thoughts
Garrett expressed gratitude to all the volunteers who served on the Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability’s five subcommittees from 2022-2024, and she lauded the impact their efforts made on the equine industry. She is confident that with this strong start, the work will continue to make a positive impact on the sustainability of equine practice as it is incorporated into the AAEP’s ongoing efforts.
Related Reading
- AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: New AAEP Internship Hub
- The Business of Practice: Update From AAEP President Dr. Katie Garrett
- AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: 2024 Equine Fee Survey
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