The One About Veterinary Professional Associates (VPAs)

Send us a text

In this episode, the Dogtor Bros dive into the controversial Colorado Proposition 129, which could establish the position of a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). The VPA role would allow professionals to work under licensed veterinarians with the ability to diagnose, prescribe, and even perform surgeries. With Colorado voters set to decide on November 5, the team explores the potential impacts of this new position on veterinary medicine.

They examine key questions: Should someone with a master’s degree be qualified to perform surgeries and make diagnoses? What risks come with allowing MLPs to operate under protocols created by veterinarians? And how might this proposal affect existing veterinary education programs?

The Dogtor Bros also debate whether creating the VPA role could help solve the ongoing veterinary shortage—or if it raises too many concerns about quality of care.

Tune in for an in-depth discussion on one of the most talked-about topics in vet med today!

Articles associated with Colorado Proposition 129

• https://www.avma.org/news/colorado-ballot-measure-calls-nonveterinarians-diagnose-do-surgery
• https://www.avma.org/news/qa-colorado-legislator-veterinarian-sees-veterinary-technicians-solution-workforce-issues-not
• https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/committees/dr._wayne_jenson_-_plan_b_masters_program_csu_.pdf
• https://allscience.substack.com/p/is-vetmed-ready-for-a-midlevel-practitioner?utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

Schedule a consultation with the Student Loan Planner if you need help figuring out your student loans. You can click here and save $100 off your 1 hour consult.
Student Loan Planner referral link

If you have a suggestion for the podcast or a topic you want covered you can reach out to us on Instagram or email us at thedogtorbros@gmail.com.

Instagram: @Thedogtorbros
Jeff: Instagram and TikTok @Dermdogtorjeff
Adam: Instagram @Dradamdvm
Brandon: Instagram @Dogtormasonim
Chris: Instagram @Dr.chrishernandez