Veterinary medicine: A Profession in Crisis? 05 October 2024

We invite you to join the EUTOPIA Section of the Slovenian Veterinary Congress for a lecture and roundtable discussion organised by the EUTOPIA Connected Community on "Veganism vs. Animal Protein Consumption".
 
WHEN & WHERE
The event will take place on 5th October at 1:30 PM in Portorož at GH Bernardin, Europa Hall, Section D., Ljubljana. You can attend in person for free, or join the event via Zoom.
 
REGISTRATION
More information and registration (until 29 September 2024). The persons who have registered for the Slovenian Veterinary Congress do not need to register further.
 

The event will help to identify some critical perspectives on the work and life of veterinarians. Various aspects of sustainable animal protein production and the care of domestic animals are becoming increasingly prominent in societal debates and activities. Unfortunately, there is a strong polarisation of opinion, particularly regarding animal protein production for human consumption. Simultaneously, some animals have attained the status of family members, requiring humane treatment at all levels of their care. There have also been demands to eliminate the moral and legal distinctions between human and non-human animals. These circumstances lead to conflict, as some individuals or groups aggressively defend their positions and values.

Veterinarians are placed at the centre of this conflict. Our work must be based on high ethical and professional standards that support and preserve both human and animal health. However, we often need to be adequately prepared to engage in debates about the status of animals in society, which leads to ethical and moral dilemmas and social stigma.
 
In addition, the profession faces insufficient socio-economic status, work-life imbalance, and physical and psychological risks, all of which create conditions that contribute to a high incidence of depression, alcoholism, unstable family situations, and suicidality. For these reasons, we also observe a significant brain drain, with many students and veterinarians discontinuing their studies or leaving the profession.
 
We have, therefore, made it our mission to better prepare future veterinarians for these pressing societal challenges.


 
Programme:

• Modest Vengušt (Head of the EUTOPIA Learning Community): Veterinarians: A profession of ethics, sustainability and well-being for humans and animals.
• Federica Timeto: Contextualizing Veganism as Politics from a Feminist Perspective
• Dennis Demedts: Angels of Mercy: Navigating Pet Euthanasia and the Emotional Journey for Owners and Veterinarians

 We will close the session with a panel discussion.