Ethicists’ commentary on increasing corporatization in veterinary practices
Ethical question of the month, January 2025
You are a seasoned veterinarian employed by a companion animal practice. The practice has a reputation of providing excellent care at a reasonable cost. The practice owner is seeking to retire and sells the business to a veterinary practice corporation.
Assurances are made to both the practice owner and staff that the practice policies that have contributed to the success of the business will not change with the change in ownership. However, a year later you begin receiving directives from management requiring you to recommend and promote routine laboratory and other wellness testing. This makes you uncomfortable for 2 reasons - you do not wish to “upsell” to clients, especially as some are very vulnerable to pressure due to their attachment to their animal. You are also aware that some sick animals are waiting too long for appointments, so feel the practice should stay focused on that as a priority instead of optional wellness testing.
How do you navigate this disagreement in practice focus and priorities? Given the much-reduced competition between practices since the corporatization trend, how do we protect the public’s access to affordable veterinary care?
Clare Palmer, Peter Sandøe, & Dan Weary comment on this dilemma and you can read it here: Ethicists’ commentary on increasing corporatization in veterinary practices