Am I overreacting?

[expat2008]

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Hi all
I'm a first year vet student and myself and a couple of other students have a concern about something, and I'm just looking for some input as to whether we're overreacting, or if our concern is legitimate.

Some of our classmates have been taking pictures during anatomy labs of various dissections, and we are concerned because many of these pictures are showing up on Facebook, which as I'm sure you guys know, is a relatively public forum. Some of these pictures are very graphic, and for lack of a better description, "aesthetically unpleasing" and we are concerned both that it is disrespectful to the animal and the animal's previous owners (in the case of donated animals), and also doesn't give a good image of the profession and might get our college into trouble. I'm not so much worried about the pictures of random body organs (though those are on Facebook, too), but more about ones showing the entire animal, in a state of dismemberment.

I just feel that it is very unprofessional to have those pictures somewhere that members of the public could potentially access them. Even if the facebook profiles are set to private (which I'm not sure if they are), we all know that pictures, once they are out there in cyberland, can end up in the wrong hands.

I was thinking about just sending an e-mail to student services at the vet school just making them aware of the issue, and potentially asking if they could send a general memo out just saying they are aware of it and reminding us to act in a professional way. I certainly don't want to "tattle-tale" on anyone or single anyone out. But before I send the e-mail, I'd just like some opinions on whether I'm just overreacting, and this is something that just happens, or whether my concerns are justified.

Thanks in advance!

B.

 

[foxvet]

Yes you are overreacting. Don't you have studying to do? Not everybody has a facebook account, and if they did they can only see your pictures if they have access to your account. Done.

 

[dvm'08]

Hi all
I'm a first year vet student and myself and a couple of other students have a concern about something, and I'm just looking for some input as to whether we're overreacting, or if our concern is legitimate.

Some of our classmates have been taking pictures during anatomy labs of various dissections, and we are concerned because many of these pictures are showing up on Facebook, which as I'm sure you guys know, is a relatively public forum. Some of these pictures are very graphic, and for lack of a better description, "aesthetically unpleasing" and we are concerned both that it is disrespectful to the animal and the animal's previous owners (in the case of donated animals), and also doesn't give a good image of the profession and might get our college into trouble. I'm not so much worried about the pictures of random body organs (though those are on Facebook, too), but more about ones showing the entire animal, in a state of dismemberment.

I just feel that it is very unprofessional to have those pictures somewhere that members of the public could potentially access them. Even if the facebook profiles are set to private (which I'm not sure if they are), we all know that pictures, once they are out there in cyberland, can end up in the wrong hands.

I was thinking about just sending an e-mail to student services at the vet school just making them aware of the issue, and potentially asking if they could send a general memo out just saying they are aware of it and reminding us to act in a professional way. I certainly don't want to "tattle-tale" on anyone or single anyone out. But before I send the e-mail, I'd just like some opinions on whether I'm just overreacting, and this is something that just happens, or whether my concerns are justified.

Thanks in advance!

B.

Are you just looking for something to bitch about? Yes - you're way overreacting.

 

[cyrille104]

I don't know if you go to Penn, but it's been happening here too. It's not a big deal, don't worry about it. Only your friends can see your profile anyway.

 

[koda7]

You are indeed overreacting

 

[catlover]

I think it's disrespectful to the animals and potentially bad for the school. We were told that we couldn't take pictures of our cadavers. I believe they said this was because they had had problems in the past with outsiders getting pictures and raising a stink about the animal use.

 

[pressmom]

I think it's disrespectful to the animals and potentially bad for the school. We were told that we couldn't take pictures of our cadavers. I believe they said this was because they had had problems in the past with outsiders getting pictures and raising a stink about the animal use.

Agreed. I think it is disrespectful and once things are out in cyber-land, they're out.

To the other posters:
Quit being so harsh on the OP.

 

[wivet2011]

We were told the same thing...no taking pictures because they could end up in the wrong hands and cause big trouble for the school. If they need pictures to study from, they should use Minnesota's website which was done in a professional and clearly educational manner.

