NAVTA's Review of the Midlevel Model

NAVTA's Review of the Midlevel Model

The conversation around Veterinary Professional Associates and Mid-Level Practitioners has raised important questions across the veterinary industry. At the center of the discussion is how to address workforce challenges, protect the quality of patient care, and create meaningful career growth for credentialed veterinary technicians without building a separate path that leaves many of them behind. Today, I'm joined by Anna Santos, Animal Health Supervisor with the University of Georgia's Office of Research Animal Resources and president-elect of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, or NAVTA. Anna brings nearly 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, along with a strong background in education, public health, disaster management, and veterinary technology leadership. She also recently led NAVTA's task force on the VPA and MLP models, helping guide a yearlong review of what these roles could mean for the profession. In this episode, Anna explains why NAVTA does not support the VPA or Mid-Level Practitioner models as they are currently structured, while still strongly supporting advanced education and expanded opportunities for credentialed veterinary technicians. We talk about scope of practice, technician utilization, career ladders, and the need for stronger collaboration across the veterinary health care team. Show Notes: [02:07] Anna shares more about her background in veterinary medicine, her current work in lab animal care, and the veterinary disaster management book she is co-authoring. [03:05] Anna explains how her background in academia, veterinary technology education, and state association leadership led to her role heading NAVTA's task force on Veterinary Professional Associates and Mid-Level Practitioners. [05:09] The discussion outlines what a VPA or Mid-Level Practitioner is intended to be, including the comparison to physician assistants and the goal of supporting veterinarians with advanced skill sets. [07:11] Anna describes how NAVTA formed its task force in January 2025 to study the issue, particularly after Colorado became the only state with a VPA law and program in place. [10:17] The task force looks at key questions around education, integration of existing credentialed technicians, and whether the VPA model strengthens the veterinary health care team. [11:41] Colorado's VPA program becomes a central point of discussion, including concerns that many associate-degree credentialed technicians would not qualify for the master's-level pathway. [13:08] Anna explains why the task force had concerns about clinical training requirements and whether the model provides enough hands-on preparation to support safe patient care. [14:38] The conversation turns to the larger need for a better educational ladder for credentialed veterinary technicians, including pathways for advanced training and career growth. [17:36] Anna shares NAVTA's official position that it does not currently support the VPA or Mid-Level Practitioner models as structured, while supporting advanced education for technicians. [19:29] The episode shifts into technician utilization, with Anna emphasizing the need to better educate veterinarians on how to work with and fully use credentialed veterinary technicians. [21:35] Anna discusses how stronger teamwork can improve patient care, client communication, staff efficiency, and burnout across veterinary practices. [23:04] The conversation explores how the profession might measure progress, including clearer scope-of-practice standards and broader recognition of credentialed technicians in practice acts. [24:10] Anna points to the need for more VTSs, micro-credentials, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and accessible advanced training options to keep technicians in the field. [25:21] The small number of Veterinary Technician Specialists nationwide highlights the need to expand training opportunities and make advanced credentials more accessible. [27:23] Anna reflects on how the veterinary team has evolved over the past few decades and why clearer roles can help practices become more efficient and sustainable. [28:34] Anna closes by encouraging listeners to reach out to NAVTA for more information and shares her continued passion for veterinary technology, nursing, and education. Links and Resources:VHMA [https://www.vhma.org/home] NAVTA [https://navta.net/] Anna Santos - Georgia Veterinary Technician Association [https://gvta.info/news/spotlight-anna-santos-lvt] University of Georgia Office of Research [https://research.uga.edu/] Work Like A Dog: Anna Santos Bridging Gap For Police Canine Care [https://research.uga.edu/news/work-like-a-dog-anna-santos-bridging-gap-for-police-canine-care/]

