What is a veterinary technician exactly? A surgical nurse? A pharmacy tech? A critical care and medical nurse? A dental hygienist? Maybe a radiology technician? Or how about a medical laboratory technician? The answer is yes, yes and again yes. A well trained and accomplished veterinary technician performs so many varied tasks during the course of the day that the position becomes nearly incomprehensible. Most of you see them when you visit, performing such tasks as taking vital signs, doing wellness exams, administering vaccinations or supporting front office staff. But the myriad of tasks they perform during the course of the day is mind boggling. At the Brockton Animal Hospital we have, unquestionably, the brightest, the most committed and the most caring staff I have ever had the good fortune to work with during the course of nearly forty years in veterinary practice. They all have special talents and display a character of supporting each other that is refreshing. Whether their tenure here is one year or twenty, they each bring something unique to the table.

Last week was National Veterinary Technician Week, a special week that is set aside to honor these extraordinarily dedicated and talented caring individuals. This week it is “back to business” of veterinary care. Personally I would like to thank ALL of these extraordinary people who comprise the field of veterinary technology. Though you may not be the most glorified nor highly paid people who occupy an essential place in the medical field, you certainly are the most well rounded. I would like to implore every single pet owner to offer a special thank you to these most selfless individuals. Without you, the lives of our pet companions just wouldn’t be the same.