Source: VIN News Service
Mark Helfat, a veterinarian with over 45 years of experience, ponders the future of Veterinary medicine and expresses concerns about the potential impact of telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and the dilution of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). He questions the monetization of telemedicine, as he already provides free advice to clients over the phone, often leading to in-person visits for thorough examinations. He believes in the benefits of in-person exams for building trust and offering the highest standard of care, which telemedicine may compromise. Helfat also discusses the growing influence of AI in the field, which could lead to significant changes in diagnosing and prescribing treatments. While recognizing the inevitability of AI’s impact, he urges veterinarians to adapt and understand how to use it to their advantage.
Helfat’s most significant concern is the potential weakening of the VCPR, as regulations may allow for remote consultations without in-person exams. He emphasizes that trust and a strong client-veterinarian relationship are crucial for providing the best care, and that the in-person requirement should not be abandoned. He encourages fellow veterinarians to voice their concerns and protect the traditional values and practices of their profession.
Read the full story HERE: https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=11647704&f5=1