Veterinary Medicine: Education and Courageous Careers

Join us for the second webinar of the Alternatives and Simulation in Education webinar series, jointly organized by CAAT’s Education Program, InterNICHE and Ombion. Dr. Crystal Heath, Executive Director of Our Honor, will talk about animal use and alternatives in veterinary education, new research into terminal laboratories in North America, the role of veterinarians in society, and courageous career choices. This webinar is hosted by InterNICHE. Abstract: The veterinary profession exists within an economic context that does not always serve the animals’ interests, nor those of veterinary students and practitioners. Despite some progressive changes, practices such as terminal laboratories continue in some veterinary schools, and opportunities for clinical experience with animal patients are often under-utilized. The veterinary profession is influenced by corporate interests, in particular from intensive animal-based protein production. In this webinar, Dr. Crystal Heath from Our Honor will discuss veterinary education and careers. She will describe a new report on terminal laboratories at North American vet schools, and address the opportunities for patient-based work for hands-on skills acquisition. She will identify the interests that have directed the focus of veterinary medicine away from the welfare and rights of animals and veterinarians, and show how the latter can use their position to reconnect the profession with its oath. Acknowledging the growing potential of careers in effective research, she will describe various career options. In particular, she will explore the 'courageous choices' that can be taken by veterinarians. About the Speaker: Dr. Crystal Heath is a Los Angeles-based shelter veterinarian and the Executive Director of Our Honor, a non-profit that supports veterinary students, veterinarians, and other animal professionals in speaking their conscience to create more ethical systems that consider the best interests of all species.