The Irish Veterinary Journal into 2001

The veterinary profession in Ireland is in a state of flux as various influences mould and prepare it for the demands of the future. The Irish Veterinary Journal is taking this change as an opportunity to reassess its role.

The most tangible and momentous change to affect the veterinary profession has been the establishment of Veterinary Ireland. The Irish Veterinary Journal – originally the journal of the Irish Veterinary Association and the Irish Veterinary Union – is now the official publication of Veterinary Ireland.

This change has presented the Journal with an ideal opportunity to reevaluate, reassess and progress. As the profession has so convincingly supported the establishment of Veterinary Ireland, so the Journal must, in return, continue to provide the profession with a publication it demands and deserves. This is an opportunity the editorial board and the executive of Veterinary Ireland are intending to take up with enthusiasm and dedication.

The establishment of Veterinary Ireland has changed the structure of the profession’s representative profile. It is now a single, unified and more powerful body. The Irish Veterinary Journal is the primary information provider for the veterinary profession in Ireland. It is also a link between the profession and its new representative body and, as such, is in a unique position to not only inform of the new developments that are affecting the profession but also to allow a platform for the progressive and pro-active members of the profession to air their views and ideas.

The rate of change within the profession is impressive: a new Veterinary College is under construction; a dynamic and progressive new curriculum has been implemented; Continued Professional Development courses and seminars are increasing in both size and regularity; the list goes on. These changes reflect a profession that is embracing the future and is willing to tackle the challenges that such progression presents.

Change, by its very nature, produces uncertainty. There may be those, therefore, that may interpret these changes as negative. Certainly, the rate of change in recent months has increased and, as such, some in the profession may feel overwhelmed and even threatened by it.

By consistent and objective reporting of these changes, the Journal aims to provide all the information required to quell such fears and, indeed, to provide a solid information base from which veterinarians can find answers to their questions.

Similarly, we can provide information on the ever-changing dynamics from within the profession, the progressive movers and the trendsetters and from the educational establishments and government departments.

The structure of the Journal will continue to put the needs of the profession first – to reflect the growth in the companion animal sector, the need for up-to-date and relevant continuing education articles, the changes in rural practice and European developments to name but a few.

As the new structure of Veterinary Ireland demonstrates, the veterinary profession in Ireland has several distinct groups with their own needs and areas of expertise. These areas will be represented in the new organisation by the establishment of the five interest groups. The adequate representation of these interest groups is also a primary objective of the editorial board.

To further this aim, the structure of the publication both editorially and structurally, is to be reviewed. By implementing these changes, the Journal aspires to represent the true need of the profession.

This opportunity to react to the changes within the profession is not one that should be solely taken by the editorial board. The Journal is the voice of the profession and, as such, it should have input from those veterinary professionals in the field. Feedback is welcomed, indeed desired, by the editorial team so that we may succeed in providing the information that Irish vets now require