Vetnews | Augustus 2025 40 « BACK TO CONTENTS Every day in veterinary practice tests our resilience, our knowledge, and our compassion. As South African vets, we navigate a demanding landscape of complex cases, emotional client interactions, and the relentless pursuit of animal welfare. What’s increasingly clear, however, is the evolving face of our profession, with a growing number of women stepping into leadership roles, practice ownership, and every facet of veterinary care. While the core principles of our profession remain steadfast, the journey for women in practice sometimes comes with its own distinct set of challenges. This month, as we reflect on “Women in Practice,” it’s timely to consider how the SAVC Code of Conduct addresses the unique experiences of female veterinarians. Although the ethical and professional standards set out by the SAVC apply equally to all registered veterinarians, regardless of gender, certain situations can manifest differently or affect women differently. Understanding these nuances helps to create greater awareness, empathy, and resilience within our entire profession. Understanding the SAVC Code of Conduct The SAVC Code of Conduct is designed to serve as our compass, guiding the decisions and actions we take. It outlines our fundamental responsibilities: to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, to prioritise animal welfare, to act with integrity and honesty, and to provide competent, compassionate care to our patients and their owners. These principles are non-negotiable. The Code demands that we maintain professional boundaries, avoid conflicts of interest, ensure clear communication with clients, and respect our colleagues. The framework is also designed to protect the public, our patients, and the integrity of the veterinary profession itself. However, applying these universal principles in the daily realities of practice often means navigating complex human interactions and workplace dynamics. For female veterinarians and other female para-veterinary professionals, this often presents a unique set of considerations. Unique Challenges and Ethical Considerations for Women in Practice While all vets face hurdles, the experiences of women in practice often require additional challenges and considerations while upholding professional conduct. Client Interactions and Communication We have all encountered difficult or disrespectful clients. For women veterinarians, these interactions can, unfortunately, sometimes include subtle or overt gender bias, dismissiveness, or even outright harassment – perhaps a client questioning your diagnosis and asking to speak to “the male vet,” or making an inappropriate comment. Ethically and legally, we are obliged to maintain a professional demeanour, but knowing how to effectively de-escalate situations and set firm professional boundaries without compromising your safety or standing is crucial. It is also about ensuring your expert advice is heard and respected, particularly when discussing sensitive issues like financial constraints, prognosis, or euthanasia, where clients might, perhaps unconsciously, question a female vet’s authority. Documenting such incidents meticulously can be vital if formal action becomes necessary. Workplace Dynamics and Harassment The veterinary profession is not immune to workplace harassment, be it sexual, gender-based, or general bullying. The SAVC Code implicitly demands a respectful and professional working environment, and our labour laws explicitly protect against such behaviours. For women, recognising and addressing these issues promptly is not just a personal matter but an ethical obligation to maintain the integrity of the profession. This extends to navigating power dynamics, where unconscious bias might influence interactions with male colleagues, senior partners, or staff. Fostering a culture where open communication is encouraged and where support networks for reporting concerns are clear and accessible is essential for ethical leadership. Navigating Professional Conduct and Ethics: A Focus on the Unique Challenges Faced by Women in Veterinary Practice Trudie Prinsloo (Legalvet Services) This article is intended to provide information and educate veterinarians on relevant aspects of the law. It is not intended as personal legal advice. SAVA is not responsible or liable for any advice or other information provided herein.
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