Source: dvm 360
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) House of Delegates recently updated the Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics (PVME) during the 2024 AVMA Convention in Austin, Texas. The revised PVME emphasizes three core principles: stewardship, integrity, and respect. These principles guide veterinarians to alleviate suffering, promote health, be honest, and demonstrate respect toward patients, clients, and colleagues.
The revisions aim to improve clarity and usability, restructuring the original document, which included nine principles, supporting annotations, and definitions of useful terms. Notable updates include a new code of conduct focusing on providing competent medical care, prioritizing patient welfare, and upholding professional standards. In addition, the revised PVME now explicitly advises against using misleading terms like “board eligible” or “board qualified” for Veterinary specialists. These changes aim to ensure ethical conduct and professionalism within the veterinary profession.