Mars Veterinary Health recently held its 23rd annual Pet Healthcare Industry Summit, gathering over 120 leaders from across the profession. This event focused on exploring solutions to create a more sustainable future for veterinary medicine. Doug Drew, president of Mars Veterinary Health, emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue among industry leaders, noting that collaboration is essential to overcoming challenges and ensuring that the profession adapts and thrives in a changing landscape.
One of the key topics addressed during the Summit was the growing need for access to veterinary care, especially in shelters and rescues across the U.S. Many animal welfare organizations face difficulties filling veterinary roles or cannot afford full-time staff veterinarians due to a widespread shortage of veterinary professionals. To address this, Mars Veterinary Health announced a new initiative to provide training and resources for veterinarians and shelters alike.
A grant was awarded to Shelters United, a nonprofit dedicated to helping animal welfare organizations, to create a free online course designed to teach veterinarians how to establish a Veterinarian of Record (VOR) relationship within their communities. The program, approved by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE), aims to improve relationships between veterinarians and shelters while increasing access to care for pets awaiting adoption. The initiative was born from discussions at last year’s Summit, further demonstrating Mars Veterinary Health’s commitment to meaningful action.
In addition to addressing access to care, the Summit placed a strong emphasis on reducing the environmental impact of veterinary medicine. Key discussions revolved around embedding sustainability practices in veterinary clinic operations and integrating environmental consciousness into veterinary school curricula.
Mars Veterinary Health solidified its commitment to sustainability by announcing its founding sponsorship of the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (VSA), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship within the veterinary sector. This partnership will provide training, networking opportunities, and resources to support veterinary professionals in practicing sustainable medicine. The initiative marks a significant step in aligning animal health with environmental sustainability, reflecting the profession’s dedication to both the planet and the animals that rely on it.
The industry-wide shortage of veterinary professionals remains a pressing challenge. To address this, Mars Veterinary Health prioritizes education and training, not only for its Associates but also for future veterinary professionals. The organization has been a leading contributor to postgraduate veterinary education, hosting more than 1,500 externs, hundreds of interns, and numerous residents over the past year.
Collaborations with academic institutions and industry stakeholders are designed to inspire interest in veterinary careers and provide critical training opportunities. Additionally, Mars Veterinary Health invests in inclusion and diversity initiatives to promote representation within the profession. These efforts are essential to addressing workforce shortages and fostering a more diverse and dynamic veterinary community.
Summit discussions also highlighted the shortage of faculty in veterinary education. Leaders explored solutions to modernize traditional academic pathways and enhance the training of future veterinarians, ensuring that the profession remains equipped to meet evolving challenges.
Mars Veterinary Health’s Summit has historically fostered impactful collaborations and initiatives, many of which were reviewed during this year’s event. Notable projects include the establishment of the Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition (DVMC), aimed at supporting underrepresented groups in the profession, and the Veterinary Innovation Council’s Access to Care Hub, which helps practices expand veterinary care accessibility. Additionally, resources like the "ASK" training program, which equips veterinary professionals to address emotional distress, have been developed as a direct result of previous Summits.
These collaborations reflect Mars Veterinary Health’s ongoing dedication to advancing its mission of creating "A Better World for Pets." Through dialogue and action, the Summit continues to serve as a pivotal platform for driving positive change across the veterinary industry.