 

[foxvet]

I think it's disrespectful to the animals and potentially bad for the school. We were told that we couldn't take pictures of our cadavers. I believe they said this was because they had had problems in the past with outsiders getting pictures and raising a stink about the animal use.

I think the problem here is that people are too worried about things that they obviously don't know enough about instead of focusing their time and energy on becoming good veterinarians. The animals used as cadavers are from pounds or more likely purpose bred...They are not from your old next door neighbor Ruth, on facebook, who gave her dead dog for you to study (in regard to your anatomy 101 course). You are the one raising a stink about animal use. Move on.

 

[StealthDog]

Public perception is the reason that schools have to use purpose-bred animals instead of shelter dogs for terminal surgeries... clearly what the public thinks of vet med education matters.

Facebook is not as sheltered as you think, and I agree that disrespectful photos could easily reflect poorly on the school.

 

[wivet2011]

I think the problem here is that people are too worried about things that they obviously don't know enough about instead of focusing their time and energy on becoming good veterinarians. The animals used as cadavers are from pounds or more likely purpose bred...They are not from your old next door neighbor Ruth, on facebook, who gave her dead dog for you to study (in regard to your anatomy 101 course). You are the one raising a stink about animal use. Move on.

Just because the animal may have been from a shelter or purpose bred DOES NOT mean that they shouldn't be treated with respect.

 

[foxvet]

I believe it is quite respectful if they are posting them online as a study aid.

 

[expat2008]

I appreciate everyone's opinions. Let me clarify that these pictures are NOT being posted online as a study aid, and there's no way they could be interpreted as such, as most of the pictures do not even show particular organs etc. It's more of a "look what we did!/gross out your non-vet friends" thing. I have no problem with people taking pictures for educational purposes. I should have been more clear about that in my original post. That being said, I asked my question in order to get feedback, and certainly did not expect everyone to agree with me. I did, however, expect that since we will all be colleagues in a few short years, I would be treated with respect. To those of you who were less than respectful, I certainly hope that when your colleagues ask for your advice in the future, you are less judgemental and insulting. I'm touched by your concern for my study habits and career choice, thanks. One could argue that spending time thinking about ethical issues and professional conduct will make me a better veterinarian, but what do I know?

To those of you who were helpful, thank you. I do think it's unprofessional to put pictures like that on a site for non-educational purposes, and worry about them getting into the hands of the wrong people. And despite what some posters have said, not all people have private accounts on facebook that can only be viewed by their friends. I think I will probably take my concerns to our student services rep and ask for her advice; if she doesn't think it's a big deal or anything should be done about it then that's fine.

 

[alliecat44]

I believe it is quite respectful if they are posting them online as a study aid.

foxvet, that's not what either you OR the OP was referring to.

Give expat2008 a break--I think this is a valid issue. Yes, public perception of the veterinary profession matters! A great political reason not to spread the pics around on public websites--and a big reason why so many vet schools have password-protected internal websites for student use.

Wherever the animal "comes from", it should have some amount of dignity in death. The OP is, if anything, showing the concern and respect for animals that we ALL should have as future veterinarians. Done.

 

[foxvet]

"Dignity in death"? It's an animal. Stop being such a bleed heart. You are acting as though animals should be treated at the same caliber as humans.

 

[alliecat44]

"Dignity in death"? It's an animal. Stop being such a bleed heart. You are acting as though animals should be treated at the same caliber as humans.

Wow, being hyper-sensitive and name-calling. Perhaps you should've been an MD instead!

I believe the phrase I used was, "some amount of dignity in death." Keep in mind that some schools hold a candlelight ceremony for their cadavers at the end of the semester--why don't you call them up and criticize them for ridiculously overvaluing animals?

Glad I'll be my own pets' veterinarian and you won't be. A "bleeding heart" for not approving of a professional student's posting graphic pictures for gratuitous reasons on a public website--sheesh.

Maybe you're one of the guys who likes to run around the room holding some random body part and trying to scare the girls with it.

Actually, I could see that....

 

[foxvet]

"not approving of a professional student's posting graphic pictures for gratuitous reasons on a public website"

Do you really care that much?

