Finding and Vetting a Veterinary Source

Finding and Vetting a Veterinary Source

Finding a Veterinarian When You Need a Source

• Consider asking your local veterinarian.

• Ask for a referral.

• Go to your network.

• Veterinarians with an online presence may be more likely to be willing to speak to the media.

• Do a Google search for similar articles. Who is the source or author?

Finding a Veterinarian When You Need a Source

• Board certified veterinarians: http://www.avma.org/education/abvs/specialty_orgs/default.asp

• University hospitals: http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/colleges_accredited/colleges_accredited.asp

Vetting Your Chosen Veterinarian

• Do a Google search. Look for a bio and for previous online discussions.

• Check with state for licensure/disciplinary action. http://www.aavsb.org/DLR/

• Currently practicing? Retired?• Any publications? Where? Peer-reviewed?• Affiliations? (AVMA, local VMA, AAFP, AAHA,

etc.)• Speaking engagements?

Vetting Your Chosen Veterinarian

• Board certified? http://www.avma.org/education/abvs/specialty_orgs/default.asp

• Only boarded veterinarians should be referring to themselves as specialists, although other veterinarians may still be knowledgeable sources.

Reasons a Veterinarian May Not Welcome Media Attention

• Fear of negative publicity

• Fear of being misquoted/quoted out of context

• Lack of time

• Lack of confidence

• Lack of knowledge about subject matter for interview

Getting a Veterinarian to Agree to Become a Source

• Offer to do a phone interview or email interview and leave the choice up to your source.

• Offer to provide questions ahead of time, if possible.

• Be honest.• Be flexible. • Allow as much lead time as possible. Don’t

procrastinate.

My Information

Lorie Huston, DVM

• Phone: (401)921-6369

• Email: [email protected]

• www.pet-health-care-gazette.com