The trustworthiness of an ingredient, and by extension, of a supplement, grows with the body of research supporting it. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are now part of AAHA’s arthritis management recommendations, reflecting this principle.⁶ As veterinarians we must demand that companies continuously provide evidence supporting their ingredients’ and products’ efficacy and safety.

The landscape of joint health supplements illustrates the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry. A 2022 review highlighted the limited efficacy of traditional options like glucosamine and chondroitin,⁷ contrasting with the supportive data in favor of undenatured type II collagen. This shift, supported by a growing body of evidence, signifies a broader evolution in veterinary practices toward more scientifically substantiated solutions that have already happened in markets in other countries, like France.

As the pet supplement market expands, pet owners increasingly seek advice from veterinarians regarding online offerings. Time constraints limit the feasibility of exhaustive product evaluations, necessitating a focused approach to selection. So, as a veterinarian, what should you be looking at?

It may come as a surprise, but many online supplement companies do not test the quality of their products, leaving them without concrete proof of their supplements’ contents. Encourage your customers to inquire about third-party analyses to ensure they aren’t inadvertently giving their pets placebos. Additionally, verify that the dosages align with those used in studies demonstrating beneficial results. Another vital document to request is the Certificate of Analysis for the ingredients, especially the active ones. Also serving as a hallmark of product quality is The NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal, which is particularly noteworthy.

As veterinary professionals, our dedication to evidence-based solutions shapes our recommendations, ensuring we endorse products that withstand critical examination for the wellbeing of our patients and their families. By elevating our standards, we create a demand for rigorously tested, proven solutions, setting a precedent the industry should adhere to. The scientific foundation of a product is irreplaceable. Always read the labels and scrutinize the listed ingredients.

Since pet parents are increasingly searching for supplements that mirror the quality and ethos of their own health choices, consider, from your own perspective, what criteria you use when selecting a supplement or food. Current trends include:

• A preference for organic ingredients.
• Minimal inactive components for a clean formula.
• A desire for products made in the U.S. as a guarantee of quality.
• Environmental considerations, such as sustainable packaging.

In conclusion, as veterinarians, we must attune ourselves to the evolving needs of pet parents, while also ensuring the products we endorse for our patients are safe and scientifically validated against their claims. As such, it is incumbent upon manufacturing entities to underpin their offerings with robust scientific evidence. This expectation of ongoing research underscores our collective responsibility to remain at the forefront of advancements within veterinary science, thereby ensuring our patients benefit from the latest, evidence-based care paradigms.

As a specialty that most veterinarians are uncomfortable with, Dr. Kline says this is one of the reasons she chose to focus on neurology. In addition, she also wanted to learn more about how intricate the nervous system is and how her patients manage to survive such incredible injuries and illnesses, and it allows her to perform surgery.

A typical day for a veterinary neurologist is unpredictable, as neurologic animals can present as emergencies at any time of day or night. Dr. Kline’s main focus, along with teaching the veterinary students, is to present all available diagnostics and treatment options for her clients when their beloved pets are ill and need help.

“In both of my hospitals, I have in-depth conversations with my clients after a full neurologic and physical examination of their pet and then we discuss options for diagnostics and care,” she explains. “From there we will admit the pet and proceed on with necessary testing and interventions as needed.

In an ever-evolving world, the specialty of veterinary neurology is trying to keep pace with new innovations. Over the last 25 years, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has become the standard of care.

“I do think it is possible that other technologies that are used in human medicine, such as photon emitted tomography (PET scan) and CyberKnife radiation therapy, are in the forefront,” Dr. Kline notes. “With the emergence of AI, it is possible that this technology could augment teaching, patient care, data management and collection, and communication in the future.”

The core of neurology is the ability to localize the lesion in the patient so when the general practice veterinarian discusses the referral with a neurologist, they can describe the lesion and whether it is located in the brain, spinal cord or neuromuscular system. A plan of action can then be formulated and the veterinarian can discuss this with the owner.

“It is vital to know that many neurologic cases need immediate care and treatment (like seizures or paralysis) based upon clinical signs and the breed of the patient (for example, French Bulldogs),” Dr. Kline explains.

In addition, Dr. Kline has had the privilege of being a professor at two colleges of veterinary medicine. “My passion is teaching and I am hoping that I can help to develop a more refined hybrid model (faculty sharing) to benefit both academia and specialty veterinary practice,” she says.

Dr. Kline has been fortunate to travel both domestically and abroad as president of NAVC and as a member of their Board of Directors, but she also enjoys her home life on her five-acre property in Oregon with her husband, a retired large animal veterinarian, and their rescue Pit bull, Voodie.

