How a lawyer is influencing vet med

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The lawyer influencing the profession

Do you know who Mark Cushing is? If you are like us, maybe you have heard the name but didn’t really understand who he is and what his role in the profession is.

This week Jennifer Fiala, reporting for VIN News Service, has a must read scoop on Mr. Cushing, a lawyer who has taken it upon himself to influence and reshape our profession. With a career dedicated to veterinary issues, Cushing has positioned himself as a pivotal player, but it raises an important question – why is a lawyer steering the future of veterinary medicine?

Cushing’s journey into veterinary law began with his observation of the significant challenges and opportunities within our field. He has since focused on key areas such as veterinary telemedicine, the veterinary workforce, and education. However, his efforts to address regulatory hurdles and push for innovative solutions have sparked debate. This leaves some wondering if his legal expertise truly aligns with the needs and nuances of veterinary care.

One of Cushing’s most contentious areas of involvement is in telemedicine policies. While he champions the potential of telehealth to bridge gaps in veterinary services, especially in underserved areas, there are concerns about the implications. Flexible regulations may indeed enable remote consultations, but they also raise questions about the quality of care and the potential for misdiagnosis without in-person examinations.

Cushing’s focus on the veterinary workforce shortage is another hot topic. His advocacy for more veterinary schools and better support for veterinary professionals seems beneficial on the surface. Yet, some argue that the rush to expand could dilute the quality of veterinary education and oversaturate the market, leading to other unforeseen issues.

Through his firm, the Animal Policy Group, Cushing collaborates with veterinary organizations, educational institutions, and government bodies to drive what he sees as positive change. But his vision for a more robust and adaptable veterinary profession has its skeptics.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of our profession, the involvement of figures like Mark Cushing prompts a necessary discussion. Is his influence truly beneficial, or are we allowing external forces to steer our future in directions that may not align with the core values and practical realities of veterinary medicine? Only time will tell if his contributions will lead to the thriving future he envisions or if they will introduce new challenges we must overcome.

Read the story on VIN News.

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The AI hype cycle

Aaron Massecar recently shared his optimistic view on the state of AI in veterinary medicine in an article for Today's Veterinary Business. The article even mentions Obi co-founder, Ryan Appleby, but we aren’t sure we agree on Aaron’s take here. Aaron outlines the Gartner Hype Cycle of products and argues that we are on the slope of enlightenment, suggesting that AI applications are maturing and becoming more widely adopted in our field.

The article highlights the advancements in AI tools for radiology and describes the initial offerings from start ups like Signal Pet, Radimal, and Vetology, as well as new AI products from industry leaders such as Antech. These technologies certainly hold promise but they remain significantly under researched and their claims to improve care and outcomes are far from justified. For this reason, Ryan has instead argued that we have yet to find solid footing on this proverbial mountain.

Defining the practical use cases for diagnostic AI is still a significant challenge. Many of these technologies are in their nascent stages, and their integration into everyday veterinary practice remains a complex endeavor. Rather than being on the slope of enlightenment, Ryan believes we are either still in the innovation trigger stage or possibly entering the trough of disillusionment.

He recently published an article in Advances in Small Animal Care which outlines the current state of each of the major commercial offerings. This work highlights the need for more transparency from AI companies as well as AI directed towards specialists such as Radiologists and Pathologists.

The real-world application of AI in veterinary diagnostics is far from being fully realized. We are grappling with issues such as the need for high-quality, comprehensive data and the collaboration between AI developers and domain experts to ensure these tools meet clinical needs.

To truly leverage AI's potential, we need to focus on developing robust, clinically validated AI systems that can reliably assist in improving patient outcomes. Those outcomes need to be measured, not just asserted in marketing materials. This involves not only advancing the technology but also addressing ethical, regulatory, and practical concerns to build trust and ensure these tools enhance, rather than replace, the expertise of veterinarians, including specialists.

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Antimicrobial and fluid therapy guidelines

This week we received updated guidelines on antimicrobial use and fluid therapy from the AVMA and AAHA respectively.

Antimicrobial:

• Policy Revisions: The AVMA board approved revisions to the policy on the judicious therapeutic use of antimicrobials.

• Core Principle: Emphasis on selecting and using antimicrobial drugs judiciously to preserve their effectiveness.

• Stewardship: Veterinarians are encouraged to employ management and prevention strategies to minimize the need for antimicrobials.

• Endorsements: The board endorsed a joint statement on the therapeutic use of medically important antimicrobials in cattle and proposed changes for aquatic animal medicine.

Fluid Therapy:

• Fluid Dynamics Overview: Provides practical recommendations for selecting fluids, calculating administration rates, and choosing administration routes for resuscitation, rehydration, and maintenance.

• Special Cases: Covers fluid therapy for anesthetized patients, common conditions, and disorders with special fluid therapy challenges.

• Patient Monitoring: Details parameters for monitoring patients, preventing fluid overload, and fluid delivery options.

• Case Study: Includes a detailed case study on fluid therapy for a dog with gastrointestinal disease, illustrating the application of the guidelines in practice.

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Quick Hits

Here are some of the other stories that caught our eye and we're following this week from around the veterinary world and animal kingdom: