A single F-35 jet costs 77 million dollars to buy (before adding many more millions to adjust them to the specific branch of the service they fly for), and $33,000 dollars PER HOUR of flight time in fuel to operate in "constant 2012 dollars" which is down, they want us to congratulate them for, from $86,000 per flight hour because of "budgeting."
Right on, Jack! It's staggering to consider the financial resources allocated to such projects, especially when compared to so many other pressing needs like addressing the veterinarian shortage. Your suggestion underscores the importance of prioritizing investments in areas that can yield significant societal benefits. I appreciate your engagement and insights, and will continue to explore how public awareness and policy changes can help solve the our more serious societal problems.
The cost of veterinary school, the paucity of universities where one can study, and the number of years required to graduate in the US is absolutely bonkers. Then, of course, the cost to the pet families is absolutely staggering.
I live in the EU. My vet got her DVM in four years. Which is normal. You need another year or so plus a residency to be a surgeon.
Because anyone who wants to be a vet can be one, and because education is funded, we do not have a shortage of vets, and they are inexpensive enough that pets get taken regularly.
S.L., Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and for highlighting the differences in veterinary education between the EU and the U.S. It's clear that the cost and structure of veterinary education in the U.S. present significant challenges, both for aspiring veterinarians and pet families. Your insights into how the EU's approach leads to a more accessible and affordable veterinary profession are valuable and thought-provoking. It's a reminder of the potential benefits of re-evaluating our educational policies to better meet the needs of both professionals and the communities they serve. I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective!
I’ve spoken to many large and small animal veterinarians (who overwhelmingly like the idea) about the following:
Create a a similar educational path as Physician Assistants (PA) who are able to diagnose, treat, and care for patients under the SOP of a physician – now applied to veterinary medicine.
Unfortunately, after nearly a decade of conversations with various veterinary schools… there has been interest but no traction, even though retirement for veterinarians has increased significantly.
Thank you, Wolfgang, for sharing your thoughtful proposal. It's encouraging to hear that many veterinarians support the idea of creating a role similar to Physician Assistants in veterinary medicine. This could indeed help alleviate some of the pressures faced by veterinarians, especially given the increasing retirement rates. It's unfortunate that there hasn't been more traction with veterinary schools despite the interest. Perhaps continued advocacy and collaboration with educational institutions can eventually lead to the development of this innovative path. Your dedication to improving the field is truly commendable, and I hope your efforts will inspire change in the near future.
Thanks, Ed - and Happy Birthday!! I will take a more thorough look at your suggestions. The hearing of the NYCACC has been rescheduled to Friday, Sept. 13th st 10am City Hall council chamber. As you know what I am trying to focus on now is the lack of low cost/free spay/neuter - and public education as to its necessity. And I blame the local government for it -- in the wealthiest city in the world -NYC. Each of the 51 council members get $400,000 to use for discretionary funding -and that means they can allocate some to the Animal shelter or to rescue groups. Only about 6-7 did so.
The problem is the cost of education in America and here in Canada. It makes entering such professions unappealing. At the heart of it is human greed, which is becoming more pronounced.
Ed, we now live in a sick society, where money and its worship, has replaced every good human value.
You are correct, Perry, the cost and shortage of vet schools compounds the problem. This is going to turn into a huge public health crisis in the next few years, and the gov't would be well advised to come up with some sort of tuition repayment program now.
The cost of higher ed as a single person is appalling. I'm also carrying a mortgage, so it would be next to impossible for me to go back to higher ed full time for something like that, unless I sold my house. The other thing, is that neither government will give me extra money to live on while I go to school, just money for tuition and books. Even if you want to be a vet tech, it's so ridiculous.
You have identified a significant part of the problem, Squizz! The enormous debt veterinarians graduate with is scaring away many potential candidates. This needs to be remedied. I'll be proposing a possible solution in an article later this week.
Kim, thank you for for sharing the situation in the UK regarding veterinary services. Another reader from the EU in the thread above said the problem is nonexistent there. It's concerning to hear that similar issues are present in the UK and USA, particularly with the consolidation of practices into corporate conglomerates. This trend seems to be affecting the quality and accessibility of veterinary care globally. I appreciate you bringing this perspective to light, and thank you for sharing the editorial from The Guardian. It's crucial that we continue these conversations and work towards solutions that ensure better support for veterinarians and pet owners alike. Your engagement with this topic is invaluable, and I look forward to further discussions.
Cara Achterberg is trying to crack that nut in southern shelters by recruiting mor 4th year vet students. Even if you could get a vet student interested in externships in rural shelters, there's no funding nor housing to support two-week rotations.
Thank you, Cindy, for sharing that insight! Cara Achterberg's efforts are commendable. I completely understand the challenges of attracting vet students to both rural and big city shelters. I even brought interns in from Egypt, Iran, Napal, Boliva, and Peru to help augment my various teams. It's an area that definitely needs more attention and resources. Thanks again for your input—every piece of the puzzle helps in addressing this critical issue!