To conclude, Dr. Kline leaves us with this advice: “The future of veterinary medicine depends on collaboration between colleges of veterinary medicine and specialty veterinary practices. Access to care has been difficult for our veterinary clients and it is our responsibility as clinicians and specialists to make sure that we follow our veterinary oath and provide quality care for all of our clients regardless of financial strata or demographic disparity.”

ike other healthcare-related fields, veterinary medicine can be a demanding world that requires diverse skills and real-world experience. While classroom learning lays the foundation, internships and externships play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theory and practice. However, securing these opportunities has grown increasingly competitive over recent years, especially among residencies. So, why consider venturing into these postgraduate opportunities?

With options like rotating, specialty and residency programs, motivations vary and are unique to each aspiring veterinarian’s goals and desired outcomes. Regardless of your “why,” navigating today’s competitive landscape requires both strategic decision-making and the development of skillsets that go beyond the practical to ensure you stand out. Here are some key considerations to help guide future veterinarians through the process:

• Internships provide recent graduates with practical experience and opportunities to refine their clinical skills under seasoned professionals’ guidance in a clinical setting. These immersive programs expose interns to diverse cases, specialties and procedures, helping them build confidence and competence. However, the financial and time commitment can be significant factors to consider when exploring this path.

  Recent graduates typically kick-start their journey with a rotating internship, which is highly recommended for honing surgical, medical and emergency skills. This step is often a prerequisite to coveted specialty internships in cardiology, diagnostic imaging and more, where dedication and that extra year of expertise can pave the way to landing a competitive residency.

• Externships offer students the opportunity to explore various facets of veterinary medicine in an intensive, controlled environment. These short-term placements apply educational knowledge in real-world scenarios to deepen understanding and aide in informed decision-making. Externships focus on developing specific clinical skills without the financial strain or time commitment of internships, making them a beneficial option for recent graduates. However, opportunities may be limited by individual veterinarian school offerings.

  Engaging in an externship at the prospective internship site provides valuable insights into the organization’s operations and day-to-day activities, offering a firsthand understanding of the work environment and facilitating informed decision-making about potential future roles before applying.

• Residencies are advanced postgraduate training programs that specialize in specific areas of veterinary medicine, offering intensive, focused training. Typically spanning several years, these programs equip residents with in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience and mentorship, preparing them for advanced roles within their chosen veterinary specialty.

  To maximize opportunities, residents should take the time to fully understand treatment plan adjustments, asking senior doctors additional questions to absorb the educational experience.

• Networking is a key to success, as it fosters professional connections that can lead to collaboration, mentorship and career opportunities. A strong network can help new veterinarians understand emerging industry trends and insights and create a supportive community that enhances both personal and career development.

  It is critical to start building these professional relationships early on. Consider your existing network of fellow students, recent graduates, professors, clinicians you’ve studied with, and even alumni who may be willing to support you. Additionally, joining veterinary medicine associations expands your network to gain exposure to colleagues in your area.

• Shadowing in the veterinary field provides aspiring professionals with a firsthand glimpse into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by practicing veterinarians. This experience helps individuals confirm their passion for the profession and allows them to observe various veterinary practices and medicine specialties.

• Mentorship also plays a pivotal role in professional growth and development by providing guidance and support at the start of your veterinary career. Established veterinarians offer a unique perspective that taps into years of experience.

  Mentors are invested because they understand the importance of starting your career on the right foot, leading to the next generation of veterinarians. Many veterinary networks are working toward creating their own internal mentorship programs to ensure that veterinary professionals are set up for early-career success.

Depending on your goals, acquiring business skills can enhance your understanding of efficient veterinary practices and hospital operations. Many schools offer opportunities to obtain a veterinary business certificate, which serves as a foundation for learning how veterinarians play a vital role in supporting and growing the business. While not mandatory, adopting a business-focused mindset can complement your skillset and set you apart from the competition when marketing yourself as an asset to a veterinary team.

Veterinary professionals are held to high ethical and professional standards. Demonstrating academic excellence reflects a veterinarian’s commitment to upholding these standards throughout their career, enhancing their professional credibility. Additionally, students should maximize campus resources and stay up to date with the latest research, industry news and advancements to ensure they are remaining ahead of the curve in this evolving industry.

Charting your veterinary career path can be winding. However, approaching this journey with humility, an open mind and a positive attitude can go a long way. These experiences will not only refine your skills and build confidence; they will also elevate animal care and welfare through your knowledge and expertise.

Reflect on your “why” for choosing this career path. As the veterinary field continues to evolve, practical experiences gained through internships, externships and residencies become increasingly imperative. Staying competitive ensures optimal experiences that will enable you to deliver the best possible care to patients and their families.