Petplans top veterinary professionals predict industry future

The winners of the annual Petplan Veterinary Awards, which honor veterinary professionals in five different areas, are sharing their predictions for the future of veterinary medicine. Veterinary practice is ever evolving with new techniques and technologies, which help pets and clients alike. Here those winners share how they think these advances will change the shape of medicine in the next five years.

Petplan is now accepting nominations for its 2017 Veterinary Awards in the categories of practice of the year, veterinarian of the year, veterinary technician of the year, practice manager of the year, receptionist of the year and pet parent of the year. For details and to make a nomination, visit http://www.gopetplan.com/vet-awards.

Sean Aiken, DVM, MS, DACVS

Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, San Diego, California

Petplan's 2016 Veterinarian of the Year

It is exciting that more companies are making more effective diagnostic tools and a vast array of surgical appliances available to the veterinary market. This allows us, as medical providers, more options to care for our patients, which can improve veterinary care, but at a price. As more products and services are available, operating costs to provide these services will also increase. The struggle will be to be able to provide exceptional, state of the art, veterinary care that is affordable for our clients.

Fred Metzger, DVM, MRCVS, DABVP (canine and feline practice)

Owner of Metzger Animal Hospital, State College, Pennsylvania

Petplan's 2016 Practice of the Year

In-hospital laboratory testing of patients will increase dramatically with the advent of more sensitive and sophisticated in-house assays and instrumentation. More thorough evaluation of the urinary tract will be possible with earlier indicators of renal disease and improvements in evaluation of the urinary sediment. Preanesthetic testing will increase because veterinarians realize these tests can be used as baseline values for comparison as patients age. Laboratory geeks like myself, should enjoy the next five years!

Annette Kim, RVT

Abbotsford Animal Hospital, Aurora, Ontario

Petplan's 2016 Veterinary Technician of the Year

I'm excited about treatment modalities like physical rehabilitation and massage therapy. These allow for treatment and faster recovery of patients suffering from a variety of conditions and situations such as post-surgery, osteoarthritis or trauma. With the increasing widespread acceptance of these treatment options by both veterinary professionals and clients, the ones that see the most benefits are the pets. The rise of popularity of pet insurance will hopefully allow more pets access to the benefits of these treatments.

Jody Weaver, CVT

Practice Manager at Rau Animal Hospital, Glenside, Pennsylvania

Petplan's 2016 Practice Manager of the Year

Integrative medicine has undeniably been recognized as an animal wellness priority and has specifically embraced pain control methods. Treating the patient's mind, body and spirit will be the primary focus of successful veterinary practitioners.

Crystal Dawson, Lead Client Service Specialist

Northpointe Animal Hospital, Lynnwood, Washington

Petplan's 2016 Receptionist of the Year

I think that pet parents are becoming more interactive with the healthcare of their pets. There are more ways for them to connect via social media, and that strengthens the client bond to our hospital and employees. Increasing that contact helps increase the client's trust in their pet's healthcare team and gives the client more power in the decision-making process.