PS: It's not name calling it's the truth...unlike your childish and false accusations. If I could give a middle finger icon I would. If that offends you as well get over it. That's life.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Naughty foxvet! You're making me look like a wicked bad Big who taught her little mean words. No posting after going downtown! NO MORE! Jiminy crickets.

But, I have to agree. You are overreacting. This is an animal, not a human. Actually, it is not even an animal, not anymore - aren't we all taught to disassociate ourselves from the cadaver so we can "tough it out" and not be overcome while we dissect?

There is no dignity in any death, period. Because what is left is just a body. A material. Carbon and other molecules. In our case, this material happens to be a study aid.

People jumping rope with the intestines during lab? Yes, I would draw the line at that. But posting pictures of things you think are, neat, funny, impressive, and maybe just to get a squeal out of a friend? I don't see anything wrong with that. At least it shows interest.

Maybe you're one of the guys who likes to run around the room holding some random body part and trying to scare the girls with it.

Actually, I could see that....

Teehee...sorry...I could not resist...but I can totally see that too....sorry hah!

 

[alliecat44]

"not approving of a professional student's posting graphic pictures for gratuitous reasons on a public website"

Do you really care that much?

PS: It's not name calling it's the truth...unlike your childish and false accusations. If I could give a middle finger icon I would. If that offends you as well get over it. That's life.

It just surprises me that YOU are so offended by someone finding this inappropriate that you have to actually attack and insult the OP. Amazing!

Um, and as far as the middle finger goes--true professionalism. Wow.

Over and out...waste of my time.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

I mean, does this site offend you?

http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Those poor cats. People making fun of unsolicited pictures of them and posting them on a public domain, taking away their dignity....and they are still alive, so wouldn't it be worse ? 😉 Calm down. Life is too short to get so worked up over stuff like this.

 

[dvm'08]

If I could give a middle finger icon I would.

hahahahahahaahahahaha

i love this. lmao.

 

[Hollycozza]

We were always allowed to take photos in anatomy for our own study use, but explicitly told NOT to post such photos on the internet, lest it should result in the vet school not being able to get cadavers any more / offend the public / generally cause ruckus. I think this is a very valid issue and was surprised at some of the aggressive responses the OP received!!!!! 😕

 

[norky]

I do not think that you are overreacting. At my school we are prohibited from placing pictures of cadavers anywhere that the public may see them, including our yearbooks. We as vet students understand why these animals are being used, but the general public does not. It doesn't matter if the animal being used was purpose bred or someone's pet from the hospital, this saddens the public. Most do not understand that these animals are a very important part of our learning and are essential for us to save lives in the future. Also, in the past vet colleges have been under much scrutiny by animal rights groups, these pictures give them fire power because they can be misinterpreted.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

So wait....by this logic...

Should all of the online dissection help posted by schools be deleted because it is public domain? Minnestoa's carnivore dissection guide (http://vanat.cvm.umn.edu/carnLabs/) , all the stuff on Calnet? I mean, anyone can access those, right?

Should all books with pictures of dissected animals be stopped because they are available to the public and may fall into the wrong hands, people who may exploit the pictures?

You may say all right, these were posted for academic reasons, the OP is talking about people posting is for the "cool" or "wow" or "gross" factor - But it seems the reason the OP is upset is not simply because of the "reason" the pictures are being posted, but of the very fact that they are "posted in a public domain" and may "fall into the wrong hands." I can understand rolling your eyes at some people's reasons, but getting all upright because the public can have access to these pictures....that's a bit much.

Also, in the past vet colleges have been under much scrutiny by animal rights groups, these pictures give them fire power because they can be misinterpreted.

Lord. I am so sick of animal rights groups. In all honesty, I think we need to stop catering to them.

 

[norky]

The difference between posting on Facebook and having cadaver pictures on a University website or textbook is the target audience. Facebook = general public and textbooks + university websites = professionals and students. Our business relies on how we are perceived by the public and posting pictures of cadavers on non-academic sites appears unprofessional and disrespectful.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Facebook isn't really the general public. JQP cannot just access your profile and all your pictures (like myspace, etc). Only people you know who have requesting to view your profile (i.e. your "friends") can. Maybe a small difference, but still. Posting on an academic website isn't the same as FB which isn't the same as posting on a random webpage that everyone could see. There are degrees of everything, it is just my opinion that Facebook posting hasn't "crossed that line" yet. But, everyone is entitled to their own view.

