Vertical Vet’s Vet Med School with Dr. Randy Basinger and Dr. Ernie Ward

“Too often, general practitioners are forgetting the art of surgery,” says Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT, Chief Veterinary Officer of VerticalVet. As he discusses this worrisome trend in care delivery with Randy Basinger, DVM, DACVS, their conversation highlights the concern along with action steps that can address it. 

“A large segment of the public wants to do something for their pet’s condition,” says Dr. Basinger, “but is unable to pay the cost of treatment at a referral level by a specialist. But when they request their family veterinarian to help them, they find that they are not trained or equipped to handle that surgical problem.” The two discuss how many pet parents would opt in for surgical care if it were offered by the family veterinary practice, but the time and expense of following up on a surgical referral is a barrier to the pet receiving that next level of care.  

Part of the challenge is building skill – and confidence – among recent vet school graduates. The two agree that developing basic surgical skills is a foundation that opens the opportunity for experienced vets in the practice to coach younger associates. This post-DVM training is a key component for recent graduates, and it’s ideal to receive it both on-the-job and with continuing education opportunities.  

“Movora’s been very good about sponsoring [post-DVM education opportunities],” says Dr. Basinger.  Movora Education is committed to providing the hands-on education and labs that build skills for general practitioners as well as board-certified surgeons.  At Movora, we believe in education to continually move the state of care forward, driving the best veterinary outcomes.  

Learn more about Movora Education courses including RACE-approved CE at education.movora.com.