AVA contributes to sustainability discussions at AVBC Forum

_{Image (L-R): Dr Ragaei (Reggie) Shenouda, Dr Meredith Flash, Dr Kristen Steele, Bridget Webster, Elizabeth Khor, Dr David Beggs, Dr Diana Barker and Dr Cristy Secombe.}

Recently, the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) held the Sustainable Practice Forum in Melbourne. Over 60 delegates were in attendance, with the AVA represented by two AVA board members, four AVA staff members and student members. Attendees came from a wide cross-section of the profession – both from within Australia and overseas – and included representatives from various veterinary associations, boards, schools, students, private and public practitioners, nurses, technicians and other industry professionals.  

Moderated by veterinarian and University of Sydney Ethicist Dr Anne Quain, the forum focused on finding positive solutions to foster sustainability in the veterinary industry. A wide variety of topics was discussed including curbing attrition rates, transitioning new graduates into clinical practice, Continuing Professional Development, the role of veterinary specialists and intra-professional career change pathways. The idea of integrating Day One Competencies, especially non-technical skills, and tailoring CPD to individual needs received strong support from those attending.  

Updates from the AVBC itself included the new Day One Competencies and Accreditation standards, as well as recapping progress already made by the AVBC’s Sustainable Practice Committee. 

The results of the forum will be used to inform the AVBC’s five-year strategic plan, which will be released in the first half of next year. 

Delegates praised the forum for being solutions-focused, forward-thinking and for canvassing a wide variety of diverse perspectives. AVA Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs Dr Cristy Secombe said, “The AVA was thrilled to be able to contribute to the Sustainable Practice Forum. There was a high degree or optimism in the room that through working together the veterinary profession will be able to find solutions to  help address sustainability issues. There is a huge amount of great work being undertaken and as a collective we need to bring it together to make progress.”