Ethical question of the month — March 2017

For the past several decades, veterinary school admissions have been weighted towards academic performance and a subjective assessment of how applicants respond to interview questions. Several studies indicate that this system for assessing applicants does not accurately predict clinical competency in the final year rotation. Other research suggests that practicing veterinarians are at an increased risk of severe stress in the workplace manifested by a higher risk of suicide and other negative health outcomes. Should systems for assessing applicants for admission to the veterinary curriculum be subjected to more outcome-based scrutiny in terms of competency, job satisfaction, and personal health? Could changes in applicant screening procedures risk breaching the basic principles of justice or the rights and freedoms articulated in the Canadian constitution