Innovative solutions are a daily occurrence in the clinical practice of veterinary medicine. Today, the College of Veterinarians of Ontario is launching a new panel to ensure rules don’t hinder those solutions. 

“Our Council is excited to collaborate with our partners and engage Ontario veterinarians on the new Ontario Veterinary Regulatory Innovation Panel. We look forward to exploring ideas with the panel members as we think outside of the box to support the public’s access to safe, quality veterinary care in Ontario”

Dr. Alana Parisi, President of the College. 

The new innovation panel evolved from an international advisory group that was established by the College in 2017 with a focus on the emerging use of digital technology in veterinary medicine. The College Council has been a leader internationally with its practice standard on telemedicine, which was instrumental in enabling Ontarians to access veterinary medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our Council is concerned with the current challenges facing veterinarians in clinical practice. Our Council has a framework for a regulatory sandbox which enables us to consider testing projects that may require flexibility from our current rules. This panel provides an opportunity to engage that tool in exploring a broad range of innovative solutions. We are excited about the possibilities”

Dr. Parisi 

The innovation panel includes veterinarians who are recognized leaders in innovation, a member of Council, senior College staff, and the IDEXX Chair on Innovation in Practice from the Ontario Veterinary College. The panel’s recommendations will be reviewed by the College Council for decision. 

The College Council is committed to managing the risks involved in the practice of veterinary medicine in Ontario and working to reduce any potential for harm to animals and to people. The College’s governing Council is comprised of 13 elected veterinarians and five public members, appointed by the provincial government.  The College licenses approximately 5,300 veterinarians and accredits over 2,300 facilities in Ontario.