There was a time . . . before specialists

I have met many good surgeons like J.D. over the years. They are surgeons in the true sense and love their work. Yes, they are surgeons even if they are not board-certified, but they are a dying breed.

I also have met many veterinarians over the years who have kept up with the more specialized aspects of the profession.

In fact, every one of us, at one time or another, has chosen a specialized area and tried mightily to learn as much as possible to make ourselves better veterinarians in that area.

Some like eyes, some like derm and some like dentistry. It takes all kinds, and the clients usually have been the beneficiaries.

We all have been encouraged to do more complicated cases through the continuing-education process that is provided at more progressive meetings (especially those that contain wet labs). Therein lies a dilemma.

The Catch-22

The question is this: Are we as professional veterinarians supposed to get continuing education to learn more and more in order to sit back and refer cases to others? Many older practitioners who have taken the time to stay current probably have asked themselves that question. Unfortunately, the world has tilted a bit and for a variety of reasons we must refer often and sooner.

Reasons to refer

1. Standards of care necessitate a referral, or at least the client must be given ample opportunity to take advantage of a referral.

2. Liability in the face of bad outcomes.

3. With some exceptions, specialists are closer than ever before.

4. Most clients now expect the highest quality and best facilities and equipment for their pets.

5. Small veterinary hospitals cannot hope to provide today's tertiary and critical care with available cash flows.

The changing landscape

There seems to be less referral to universities because the specialists are leaving for higher pay in the private sector.

There are more specialists closer to the bulk of the client base. Clients want the closest provider who can provide the best care.

Fast Fact

Younger veterinarians are prone to refer cases that would have been done in house a few years ago. (It's my belief that "over-referral" does occur.) — Dr. David M. Lane