 

[pathognomonic]

"Dignity in death"? It's an animal. Stop being such a bleed heart. You are acting as though animals should be treated at the same caliber as humans.

I am, quite frankly, shocked. I thought that today's veterinary students were if anything too soft, too sensitive, but this disrespectful, insensitivity far outstrips anything my classmates or I (DVM 2000) would ever say.

I was raised on a farm, have served in the military, practiced medicine for over seven years and wouldn't be called a "bleeding heart" by anyone, but was completely blind-sided by this one.

As a veterinarian you take on a responsibility to your patients (and yes, your cadaver is your first patient). Your responsibility is to care for them to the best of your ability, the SAME responsibility a physician has to a human patient. Placing "humorous" pictures on Facebook is not part of that responsibility - that is simply unprofessional. I can assure you, many pet owners (myself included) would go far out of their way to avoid a veterinarian that thinks it's "just an animal".

I am glad to say that I don't think this represents the future of veterinary medicine. I just came back from the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando and the students I met there were scary smart, compassionate and professional.

Just wanted to add - one of the most seroius problems facing veterinarians today is poor compensation (especially in light of increasing student debt load). How can we as veterinarians expect to be paid as professionals if we don't act like professionals?

Yours,
- a seriously concerned veterinarian

 

[lurker1]

I think it's funny that residents/clinicians are posting in this thread about the ethics of putting anatomy pictures on facebook. Maybe you should focus more on the ethics of sleeping with 4th year students and other residents and doctors. Because you guys are worse than gray's anatomy.

 

[chris03333]

I think the problem here is that people are too worried about things that they obviously don't know enough about instead of focusing their time and energy on becoming good veterinarians. The animals used as cadavers are from pounds or more likely purpose bred...They are not from your old next door neighbor Ruth, on facebook, who gave her dead dog for you to study (in regard to your anatomy 101 course). You are the one raising a stink about animal use. Move on.

All of the dogs at Western are willed body donated from their owners.

 

[dvm'08]

I think it's funny that residents/clinicians are posting in this thread about the ethics of putting anatomy pictures on facebook. Maybe you should focus more on the ethics of sleeping with 4th year students and other residents and doctors. Because you guys are worse than gray's anatomy.

crawl back under your bridge.

 

[chris03333]

I think it's funny that residents/clinicians are posting in this thread about the ethics of putting anatomy pictures on facebook. Maybe you should focus more on the ethics of sleeping with 4th year students and other residents and doctors. Because you guys are worse than gray's anatomy.

Excuse me where the hell did this come from???

Troll😡

 

[lurker1]

Excuse me where the hell did this come from???

Troll😡

I see one guilty party here

 

[sofficat]

No, you are NOT overreacting. I think that what the students are doing (by putting those pics on facebook) is putting the school in a terrible position. I would report it (yea yea call me square). We are NOT allowed to take pictures in anatomy. Wait until PITA gets a hold of those... seriously. My school had a terrible time a few years back with a pita member who snuck a camera into our vet school. Plus, it's immature.

 

[dvm'08]

No, you are NOT overreacting. I think that what the students are doing (by putting those pics on facebook) is putting the school in a terrible position. I would report it (yea yea call me square). We are NOT allowed to take pictures in anatomy. Wait until PITA gets a hold of those... seriously. My school had a terrible time a few years back with a pita member who snuck a camera into our vet school. Plus, it's immature.

its PETA... with an "E"...

Honestly - posting a few pictures of anatomy, surgery labs, medical labs etc. on facebook isn't that big a deal. the only people that really seem to care are hypersensitive vet students that apparently congregate on SDN. go figure....

I think everybody needs to get over it.

