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POLICY
COLLEGE RELEASES POSITION STATEMENT ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the key areas which demonstrates the impact of veterinary medicine on both animal and human health .
The College Council has been demonstrating its commitment to veterinary stewardship and the responsible use of antimicrobials in animals for several years . At a recent meeting , Council articulated its position on antimicrobial resistance in a policy document .
“ The new Position Statement , Veterinary Stewardship of the Responsible Use of Antimicrobial Drugs in Animals , will help the public and veterinarians understand the College ’ s opinion on the use of antimicrobials ,” said College President Dr . Marc Marin . “ Veterinarians have the right to prescribe and dispense drugs , a privilege that is afforded to a small number of professions . The College expects veterinarians to assume a leadership role in understanding the need for antimicrobial oversight , the existing government directives , the evolving science related to pharmaceuticals , and the most appropriate current use of antimicrobial drugs .”
Resistance to antimicrobial drugs is increasing as a result of their use in medicine , human and animal . The veterinary profession has a duty to act as stewards with respect to the prudent and responsible use of antimicrobial drugs .
RECENT DISCIPLINE SUMMARIES NOW POSTED
The outcomes of discipline hearings are public information and are intended to provide a greater understanding of the veterinary profession ’ s accountability to the public .
Summaries are posted on the College website ( www . cvo . org / Discipline-Orders ) and findings are noted on the Public Register . Disciplinary decisions are available by contacting the College . Discipline Summaries recently posted are :
Dr . Manmohan Multani
As a result of the uncontested professional misconduct hearing on July 12 , 2017 , the member ’ s licence was suspended .
The College investigation found the member employed an auxiliary who had conducted physical examinations , vaccinations , microchipping and other veterinary medical procedures without supervision .
As well as serving a suspension , the member is required to complete a mentorship and establish protocols on supervision , complete a medical records review and pay costs to the College of $ 5,000 .
Dr . Alaa Aziz
The member was found to have engaged in professional misconduct as a result of two criminal convictions relating to the sexual assaults of two auxiliaries . Further findings related to obstructing a College investigation , falsifying records and conduct unbecoming a veterinarian .
The member was suspended , ordered to complete an ethics course , prohibited from being alone with female clients or staff , and ordered to pay costs of $ 94,430 .
The member appealed the decision to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice which dismissed the appeal and ordered the member to pay further costs to the College of $ 12,500 . The member ’ s appeal to the Court of Appeal for Ontario was dismissed and
The position statement states that a veterinarian may only prescribe antimicrobial drugs within a veterinarian-client-patient relationship and where clinical evidence demonstrates medical need . It is important for veterinarians to be attentive to the risks and benefits associated with antimicrobial use .
Council has demonstrated leadership in this important area of veterinary medicine with two research projects relating to food animal medicine ; participation in the development of national veterinary standards related to antimicrobial use ; working with the province to consider dispensing options for certain species ; and also developing standards on prescribing and dispensing .
The College will continue to serve the public in partnership with provincial , national and international organizations to combat the spread of antimicrobial resistance .
the member was ordered to pay costs to the College of $ 1,500 .
Dr . Frits Verzijlenberg
As a result of the uncontested professional misconduct hearing on May 29 , 2017 , the member ’ s licence was suspended .
The member failed to provide proper treatment on a dog ’ s teeth . Other concerns in the case involved inadequate medical records and the member ’ s offer of a refund if the client did not take action with the College .
As well as serving a suspension , the member is required to complete an ethics course , participate in a medical records review , attend a mentorship on treating fractured teeth , complete a paper , and pay costs to the College of $ 3,500 .
Read more on these cases at www . cvo . org / Discipline-Orders .
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