THE ESSENCE OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICING IN THE VETERINARY WORLD

In conversation with Dr. Makarand Chavan, Secretary, Pet Practitioners, Association of Mumbai (PPAM), General Secretary, Federation of Small Animals Practitioners Association of India (FSAPAI), WSAVA Representative, India (World Small Veterinary Association), we delve into the advancements in the veterinary sector, continuous learning in small animal practicing, mixed vet culture, and lessons for Pet Companies.

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SINCE HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICING NOW?

I have been practicing for twenty four years and I run a clinic in Shivaji park in Central Mumbai in a Place called Dadar. Along with me, we have four more vets and we have a clinic with an Ophthalmology and surgical facility.

HOW HAS THE VETERINARY CARE SERVICE EVOLVED IN INDIA OVER TIME?

20 years back, most of the clinics were single vet clinics. Some clinics were run in a small garage, some clinics were run in households, and some clinics were in commercial premise, where most of the clinics are now shifted. In old times, vet clinics were not full time. Vets were doing other jobs with evening hours or morning hours or both. At that time, there were very few vets who were doing fulltime practice. They were also doing visiting practice in the middle period, working by appointments and, working by walk-ins as well. This has changed now. The paradigm has shifted over the last 20 years. We have most of the leading practices that are multi vet practices. We have in house facilities. Many of the clinics have diagnostic ultra sound, X ray, and a lot have the state of the art surgical suite. In old times, we used to refer to only the Veterinary Hospital or Mumbai Veterinary College, but now we have that facility. At the same time, we have a lot of super specialty clinics available, consisting of those who have travelled across the globe to learn and are now getting their referral practice as well. It is a big change and it is good for the pets.

HOW HAS YOUR CONTINUOUS INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION PROGRAM CONTRIBUTED IN UP SKILLING YOUR VETERINARIANS SPECIALLY IN SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE?