Practice development in the late 80's and the veterinarian's role

disease specialist or health specialist?

Abstract

Profitable livestock production and the veterinarian’s role. Will this be a challenge or an opportunity? Ask yourself—am I a necessary evil or a partner in profits? Practice development in the future will rely heavily on the expanded role of the veterinarian as a health specialist and not just as a disease specialist. The veterinarian’s image needs to be reviewed as a part of profits not losses of the livestock enterprise. Finally, the veterinarian’s role as a herd health specialist needs to be looked on as: 1) a leader who is knowledgeable and respected, 2) as a partner who is trusted and reliable, and 3) as a business manager who is profit oriented.

A successful health specialist will be one who can utilize this knowledge of medicine and production and effectively communicate these ideas in such a way that the client understands them, accepts them, and implements them to the fullest extent toward efficient, profitable production.