 

[expat2008]

I had no idea that my posting this question would get so out of hand. I am quite shocked by the unprofessional and rude responses by some of you who are supposedly my colleagues. Like I said in my post above, being professional and respectful is incredibly important for members of this profession, and given that this is ultimately a public service profession, we do need to make sure to not jeopardize the trust and respect that we get from the public. There is obviously a huge difference between taking pictures for study tools, and posting them on a PUBLIC forum (which Facebook certainly is, despite what some of you claim) for amusement/shock value. I don't expect everyone to have the same opinion as I do, but I'm shocked by the lack of professionalism that a few posters have shown in this thread, and as a previous poster mentioned, I'm very happy to know that most of the vet students I know are actually very intelligent, respectful, and professional individuals, otherwise I would be very disheartened.

That being said, I would appreciate if this thread could be closed. Thank you everyone for your opinions.

 

[Slothbear]

Americans are such "cutetarians." We'll eat our juicy bacon cheeseburgers from purpose bred cows and pigs, but God forbid we breed dogs for teaching/research purposes. Of course, owner or shelter-donated is better, but the upset public should get a little perspective.

But given that they don't have much sense or perspective, I think it would be a good idea to be careful with the pix. I think it is fine to post some tasteful ones depicting what it is generally like in the lab, but if the cadavers are getting dressed up in tutus and party hats, that might not be such a good thing.

 

[dyachei]

I had no idea that my posting this question would get so out of hand. I am quite shocked by the unprofessional and rude responses by some of you who are supposedly my colleagues. Like I said in my post above, being professional and respectful is incredibly important for members of this profession, and given that this is ultimately a public service profession, we do need to make sure to not jeopardize the trust and respect that we get from the public. There is obviously a huge difference between taking pictures for study tools, and posting them on a PUBLIC forum (which Facebook certainly is, despite what some of you claim) for amusement/shock value. I don't expect everyone to have the same opinion as I do, but I'm shocked by the lack of professionalism that a few posters have shown in this thread, and as a previous poster mentioned, I'm very happy to know that most of the vet students I know are actually very intelligent, respectful, and professional individuals, otherwise I would be very disheartened.

That being said, I would appreciate if this thread could be closed. Thank you everyone for your opinions.

It seems like although you have stated that you want other opinions, by asking that this thread be closed within a day of starting it, that you've had enough.

In my opinion, it's disrespectful, but you're also overreacting. Not saying people shouldn't do it, just that it shouldn't be a school rule. Some might even consider it art (Body Worlds anyone?) or something. How is it different than posting cool pathology pictures on the web? I personally wouldn't want to do this, but I can understand if someone did. And lets face it, when you give your animal to science, you should understand to some degree that you no longer have control over what happens to your animal.

 

[sofficat]

its PETA... with an "E"...

.

HAHA!! I knew when I typed it there was something wrong.... sorry- I had one minute before class started to share my 2 cents... thanks for correcting me!😀

 

[ri23]

Where on earth did all of these new posters come from?

I don't think it is an overreaction, but probably because taking pictures in lab is an honor code violation at my school. This is because things like that can get a school in trouble with ridiculous organizations like PETA. It is probably best if it is not done.

 

[ri23]

I mean, does this site offend you?

http://icanhascheezburger.com/

Those poor cats. People making fun of unsolicited pictures of them and posting them on a public domain, taking away their dignity....and they are still alive, so wouldn't it be worse ? 😉 Calm down. Life is too short to get so worked up over stuff like this.

That's a ridiculous comparison. The reason this would be unprofessional is because what we don't need is organizations like PETA attacking the use of cadavers. We just recently had the discussion about how ridiculous it is that some schools have to use purpose bred animals as opposed to euthanized shelter animals - these types of situations lead to that.

 

[AuburnPreVet]

I'll admit to having not read the other replies...

My 2 cents:

Report it, and let your school decide if you overreacted or not.
Personally, I don't think you are overreacting -- and I'd report one of my classmates in a heartbeat... and contrary to what you may be thinking, I'm not a nerotic/front-row sitting gunner.

If your school allows photo taking (ours def doesn't allow it) that's fine -- but posting them online is insane.

 

[ri23]

So after actually reading through the entire thread - I've come to the conclusion that I'm really glad I don't go to VA/MD; it sounds like you guys have a really supportive class/school if you are resorting to insulting each other on this forum 🙄

 

[expat2008]

It seems like although you have stated that you want other opinions, by asking that this thread be closed within a day of starting it, that you've had enough.

