Happy New Year, Viewfinders! On January 1, 2024, the first fully VCPR-compliant remote diagnosis and written prescription in the state of California was performed. But is it too little too late? Will veterinary telemedicine be leapfrogged by AI-assisted telemedicine and beyond? This is one episode you’ll want to share with your colleagues!

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, start the new year off with a bang as they discuss the recent changes in veterinary telemedicine and artificial intelligence. 

Our hosts review the recent news of a virtual veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) being established in California and the potential impacts throughout the US. Both wonder if this move is too late to stop the emergence of AI-powered telemedicine and what AI-assisted veterinary care could be like in the next few years. 

Dr. Ward shares why the Star Trek Enterprise only had one chief medical doctor, Bones, and what this may portend for AI veterinary care, along with how his daughter recently benefited from AI-assisted pharmacy care. He also revisits his earlier concerns when he served on the AVMA Telemedicine Committee about legal liability and responsibility when AI medicine makes an error. 

Beckie argues that AI medicine is already pervasive and that the veterinary community is quickly diving into two opposing camps on its utilization. She also shares a story from her recent hospitalization of how AI medicine is changing patient care. 

Viewfinders, this is an important topic that will shape the future of our profession. Please share your thoughts on our Facebook or Instagram pages or email us at veterinaryviewfinder@gmail.com

"If a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can, too.” Terminator 2: Judgement Day

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Recently, Amazon announced it was considering offering veterinary telemedicine services to augment its position as a top pet supplies and pharmacy provider. This move would allow them to compete in veterinary telemedicine against competitors like Walmart, Chewy, etc. This week, we discuss the pros and cons and potential impacts this could have on independent veterinary clinics and the veterinary profession.

Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, MPA, RVT, review the recent news that Amazon was considering offering veterinary telemedicine. Beckie shares why this is no surprise and that there may be a silver lining for independent veterinary clinics.

Dr. Ward expresses his concerns along with several steps veterinary professionals should be taking to ensure continued success in the future. 

Viewfinders, there’s much more to this issue than simply, “Oh brother, here’s another competitor!” We’d love to hear your thoughts and how you’re addressing this issue.