🎙️ Podcasts dive deep on the vet profession

Plus: VCA settles class action lawsuit.

Hello 👋 This is Weekend Rounds. It is like rounding on your patients but for the news. And there isn't that one colleague who means well but always lists the unimportant part of the medical record.Here's what's going down today:🎙️Major podcasts explore our profession ⚖️VCA Settles 401K Lawsuit🚀 Quick hits🚀 Quick hits - replay

🎙️Major podcasts explore our profession

Over the past few weeks, major podcasts have done a deep dive on a few aspects of the veterinary profession. The Freakonomics Podcast, an offshoot of the popular book which explores the "Secret Side of Everything", tackled corporate veterinary practices in a recent two part series (Part 1, Part 2). In Episode 1, journalist Stephen J. Dubner explores the acquisition of veterinary hospitals by private equity firms. While there is evidence in human medicine that private equity may reduce the level of healthcare provided, it is too early to tell at this point how it affects vet med. Some associates and clinic owners are notably skeptical of the role of private equity, citing the rise in prices and changes to clinic policies and procedures after acquisition.In the second episode Dubner explores the concept of Monopsony in veterinary medicine. Monopsony is an economic term for a market in which there is only one buyer. Dubner describes it as the labor market version of a monopoly, but it affects the employees more than the consumer. In vet med, it means that the control of veterinary clinics by monopsonistic entities has the potential to drastically alter working conditions. In essence, they hold all the power.Many online veterinary communities are discussing the episodes and folks are split. There is appreciation for the coverage, but some view it as incomplete or possibly too anti-corporate. Have you listened? What is your take? This week the Stuff You Should Know (SYSK) podcast covered the history of vet med. The SYSK podcast gives a high-level yet entertaining overview and history of the profession. Early veterinarian's primary function was to care for our main mode of transportation, horses. But as horse travel disappeared, the rise of household pets saved the profession. As we've moved from horse mechanics to modern medicine, it has been an interesting ride.

⚖️VCA Settles 401K Lawsuit

A class action lawsuit brought in 2021 against VCA for "'unreasonable and excessive' record-keeping and administrative fees and failed to monitor [401K] plan costs" has been settled. While settling, VCA denies all claims and allegations of wrongdoing. After a judge denied VCA a dismissal of the case, mediation began in November 2022 and has been reportedly settled for $1.5 million pending court approval.

🚀 Quick hits

Here are some stories around the veterinary and animal world which caught our eye this week.

Is a vet degree worth it?

AVMA Burnout Resources

Quebec vet school treats polar bear

Free course on crimes against birds of prey

NABV Chapter opens at Virginia Tech

🚀 Quick hits - replay

We heard from some of you that last week's Quick Hits links didn't work. We're sorry, but like VCA in a lawsuit, we admit no wrongdoing 😏. If you want to catch up on last week's news here they are. Fingers crossed they work this time!

Why Elephants Are Key to Capturing Atmospheric Carbon

Shortage of Veterinary Professionals May Be A Blessing In Disguise

New Technology And Products For Veterinary Genealogy

Animals inspire scientists to solve problems that humans face [Washington Post]Large, dangerous animals increasingly making their way into Utah neighborhoods [KCBY]Why giant prehistoric animals got smaller [BBC]Colorado bear poses for roughly 400 'selfies' on wildlife camera [BBC]Rare tree kangaroo emerges from mum's pouch [BBC]

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