Behind the Chart: Scribing Technology

Veterinary medicine has always been about doing more with less. Vets manage multiple patients, switch between emotionally opposite appointments, write detailed records, and still try to get home at a reasonable hour. The documentation burden alone is something the profession has quietly accepted as part of the job. That may be changing, and faster than most people realize. My guest today is Dr. Mike Mossop, co-founder and Chief Veterinary Officer at CoVet, an AI-powered scribe and clinical assistant built specifically for veterinary professionals. Dr. Mossop brings a background in both emergency and general practice. He ran his own technology-forward mobile veterinary business and continues to practice a few days each month alongside his work on the software side. That clinical grounding shapes how CoVet is built, with real workflows and real usability at the center of every decision. Today we get into how AI scribing actually works inside a veterinary hospital, from recording a client conversation on a smartphone to a finished medical record appearing on the screen before you make it back to your desk. We also talk about where adoption stands right now, what the numbers look like for practices that have made the switch, and where the technology is headed over the next few years. If you have been curious about AI in practice but have not yet taken the step, this conversation gives you a clear and honest look at what it is, what it is not, and why it might be worth a closer look. Show Notes: [02:20] Dr. Mossop shares his background, describing a path rooted in a love of biology and nature that led him through emergency and general practice before co-founding CoVet. [05:31] A plain-language breakdown of how AI scribing works is provided, covering the three core steps of recording, generating a document using a customizable template, and reviewing the finished record. [08:45] Recording device flexibility is discussed, with smartphones identified as the most practical starting point, alongside desktop and external microphone options for different clinic setups. [12:00] CoVet is positioned as drafting software that works alongside practice management systems rather than replacing them, with records syncing across devices in real time. [14:16] The broader rise of the AI companion layer is introduced, drawing a clear distinction between a personal assistant that travels with the individual vet and practice management software that stays with the practice. [17:53] Challenges around adoption are addressed, including introducing another software layer to already stretched teams and managing client consent, with both described as smaller hurdles than most vets expect. [22:31] Veterinary and human medicine AI adoption are compared, with the gap described as much narrower for software than for diagnostic equipment, and the variety of species and practice types identified as a reason customization matters more in this field. [26:07] Current adoption is characterized as sitting in the early majority phase in North America, with a five-year outlook suggesting the vast majority of veterinarians will be using some form of AI assistant. [27:14] A case study from Green Acres Hospital in Alberta is walked through, reporting roughly two hours saved per day, additional urgent care appointments absorbed, and a 10 to 15 percent productivity increase seen in a separate emergency hospital study. [32:21] Looking ahead, deeper integration with practice management software and expanded clinical decision support tools are identified as the next major developments, with a closing recommendation to simply try a free trial as the most effective way to understand the value firsthand.. Links and Resources:VHMA [https://www.vhma.org/home] CoVet [https://www.co.vet/] Dr. Mike Mossop - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mike-mossop-5b3973120/]

Veterinary Graduating Senior Survey: What New Vets Really Want from Employers

What New Graduates Really Want: Salary, Debt, and the Surprising Truth About What Drives Their Job Choices Understanding where the veterinary profession is headed means looking closely at the people entering it. New graduates carry a lot with them, the cost of their education, their expectations, their career priorities, and their vision for what veterinary medicine should look like. Getting a clear picture of that group every year is no small task, but it is exactly the kind of work that helps the industry plan, adapt, and respond. My guest today is Katelyn McCullock, Chief Economist at the American Veterinary Medical Association, where she leads the Veterinary Economics Division. Her team of five focuses exclusively on veterinary economic and workforce research, producing some of the most closely watched data in the profession. That includes an annual census of veterinarians, a pet ownership and demographics survey, and the graduating senior survey, which captures a snapshot of every accredited veterinary school's final-year students just weeks before they walk across the stage. Beyond those flagship reports, her division also takes on industry-specific research projects that help shine a light on corners of the profession that don't always get attention. Today, we dig into the most recent graduating senior data, fresh off the press. We cover where new graduates are landing, what they are earning, how much debt they are carrying, and perhaps most interestingly, what they actually say they are looking for in an employer. Some of the answers might challenge assumptions you have held for a while. Show Notes: [02:22] An overview of the graduating senior survey methodology and how data is collected is provided. [02:44] The AVMA Veterinary Economics Division is introduced, including its team size and scope of work. [03:00] Annual research projects are described, including a pet ownership and demographics survey and ad hoc industry reports. [04:38] The survey's reach is explained, covering all 33 AVMA-accredited U.S. veterinary schools plus two Caribbean schools. [05:01] Survey timing is discussed, with students responding two to three weeks before graduation as a point-in-time estimate. [05:26] The 2025 survey drew 3,318 respondents and achieved an 82.5 percent response rate. [05:54] The survey captures employment status, compensation expectations, student debt, and practice type preferences. [07:48] The consistently high response rate is attributed to strong collaboration with participating veterinary colleges. [08:29] In 2025, 93.2 percent of graduating seniors had received employment or advanced education offers. [09:03] Only about seven percent of graduates reported receiving no offers, a dramatic improvement from the post-recession high of 38.5 percent. [10:50] Fifty-eight percent of 2025 graduates accepted full-time employment, with roughly 28 percent entering advanced education. [12:37] Practice type distribution is reviewed, with approximately 70 percent of graduates entering companion animal practice. [13:10] Mixed animal practice accounts for about 10 percent, equine around eight percent, and food animal three to four percent. [14:00] Average starting salary for full-time private practice graduates in 2025 is reported at $134,244. [14:40] Companion animal salaries have outpaced other practice types since roughly 2015 and continue to lead. [15:56] Veterinary visit volume has been down two to three percent for approximately 24 months, contributing to a leveling of new graduate compensation. [17:24] Inflation and ongoing economic uncertainty are identified as additional factors shaping the graduate labor market. [17:46] Student debt is examined, with the average DVM-related debt load reported at $174,484, or just over $212,000 among those carrying any debt. [18:52] Forty percent of graduates carry over $200,000 in debt, while 18 percent report graduating with zero DVM-related debt. [19:43] The sustainability of high debt loads relative to starting salaries is discussed openly. [22:25] Mentorship is identified as the top reason new graduates accept a job offer, selected by 82 percent of respondents. [23:17] Location ranked second at 74 percent, followed by the people they would work with at 66 percent, with compensation ranking fourth at 59 percent. [25:05] Practical advice is offered on crafting job descriptions and recruitment language that speaks to what new graduates actually value. [26:41] The importance of authenticity in job postings is emphasized, as new hires quickly assess whether a workplace matches what was promised. [28:00] Closing thoughts address the post-pandemic reset in veterinary medicine and the importance of staying nimble amid economic uncertainty heading into 2026. Links and ResourcesVHMA [https://www.vhma.org/home] American Veterinary Medical Association [https://www.avma.org/] 2025 AVMA REPORT ON THE Economic State of the Veterinary Profession [https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/002_AVMA_SotPReport25_NoPasswordPRO.pdf] Katelyn McCullock - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-mccullock-b5641346/] AVMA Chart of the Month [https://www.avma.org/blog/chart-month-client-satisfaction-stays-strong] Veterinary Industry Tracker [https://vetsource.com/products/data-services/veterinary-industry-tracker/]

Bridging the Gap Between Primary Care and Specialty Medicine

Referral medicine is one of those areas of veterinary care that really shows how much trust matters. When a case needs to move beyond primary care, emotions are already running high, questions start piling up, and everyone involved wants to be sure the next step is the right one. How that transition is handled can make a huge difference for the client, the pet, and the veterinarians on both sides. My guest today is Dr. Andi Flory, a board-certified veterinary oncologist who understands that reality from both a professional and a personal place. Her path into oncology began with her own dog's cancer diagnosis, an experience that reshaped how she thinks about care, communication, and the role specialists play during some of the hardest moments families face. Today, she also serves as assistant chair of the Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee, where she focuses on strengthening the connection between primary care veterinarians and specialists. In this conversation, we talk about how referral medicine has changed, what's improving, and where challenges still exist. Dr. Flory shares insights on advances in cancer detection and treatment, the growing influence of technology and AI, and the real-world concerns that often come up around referrals, including cost, access, and client anxiety. She also offers practical advice for making referrals feel less overwhelming and doing the best possible job for the pet and the people who care for them. Show Notes: [01:41] Dr. Flory shares the personal turning point that led her into oncology: her dog London's cancer diagnosis. [02:09] Compassion, communication, and offering families options become central themes in her approach to specialty care. [02:42] The importance of collaboration between specialists and primary care veterinarians is emphasized. [03:31] The emotional complexity of oncology work and supporting clients through difficult diagnoses is discussed. [03:48] Spectrum of care is highlighted as a way to meet families where they are. [04:46] Proactive cancer detection and early screening emerge as exciting developments in oncology. [05:07] Immunotherapy is identified as a promising and rapidly advancing area of cancer treatment. [06:09] Technology's role in improving records, diagnostics, and communication continues to expand. [06:45] AI is discussed as a useful tool when applied thoughtfully and with professional oversight. [07:36] Access to specialty care varies widely by region, especially for rural pet owners. [09:34] Data shows continued growth in the number of veterinary specialists entering the field. [11:06] The mission and purpose of the Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee are explained. [12:05] Consumer perception research aims to better understand pet owner awareness of specialty care. [13:38] Communication gaps and referral timing are identified as key areas for improvement. [16:05] Educational resources and outreach efforts supporting referral medicine are shared. [18:15] Pet owner concerns around cost, anxiety, and logistics are explored. [19:39] Research shows many pet owners feel specialty care provides strong value and satisfaction. [21:31] Referrals are shown to strengthen trust between clients and their primary care veterinarian. [22:17] Dr. Flory addresses misconceptions about specialists repeating tests unnecessarily. [24:00] Clear communication between specialists and referring veterinarians is emphasized as essential. [26:31] Staffing shortages affect both general practice and specialty hospitals. [27:20] Affordability and value are balanced through thoughtful treatment options. [29:12] Pet insurance and third-party financing options help support access to specialty care. [31:53] Telemedicine and vet-to-vet consults expand access and support referral decisions. [33:17] Best practices for successful referrals include preparation, records, and clear expectations. [36:27] A specialty consult is framed as information-gathering, not a commitment to treatment. [36:54] Referral medicine is built on trust and partnership. Links and Resources: VHMA [https://www.vhma.org/home] Dr. Andi Flory - Dog Cancer [https://www.dogcancer.com/people/andi-flory-dvm-dip-acvim-oncology/] Dr. Andi Flory - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drandiflory/] Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee (SMAC) [https://www.acvim.org/resources-tools/resources/specialty-medicine-awareness]

