31/05/2026
The Future of Veterinary Medicine Isn't More Vets—It's Better Teams. 💙
This one is personal. Before I was a veterinarian, I was a Veterinary Technician. It was working alongside incredible technicians that taught me what a well-trained, empowered support team can achieve for patients, clients, and the profession as a whole.
The discussion around recognition within the Veterinary Surgeons Act is an important one. However, legislation alone won't change the profession.
The real change happens when veterinarians, practice owners, and clinic leaders actively create opportunities for Veterinary Technicians to contribute, grow, and work to the top of their abilities.
When I first started in Esk, I was genuinely surprised by how little responsibility veterinary nurses and technicians were traditionally given in general practice. Not because they weren't capable, but because the profession hadn't fully embraced what they could contribute.
In fact, the Veterinary Technicians in our clinics were being elevated long before I became the business owner. As a veterinarian, I championed these team members because I could see their potential and the difference they made to our patients and clients every day.
When we built our team at Fernvale, we deliberately chose a different path. We invested heavily in our nurses and technicians, creating opportunities for them to take on greater responsibility in anaesthesia, diagnostics, patient care, hospital care, client communication, mentoring, and clinical systems development.
Today, we are proud to have four Veterinary Technicians on our team, and over the years we have had the privilege of hosting and mentoring many Veterinary Technician students as they begin their careers.
I genuinely believe the challenges facing our profession won't be solved by asking veterinarians to work harder. They will be solved by building stronger teams and allowing every member of that team to work at the top of their abilities.
When highly trained technicians are empowered to do more, veterinarians can focus on the tasks that only veterinarians can perform. Patients receive better care. Clients receive more support. Teams become stronger. And ultimately, veterinary care becomes more accessible and affordable for the communities we serve.
To every Veterinary Technician who has been part of our journey, and especially those helping shape our clinics today—thank you. Your skill, compassion, dedication, and care make a difference to our patients and their families every single day.
That future isn't something we should be waiting for. We should be building it today. 💙🐾
