Are Veterinary Medical Associations Only Giving Vet Techs "Lip Service"?

Are veterinary medical associations, state veterinary medical boards, and veterinary practice acts only giving veterinary technicians "lip service" when it comes to participation and power? This week we tackle the topic of fair representation (or lack thereof) of licensed veterinary technicians within veterinary medical organizations and regulatory agencies. ... Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT share their recent conversations with vet techs from around the country at Vet Team Global Stream 2021. Many expressed concerns that vet techs continue to be marginalized and largely ignored within the majority of veterinary medical organizations. We believe that needs to change. ... Beckie gives the Viewfinders updates on vet tech issues and legislation from several states, including a potentially controversial move in Colorado. She also gives brief status reports from California, Minnesota, Montana, and other states. And she tells us what's REALLY on her mind! ... Dr. Ward expresses the need for more representation and voting power by vet techs at the AVMA (and Beckie apologizes to AVMA President Dr. Kratt for her persistent lobbying on this topic!) and why expanding the legally permissible roles of vet techs could help ease the shortage of veterinarians and boost innovation. ... Viewfinders, once we again we're hoping to catalyze conversations for positive change throughout our profession with this wide-ranging discussion. Share your thoughts with us on social media!