Inside the Numbers: Shaping Veterinary Practices

There's a growing sense across veterinary medicine that the ground has shifted. Visits are trending down, fees have climbed steadily, and what once felt like a short-term post-pandemic adjustment now looks more permanent. Practices are feeling real pressure to balance rising costs with client affordability, all while trying to stay sustainable and staffed. Today I'm joined by Dr. Karen Felstead, a DVM, CPA, CVPM, and Certified Valuation Analyst with decades of experience in veterinary finance and practice valuation. A nationally recognized consultant and longtime collaborator with VHMA, she brings a data-driven but practical perspective shaped by years of benchmarking work and direct conversations with veterinary leaders. We discuss what the Insider Insights reports are revealing, why declining visits are becoming a long-term concern, and how fee increases are starting to test client limits. We also discuss what a more realistic path into 2026 could look like. That includes stabilizing prices, moving away from growth driven mainly by fee increases, improving efficiency and team training, and using tools like wellness plans more intentionally. The conversation touches on staffing challenges and the current practice sale landscape, always returning to the same question many leaders are asking right now: how do we adapt to changing expectations without weakening the profession we've worked so hard to build? Show Notes: [00:52] A look ahead to 2026 and why current data matters more than optimism when planning for the future. [03:12] Economic uncertainty and political instability are already shaping client behavior and putting pressure on veterinary practices. [04:01] An overview of VHMA's Insider Insights Benchmark Reports and why monthly data offers a real-time pulse on the profession. [05:11] The fee survey stands out as one of the most revealing tools for understanding how practices approach pricing and client reaction. [08:16] Pandemic-driven visit spikes created unrealistic baselines that are now masking a more concerning long-term decline. [09:13] Data from 2025 confirms that declining visits are no longer a short-term correction but a sustained trend. [10:28] Rising veterinary fees have exceeded both inflation and cost increases, becoming the primary driver of reduced visits. [11:27] While access and hours play a role for some hospitals, cost remains the dominant issue across the industry. [12:14] Communicating value and offering payment options are no longer enough to offset affordability concerns. [13:08] Profit expectations may need to reset as the profession cycles into a more constrained economic phase. [14:29] Across-the-board fee reductions aren't the answer, but unchecked increases are no longer sustainable. [16:40] Clients may not track individual fees closely, but they absolutely feel the cumulative impact of total bills. [17:04] Fee increases need to slow significantly, shifting focus away from price-driven growth. [18:09] Offering medical alternatives helps clients stay engaged without feeling forced into only gold-standard care. [18:59] True profitability growth will require better marketing, efficiency, and staff training, not just higher prices. [19:24] Wellness plans help stabilize costs for clients and reduce financial surprises when designed thoughtfully. [21:39] Poorly planned subscription-style programs can backfire without proper financial modeling and execution. [22:09] Team training is essential for wellness plans to work and for clients to understand their value. [23:18] Hiring has improved slightly in some areas, but DVMs and licensed technicians remain in short supply. [24:30] Retaining staff is often more difficult than hiring, especially without strong onboarding and training systems. [25:45] Corporate acquisition multiples have declined, but strong hospitals still command premium valuations. [26:41] Practice quality now matters more than ever in determining sale price and buyer interest. [27:33] Profitability, location, facility condition, and scalability heavily influence whether a practice can sell. [28:51] Some practices are effectively unsellable due to structural and market limitations. [31:11] Veterinary medicine remains a respected profession, but consumers are becoming more selective as prices rise. [32:20] The challenge ahead is adapting how care is delivered and priced without losing trust or long-term stability. Links and Resources: Veterinary Hospital Managers Association VHMA [https://www.vhma.org/home] VHMA Benchmark Reports [https://members.vhma.org/page/BenchmarkReports] Dr. Karen Felstead, a DVM, CPA, CVPM - PantheraT [https://www.pantherat.com/about-us/] Dr. Karen Felstead - LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-felsted-8219295/]