National Veterinary Technician Week: Oct. 9-15; Honoring the Unsung Heroes of Veterinary Medicine

YARDLEY, Pa., Oct. 10 -- They were among the first responders at Ground Zero. They are working to reunite families separated by Hurricane Katrina. They are on the frontline in Iraq ... and at your local veterinary clinic. They’re veterinary technicians, the unsung heroes of veterinary medicine.

These dedicated professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes for low pay and little recognition. They do it out of love for their work ... the animals they care for.

The U.S. pet population includes over 90,000,000 cats and 73,000,000 dogs. Tens of thousands of technicians play an important role in their care, and this is their week. Special events marking National Veterinary Technician Week are scheduled through Oct. 15.

According to Aggie Kiefer, a licensed veterinary technician and editor in chief of Veterinary Technician(r) journal, “Veterinary technicians are the first and last person the pet owner sees during veterinary visits. They help educate owners about important issues affecting their pet’s health, answer their questions, and address their concerns. They make sure patients receive not only expert care but are treated with compassion as well.”

In the clinic, veterinary technicians juggle the roles of nurse, surgical assistant, anesthesiologist, radiologist, lab assistant, pharmacist, inventory manager, and more. They also work in zoos, shelters, agriculture, and the petfood and pharmaceutical industries. They educate the next generation of technicians at universities and colleges.

Many have answered their country’s call. Take Amy Breton. As a member of a Veterinary Medical Assistance Team, part of the National Disaster Medical System, Amy became part of the massive search and recovery effort at The World Trade Center site and was the cover story on Veterinary Technician’s retrospective on 9/11. In 2005, Veterinary Technician followed Amy to Louisiana as she assisted in the care and evacuation of countless animals caught in Hurricane Katrina. Amy is an example of the kind of professional highlighted in Veterinary Technician every month.

Veterinary technicians put their compassion and skills to the test every day in tragedies and triumphs big and small. “National Veterinary Technician Week is a great time to say ’thank you’ for the great work they perform,” says Aggie Kiefer.

For more information, please contact Aggie Kiefer by phone, 215-805-6256 or e-mail editor@vettechjournal.com.

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Aggie Kiefer

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Veterinary Learning Systems

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