Q&A Shelly Ferris, DVM, Regional Medical Director, Vetco Total Care

By Shelly Ferris

Caring for the health and wellness of pets is a great responsibility, one that should prioritize compassion as well as personalized treatment plans. Hear how we empower practitioners to deliver the right care for their patients.

Q. What does it mean to practice autonomous medicine?

It means, at Vetco Total Care and across our Petco pet care center veterinary network, we don’t force any rigid protocols on our doctors.

However, there are still standards of care to ensure the practice of high-quality medicine that has been developed by qualified veterinarians and is regularly reviewed and updated as the profession advances. Autonomous medicine means veterinarians have the freedom to practice within a broader framework. Our area medical directors and hospital veterinarians are trusted to determine the diagnostic and care protocols, build treatment plans and select medications based on what is right for their individual patients, and keeping the overall health and wellness front and center.

For example, when a patient needs a surgical procedure, our doctors choose the anesthetics and analgesics best for that specific patient. I know when I have a post-op, I have a specific NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that tends to work best, depending on the pet’s issue and owner compliance. The ability to have that flexibility empowers satisfaction and confidence.

Q. How does the ability to practice autonomous medicine impact your role?

Practicing autonomous medicine allows me to utilize the most up-to-date treatment options from continuing education courses, as we deem appropriate. We are free to use our expert judgement and experience to practice medicine our way – and this enables our team to build their own processes.

It provides us with ownership of our medical practice and enables each of us to use the full scope of our expertise, knowledge, and skills, with the understanding that all major medical decisions are looked at from a medical perspective and we have the support of field medical leadership.

One example of this autonomy and support is our online ordering system. We’re allowed to make requests for medications that are not currently stocked, and we have the option to add those medications for ALL hospitals going forward.

It’s autonomous, not autopilot! I find it makes practicing medicine more fun. When you’re not locked into one rigid protocol, you can be more collaborative with your peers and you’re free to teach your team new ways of looking at problems and solutions. It also keeps you curious and motivated because you know you’ll be able to apply new knowledge and techniques in your day-to-day practice, versus only having one way to do things. We’re also able to come up with more individualized care plans that are not dictated by a formulary or protocol, and we can be flexible with aspects like route of administration, finances or other parts that need tailoring.

Q. How does Vetco Total Care’s autonomous medicine benefit pets?

We prioritize quality patient care and client communication, and everything else flows from that focus. The opportunity to speak with pet parents and build real relationships is wonderful. For example, fearful pets are supported through every part of the process. Vetco Total Care is making great strides to change the idea of 'corporate' medicine from a stigma to an indication of all the layers of support pets and pet parents will receive.

At Vetco Total Care, we’re committed to building a trusting relationship between doctors, pets and pet parents to find that right approach. That one-on-one time is as important to the standard of care veterinarians provide as the right diagnostics and medicine.