How will technology impact veterinary practice?
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Anthony Roberts, director of leadership and innovation, said ViVet aims to help understand how the market is changing.
By 2040, experts predict that artificial intelligence will have reached human levels of intelligence. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and it could disrupt veterinary practice as we know it.
This was the message from RCVS leaders at BSAVA Congress this morning (5 April), as they launched a new initiative, ViVet, which aims to help the veterinary profession to engage with these challenges and opportunities.
ViVet comes from the latin, meaning 'it will thrive'. The project was inspired by the Vet Futures initiative, which highlighted concerns that the veterinary profession could be left behind if it does not engage with innovation.
Some of the technology now being seen includes telehealth, low cost real-time genomic sequencing, big data, AI and wearables and implantables such as microchips and collars that can measure temperature. Already, veterinary surgeons are being given more data about patients in the form of photographs and videos from clients.
Such technology has the potential to improve animal health and welfare and broaden the service that vets can offer, the college said.
Anthony Roberts, director of leadership and innovation, said ViVet aims to help understand how the market is changing; enable veterinary solutions for the benefit of animal health and welfare; foster innovation; encourage innovators to consider the veterinary profession and help with navigating the regulations.
For more information, see vivet.org.uk
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