Thank you, Cindy, I agree! Volunteers are the lifeblood of our shelters. This Saturday I hope to post an article proposing how we can provide the necessary funding to increase the number of licensed vets annually. Stay tuned.
Ed, I had no idea of the shortage of veterinarians. Thanks for the comprehensive, well-written, and troubling report. I do know that being a vet is not easy. After I read (a year or two ago) about their high suicide rate, when I next brought my dog in to the vet for a checkup, I thanked our doctor even more effusively than I usually do. And I mentioned that I'd read about the suicide rate - and I saw tears in her eyes. Just imagine the awful things vets sometimes see - and on top of that, being verbally abused sometimes by the human clients. I know that happens because at the entrance to my local animal clinic, they recently placed a sign asking clients to be courteous and kind to the staff. That tells you there's been some terrible behaviour on the part of some human clients.
Jan, thank you for your thoughtful response and for sharing your personal experience. It's heartening to hear how you expressed gratitude to your veterinarian, acknowledging the challenges they face. The high stress levels and emotional toll on veterinarians are significant issues that deserve more attention. Your story highlights the importance of kindness and understanding towards those who dedicate their lives to caring for our beloved pets. Thank you for being a compassionate advocate for veterinarians, and for taking the time to engage with this important topic.
A single F-35 jet costs 77 million dollars to buy (before adding many more millions to adjust them to the specific branch of the service they fly for), and $33,000 dollars PER HOUR of flight time in fuel to operate in "constant 2012 dollars" which is down, they want us to congratulate them for, from $86,000 per flight hour because of "budgeting."
I'm not sure when the last time I spent a 2012 dollar, but I'd guess it was about twelve years ago, and so they still probably cost $86,000 real dollars to fly per hour now. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/04/15/f-35s-to-cost-2-trillion-as-pentagon-plans-longer-use-says-watchdog/
Maybe we could offer free education to help solve the veterinary crisis.
Right on, Jack! It's staggering to consider the financial resources allocated to such projects, especially when compared to so many other pressing needs like addressing the veterinarian shortage. Your suggestion underscores the importance of prioritizing investments in areas that can yield significant societal benefits. I appreciate your engagement and insights, and will continue to explore how public awareness and policy changes can help solve the our more serious societal problems.
This is bad news. Honestly, if I was younger I’d study to be a vet.
I hear you, Frank! Sadly, youth is wasted on the young...
you got that right! I wish I knew then what I know now.
The cost of veterinary school, the paucity of universities where one can study, and the number of years required to graduate in the US is absolutely bonkers. Then, of course, the cost to the pet families is absolutely staggering.
I live in the EU. My vet got her DVM in four years. Which is normal. You need another year or so plus a residency to be a surgeon.
Because anyone who wants to be a vet can be one, and because education is funded, we do not have a shortage of vets, and they are inexpensive enough that pets get taken regularly.
US policy on vet education is simply insane.
S.L, here's an update from your side of the pond:https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/20/the-guardian-view-on-striking-vets-standing-up-for-all-creatures-great-and-small
That’s the UK. It’s been Americanized there.
S.L., Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and for highlighting the differences in veterinary education between the EU and the U.S. It's clear that the cost and structure of veterinary education in the U.S. present significant challenges, both for aspiring veterinarians and pet families. Your insights into how the EU's approach leads to a more accessible and affordable veterinary profession are valuable and thought-provoking. It's a reminder of the potential benefits of re-evaluating our educational policies to better meet the needs of both professionals and the communities they serve. I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective!
I’ve spoken to many large and small animal veterinarians (who overwhelmingly like the idea) about the following:
Create a a similar educational path as Physician Assistants (PA) who are able to diagnose, treat, and care for patients under the SOP of a physician – now applied to veterinary medicine.
Unfortunately, after nearly a decade of conversations with various veterinary schools… there has been interest but no traction, even though retirement for veterinarians has increased significantly.
Thank you, Wolfgang, for sharing your thoughtful proposal. It's encouraging to hear that many veterinarians support the idea of creating a role similar to Physician Assistants in veterinary medicine. This could indeed help alleviate some of the pressures faced by veterinarians, especially given the increasing retirement rates. It's unfortunate that there hasn't been more traction with veterinary schools despite the interest. Perhaps continued advocacy and collaboration with educational institutions can eventually lead to the development of this innovative path. Your dedication to improving the field is truly commendable, and I hope your efforts will inspire change in the near future.
Thanks, Ed - and Happy Birthday!! I will take a more thorough look at your suggestions. The hearing of the NYCACC has been rescheduled to Friday, Sept. 13th st 10am City Hall council chamber. As you know what I am trying to focus on now is the lack of low cost/free spay/neuter - and public education as to its necessity. And I blame the local government for it -- in the wealthiest city in the world -NYC. Each of the 51 council members get $400,000 to use for discretionary funding -and that means they can allocate some to the Animal shelter or to rescue groups. Only about 6-7 did so.
