college connection
COLLEGE NEWS
Peer Advisory Conversation
DR. BARB EXPLAINS THE CONVERSATION
Through the Peer Advisory Conversation (PAC),
a component of the College’s Quality Practice
program, veterinarians will find support in their
efforts to deliver quality care and service. The
conversation includes tips for managing risk
areas; insight into practice standards and
regulatory requirements; and gives suggestions
for continuing professional development. At this
time, 19 veterinarians have completed a training
process to be peer advisors in the pilot project. or contacts in Ontario.
Meet Peer Advisor Dr. Barbara Winslow who
shares insight into the program. Dr. Barbara
Winslow, known as Dr. Barb, is a companion
animal practitioner, and a 1992 graduate of the
Western College of Veterinary Medicine. I find the Peer Advisory Conversations to always
be enlightening – I can count on learning
something from each person with whom I have
the privilege of speaking. As a solo practitioner, I
recognize the value of being able to connect with
other members of the profession.
What is the nature of your practice? What is your
practice location?
After many years as an Associate, I struck out on
my own in 2012, doing locums and then opening
Winslow Veterinary Mobile Services in January
of 2013. At first, the mobile service operated
out of a mini-van; now, I have the Vetmobile, a
re-purposed ambulance to carry all that I need. I
opened King’s Ridge Veterinary Clinic in January
of 2016, in King City. The practice is growing
steadily, but there are still challenges with having
a start-up practice that is only 2 years in!
How has being a Peer Advisor directed your own
learning?
As a Peer Advisor, I am especially interested in
the personal wellness and mental health aspects
of the Peer Advisory Conversation. Having dealt
with clinical depression, I realize the importance
of work-life balance and stress management. This
is an area of ongoing learning in my practice.
Why would you encourage other veterinarians to
be involved in the PAC Pilot program?
The veterinarians of Ontario are privileged to be
able to self-regulate. Taking quality control into
our own hands pro-actively demonstrates our
continued right to do so.
This is an unparalleled chance to touch base with
a colleague, and get a fresh perspective on your
records and practices.
What interested you in serving as a Peer Advisor?
I wanted a chance to be of service to my
profession, and was looking forward to getting to
know more Ontario veterinarians. As a graduate
from Saskatoon, I do not have many classmates
Instilling public confidence in veterinary regulation.
Podcasts — The College offers
podcasts to provide information to
the public and licensed members.
Podcasts are posted on the
College website at www.cvo.org/
podcasts. Listen and learn on
various College initiatives!
Online Learning Modules — The
College offers online learning
modules to assist veterinarians in
understanding the requirements
and expectations. Recently added
is a learning module series which
presents “Foundations for Medical
Record Keeping: Companion
Animal.” Take advantage of these
new modules!
Facility Accreditation Emblem
— The Facility Accreditation
Emblem is available for use on
facility websites and on social
media sites. The emblem lets
everyone know your veterinary
facility meets provincial standards
and support safe, quality animal
care. To use the digital version
of the Facility Accreditation
Emblem, visit http://www.cvo.org/
getemblem.
If speaking to a colleague, how would you
describe the Peer Advisory Conversation
program?
College Connection is the official publication
of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario,
informing members on regulatory issues,
with the expectation that members will
govern themselves accordingly. College
Connection is charged with the responsibility
of providing comprehensive, accurate and
defensible information.
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College of Veterinarians
of Ontario
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Editor: Jan Robinson
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