Veterinary medicine is not just a science—it's a profession deeply rooted in ethical practice. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has established a set of ethical guidelines that serve as a foundation for veterinarians across the United States. These principles are designed to uphold the integrity of the profession, ensuring that veterinarians provide the highest standard of care while navigating the complex moral and ethical challenges that arise in daily practice.
In this blog, we will look into the "Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics" as outlined by the AVMA and examine the recent updates to these guidelines. We'll discuss their implications for veterinary professionals and how these evolving principles shape ethical practice in the field.
The Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics
The Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics are grounded in three core principles: stewardship, integrity, and respect. These principles serve as aspirational goals for the veterinary profession, offering guidance and a foundation for the Code of Conduct.
Stewardship: Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to alleviate suffering, promote health, and act in the best interests of their patients in balance with the interests of their clients, the environment, and the public.
Integrity: Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to be honest and truthful in all interactions with clients, patients, and their community.
Respect: Veterinarians have an ethical responsibility to demonstrate respect to all patients, clients, and members of their community, including self and professional colleagues.
The Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct outlines the specific behaviors that members of the veterinary profession are expected or required to uphold. It is divided into three sections:
A. Provide competent medical care.
- Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship
- Consultation
- Referral
- Emergency care
- End-of-life considerations
- Continuing professional education and client and public education
B. Prioritize patient welfare in balance with client needs and public safety.
- Contextual care
- Evidence-based medicine
- Genetic defects
- Conflicts of interest
- One Health
C. Uphold standards of professionalism.
- Professional image
- Honesty and integrity
- Respect for others
- Autonomy
- Supervision
- Titles
- Confidentiality and record-keeping
- Fee setting
- Impairment
- Recognize and respect the law.
The Principles: Updated
The AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) recently passed new revisions to the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME) during its regular annual session in Austin, Texas, held alongside the AVMA Convention 2024. The updated document still upholds the three core principles that form the foundation of the PVME. In its proposal, the Board of Directors outlined that the document has been restructured to enhance both clarity and usability. The updated document has been revised to include reworded sections and new content. Among the additions is a new code of conduct, which introduces three additional sections: delivering competent medical care, balancing patient welfare with client needs and public safety, and maintaining high standards of professionalism.
Also, another revision clarifies how to refer to veterinary specialists—meaning those individuals who have met the qualifications of an AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization—was added. The rationale provided for the change was that not every state recognizes or has credentialed veterinary technicians yet. If the wording wasn’t changed, then veterinarians in those states could violate AVMA’s PVME by saying they employed “veterinary technicians.”
The update also introduces a new policy on the transportation of animals, which states: The AVMA supports the humane transport of animals. It is recommended that best practices be evidence-based and address the following at a minimum:
- Animals must be evaluated and determined to be fit for transportation.
- Handling methods, equipment, facilities, and transport vehicles must provide for the safety of animals and personnel, minimize stress and injury, and limit the transmission of disease.
- The type of transport, transit time, age, and species of the animals being transported, climatic concerns, and the goal of optimizing animal welfare should be considered together to determine routes, rest stops, and whether the animals should be unloaded, fed, and watered.
The AVMA also endorses guidance developed in collaboration with experienced veterinarians, animal ethologists, animal welfare scientists, and species-specific transport experts. Additionally, the AVMA supports research aimed at improving transport practices by considering both the physical and emotional states of animals.
The Implication of the PVME on Veterinary Professionals
1. Guidance for Ethical Practice
The PVME provides a framework for veterinarians to navigate complex moral and ethical dilemmas encountered in their practice. It helps professionals make decisions that balance animal welfare, client needs, and public safety while maintaining high standards of professionalism.
2. Standardization of Care
By outlining specific behavioral expectations and ethical standards, the PVME helps ensure consistency in the quality of care provided across the veterinary field. This standardization promotes a uniform approach to patient care, enhancing trust and reliability within the profession.
3. Professional Accountability
The PVME holds veterinarians accountable to a code of conduct that includes principles such as competence, integrity, and respect. Adherence to these principles is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that veterinarians act in the best interest of their patients and clients.
4. Enhanced Client Relationships
Clear ethical guidelines help veterinarians communicate effectively with clients, manage expectations, and make informed decisions regarding treatment options. This transparency fosters stronger relationships and improves client satisfaction.
5. Continued Professional Development
PVME emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and self-improvement. Veterinarians are encouraged to stay informed about advancements in the field, participate in continuous learning, and adapt their practice in response to new ethical challenges.
6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Adhering to the PVME helps veterinarians align with legal and regulatory standards, reducing the risk of legal issues or disciplinary actions. It ensures that practices are not only ethically sound but also compliant with industry regulations.
7. Impact on Practice Policies
The principles outlined in the PVME often influence veterinary practice policies and procedures. Practices may update their internal protocols to reflect these ethical standards, ensuring that their operations are aligned with current guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and adhering to the AVMA's ethical principles is essential. These guidelines provide a clear framework for navigating the challenges of veterinary practice with integrity and compassion. By committing to these principles, you as a veterinarian not only elevate the standard of care you provide but also contribute to the trust and respect that the public places in the veterinary profession.
At Verovian Veterinary Recruitment Agency, we understand the vital role that ethical standards play in veterinary practice. Our mission is to connect you with opportunities that align with your values and professional goals. Whether you’re looking to join a practice that shares your commitment to excellence or seeking a role that enhances your career growth, we are here to support you every step of the way. Register with us today and let us help you find your ideal role where you can continue to uphold the highest standards of veterinary care.