Thanks for the birthday wishes, Elizabeth. Keep me posted on the NYC situation and let me know if/when I can help.
The problem is the cost of education in America and here in Canada. It makes entering such professions unappealing. At the heart of it is human greed, which is becoming more pronounced.
Ed, we now live in a sick society, where money and its worship, has replaced every good human value.
You are correct, Perry, the cost and shortage of vet schools compounds the problem. This is going to turn into a huge public health crisis in the next few years, and the gov't would be well advised to come up with some sort of tuition repayment program now.
The cost of higher ed as a single person is appalling. I'm also carrying a mortgage, so it would be next to impossible for me to go back to higher ed full time for something like that, unless I sold my house. The other thing, is that neither government will give me extra money to live on while I go to school, just money for tuition and books. Even if you want to be a vet tech, it's so ridiculous.
You have identified a significant part of the problem, Squizz! The enormous debt veterinarians graduate with is scaring away many potential candidates. This needs to be remedied. I'll be proposing a possible solution in an article later this week.
Many thanks for this article. The situation in the UK as far as veterinarians is concerned is no better. I know anecdotally from friends and neighbours how concerned and frustrated they are with local veterinary hospitals and the services they provide. It isn't the fault of individual vets but the consolidation of previously private practices into corporate conglomorates. Here's a recent editorial from The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/20/the-guardian-view-on-striking-vets-standing-up-for-all-creatures-great-and-small
Kim, thank you for for sharing the situation in the UK regarding veterinary services. Another reader from the EU in the thread above said the problem is nonexistent there. It's concerning to hear that similar issues are present in the UK and USA, particularly with the consolidation of practices into corporate conglomerates. This trend seems to be affecting the quality and accessibility of veterinary care globally. I appreciate you bringing this perspective to light, and thank you for sharing the editorial from The Guardian. It's crucial that we continue these conversations and work towards solutions that ensure better support for veterinarians and pet owners alike. Your engagement with this topic is invaluable, and I look forward to further discussions.
Cara Achterberg is trying to crack that nut in southern shelters by recruiting mor 4th year vet students. Even if you could get a vet student interested in externships in rural shelters, there's no funding nor housing to support two-week rotations.
Thank you, Cindy, for sharing that insight! Cara Achterberg's efforts are commendable. I completely understand the challenges of attracting vet students to both rural and big city shelters. I even brought interns in from Egypt, Iran, Napal, Boliva, and Peru to help augment my various teams. It's an area that definitely needs more attention and resources. Thanks again for your input—every piece of the puzzle helps in addressing this critical issue!
Thanks for including ideas on what readers can do to support shelters. Volunteers are critical components of communities shelters!
Thank you, Cindy, I agree! Volunteers are the lifeblood of our shelters. This Saturday I hope to post an article proposing how we can provide the necessary funding to increase the number of licensed vets annually. Stay tuned.
Ed, I saw your birthday announcement, so I forwarded the link to your Substack to a friend who is a huge animal lover. She said she'll subscribe.
Thank you, Jan, that is very kind of you! Much appreciated!
Ed, I had no idea of the shortage of veterinarians. Thanks for the comprehensive, well-written, and troubling report. I do know that being a vet is not easy. After I read (a year or two ago) about their high suicide rate, when I next brought my dog in to the vet for a checkup, I thanked our doctor even more effusively than I usually do. And I mentioned that I'd read about the suicide rate - and I saw tears in her eyes. Just imagine the awful things vets sometimes see - and on top of that, being verbally abused sometimes by the human clients. I know that happens because at the entrance to my local animal clinic, they recently placed a sign asking clients to be courteous and kind to the staff. That tells you there's been some terrible behaviour on the part of some human clients.
Jan, thank you for your thoughtful response and for sharing your personal experience. It's heartening to hear how you expressed gratitude to your veterinarian, acknowledging the challenges they face. The high stress levels and emotional toll on veterinarians are significant issues that deserve more attention. Your story highlights the importance of kindness and understanding towards those who dedicate their lives to caring for our beloved pets. Thank you for being a compassionate advocate for veterinarians, and for taking the time to engage with this important topic.
Brutal—and compounds an already sad situation. 🙏🥲
In 2021, the large vet training center near me closed the area where they train vets for birds and small exotics. As you know, anything that's not dog, cat, or farm animal is considered exotics. (https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/ontario-veterinary-college-to-close-service-for-birds-and-exotic-pets-due-to-budget-constraints-4875875#:~:text=constraints%20%2D%20Guelph%20News-,Ontario%20Veterinary%20College%20to%20close%20service%20for%20birds,pets%20due%20to%20budget%20constraints&text=Students%20at%20the%20University%20of,for%20avian%20and%20exotic%20pets.)
There was even a petition to the provincial and federal governments for additional funding, and it didn't go through :(
Tragic!