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PROFESSIONALISM
COUNCIL DEFINES VETERINARY PROFESSIONALISM
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Finally, the elements of professionalism
are what the veterinarian draws on when
considering how he/she responds in any
situation. These are the guiding principles and
professional duties one holds as a member of
the profession which are the building blocks
of public trust.
Responsibilities to animals: beneficence,
non-maleficence, competence, recognizes/
discloses a conflict of interest
Responsibilities to clients: confidentiality
and privacy, communication, autonomy of
the client, boundaries, human rights, avoids/
discloses a conflict of interest
colleagues: wellness, collegiality and civility,
boundaries, education/mentorship
Responsibilities to the profession and society:
privilege of self-regulation, quality assurance,
lifelong learning, boundaries, public health,
represent the profession
It is the careful consideration and attention
to one’s responsibilities to animals, clients,
oneself and colleagues, the profession and
society. It’s the bigger picture, where the
interest of the patient is paramount and the
social contract between the profession and
the public is upheld. It’s the understanding
that one’s responsibilities extend beyond the
everyday work and apply to the profession
and society as a whole.
Responsibilities to themselves and
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. Gopal Arora
As a result of the uncontested professional
misconduct hearing on December 18, 2017,
the member completed an ethics course and
mentorship sessions focused on supervision
and delegation. The College investigation
found the member failed to appropriately
supervise an auxiliary during a home
euthanasia of a dog.
The panel did not impose a suspension in
the case and instead provided a penalty
order that focused on remediation rather
than punitive measures. As well, the member
is required to pay costs to the College of
$18,000.
Dr. Blaine Kennedy
As a result of a contested professional
misconduct hearing over several days in
2016, the member’s licence was revoked and
he was ordered to pay costs to the College
of $160,000. The member’s misconduct
results from practising while his licence was
suspended and failing to pay the costs from a
previous order of the Discipline Committee.
The member appealed the finding to the
Superior Court of Justice Divisional Court on
June 5, 2018. The court dismissed the appeal
and agreed with the Discipline Committee
finding that the protection of the public
requires the member’s licence be revoked.
The court also upheld the costs amount as
there were 13 hearing days and a lengthy pre-
hearing process. The Divisional court ordered
the member to pay additional costs to the
College of $20,000.
Read a full summary on this case at:
www.cvo.org/Discipline-Orders
PROFESSIONALS HEALTH PROGRAM
Confidential Ontario Toll-free Line:
1-800-851-6606
http://php.oma.org
The Professionals Health Program is a free, confidential service. The PHP provides
prompt advice and support to veterinarians and/or their family members.
Stay Well - Your health is important to your competence.
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