The Code of Ethics in Veterinary Medicine

By: Allyse S.

1. A veterinarian shall be dedicated to providing competent veterinary medical care, with compassion and respect for animal welfare and human health.
2. A veterinarian shall provide veterinary medical clinical care under the terms of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).
3. A veterinarian shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and report veterinarians who are deficient in character or competence to the appropriate entities.
4. A veterinarian shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes to laws and regulations which are contrary to the best interests of the patient and public health.
5. A veterinarian shall respect the rights of clients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard medical information within the confines of the law.
6. A veterinarian shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to veterinary medical education, make relevant information available to clients, colleagues, the public, and obtain consultation or referral when indicated.
7. A veterinarian shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide veterinary medical care.
8. A veterinarian shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of public health.

-American Veterinary Medical Association, Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics

Just like any other profession, veterinarians are held to a certain standard in their work and are expected to follow a code of ethics to keep both the client and the patient safe and protected while upholding a minimum level of standard in the veterinary field. Some people take their pets such as dogs, cats, or horses into the veterinarians office with out a second thought to receive vaccinations, blood tests, and many more procedures. They don't think about the danger potential that is held while administering these drugs and antibiotics to their pets. Its easy to misread a dosage and just like that, your furry friend is dead. People take advantage of the high standards that veterinarians hold for themselves. The principles of veterinary medical ethics are in place to protect the people who disregard the danger. If in some case the code of ethics is broken by a certified veterinarian, a veterinary malpractice suit can be filed. 

The most important point in the code of ethics is providing care with compassion and respect for animal welfare and human health. This being said, it takes a specific kind of person to become a veterinarian, simply on the desire to help animals, and keep food production animals healthy. People who are in it for the money are never going to be successful in what they do, because of how demanding the work load is. The schooling is long and tough and will most likely overflow into your personal and social time. To be successful, you have to really have the desire to help. 

"Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine." Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.

"American Veterinary Medical Association - Home." American Veterinary Medical Association - Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.