2024 veterinary news in review: #6

The dvm360 editorial team is counting down our Top 20 news stories and articles of the year, from January 1, 2024, to November 15, 2024. Rank was determined by measurable audience interest and engagement.

A spotlight is shining on 1 article each day through New Year’s Eve, when the No. 1 dvm360 story of the year will be shared. The following article is No. 6 on this list:

Veterinarian files whistleblower and retaliation lawsuit against former employer

written by Caitlin McCafferty

Originally published January 11, 2024

Mariana Pardo, BVSc, MV, DACVECC

Veterinarian Mariana Pardo, BVSc, MV, DACVECC, and her attorneys filed a federal whistleblower and retaliation lawsuit against Animal Surgery Center of Long Island (ASC) and its founder Tomas Infernuso, DVM, DACVS. According to the complaint filed in the United States District Court Eastern District of New York,¹ Pardo accused Infernuso and ACS of medical misconduct as well as discriminating against staff.

In 2022, Pardo was recruited to join ACS as its emergency and critical care medical director but was reluctant to do so based on the proposed terms of her employment that the clinic initially offered. However, Infernuso later promised Pardo that a new contract would be finalized eventually while assuring her that she would receive all the benefits and compensation she had sought as terms of her employment. According to the complaint, Infernuso had not delivered on any of the promises made to Pardo.¹

RELATED: 2024 veterinary news in review: #7

Shortly after starting her career at ACS, Pardo noticed medical misconduct and harassment of other staff members, according to the complaint. Pardo also stated in the filing that she became aware that the clinic was using unlicensed veterinary technicians for procedures, providing substandard medical care, and engaging in unsafe administration of controlled substances, while Infernuso engaged in mistreatment of fellow staff members. Pardo also stated, through the complaint, that she advocated for better treatment and conditions for employees at ACS continuously with Infernuso. When Pardo brought the issues to Infernuso’s attention, he was allegedly reluctant to address the issues which led her to create a spreadsheet where she wrote down in detail all that she witnessed or became aware of.

For more on this story, including references, view the full article here: https://www.dvm360.com/view/veterinarian-files-whistleblower-and-retaliation-lawsuit-against-former-employer