I have no issue with people giving their opinions, however much they may differ from mine. That is why I asked the question. The reason I asked the thread be closed is because I think some people are getting a little carried away with rude/insulting posts, and that is neither the least bit necessary or productive.

 

[ri23]

I have no issue with people giving their opinions, however much they may differ from mine. That is why I asked the question. The reason I asked the thread be closed is because I think some people are getting a little carried away with rude/insulting posts, and that is neither the least bit necessary or productive.

I am quite surprised that you got so many unprofessional responses as your original post was very professional in asking for an honest opinion. I'm especially surprised by some of the early negative responses from established members.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

That's a ridiculous comparison

I was trying to make a little joke to diffuse the situation. But I suppose It was taken the wrong way.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm really glad I don't go to VA/MD; it sounds like you guys have a really supportive class/school if you are resorting to insulting each other on this forum

Way to base you opinion of an entire school on foxvet....who barely even posts here as it is, and makes outlandish statements...🙄 That's akin saying I'm glad I'm not Egyptian because King Tut makes stupid posts. Even if you count me, that means you've encountered 0.0056% of the school. Not exactly enough to make a statement like that. And I think I stated my opinion here clearly without insulting anymore. Please refrain from insulting my school unless you know the majority of students and have actually been here. THAT is just as much as an "unprofessional" personal attack as some of the other things that have been said here.

 

[ri23]

Yes you are overreacting. Don't you have studying to do? Not everybody has a facebook account, and if they did they can only see your pictures if they have access to your account. Done.

You are indeed overreacting...Are you going to bitch about everything as a veterinarian? If little things such as this are bothering you maybe you should consider a different career. As foxvet would say "done!"

I think the problem here is that people are too worried about things that they obviously don't know enough about instead of focusing their time and energy on becoming good veterinarians. The animals used as cadavers are from pounds or more likely purpose bred...They are not from your old next door neighbor Ruth, on facebook, who gave her dead dog for you to study (in regard to your anatomy 101 course). You are the one raising a stink about animal use. Move on.

"Dignity in death"? It's an animal. Stop being such a bleed heart. You are acting as though animals should be treated at the same caliber as humans.

"not approving of a professional student's posting graphic pictures for gratuitous reasons on a public website"

Do you really care that much?

PS: It's not name calling it's the truth...unlike your childish and false accusations. If I could give a middle finger icon I would. If that offends you as well get over it. That's life.

That's a ridiculous comparison

I was trying to make a little joke to diffuse the situation. But I suppose It was taken the wrong way.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm really glad I don't go to VA/MD; it sounds like you guys have a really supportive class/school if you are resorting to insulting each other on this forum

Way to base you opinion of an entire school on foxvet....who barely even posts here as it is, and makes outlandish statements...🙄 That's akin saying I'm glad I'm not Egyptian because King Tut makes stupid posts. Even if you count me, that means you've encountered 0.0056% of the school. Not exactly enough to make a statement like that. And I think I stated my opinion here clearly without insulting anymore. Please refrain from insulting my school unless you know the majority of students and have actually been here. THAT is just as much as an "unprofessional" personal attack as some of the other things that have been said here.

I don't think anyone in our class would post comments like that to a colleague, especially someone you personally know. Both foxvet and koda7 were pretty harsh to the OP. Maybe they are the only rude people in that class, but still there comments were inappropriate and it really only takes a few people like to make four years of class unpleasant. This forum is a great place to ask questions, get advice and to get an idea of what schools are like. Those students/posters are representing their school and people will draw opinions from that, whether they be prospective students, vet students, or veterinarians.

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

Both foxvet and koda7 were pretty harsh to the OP. Maybe they are the only rude people in that class. I don't think anyone in our class would post comments like that to a colleague, especially someone you personally know

I am not sure what you meant by posting comments to someone you "personally know" - because I don't know where expat goes. We can't take pictures of animals in our labs, so I doubt he goes here.

Look, I am as embarrassed as people are offended. I am even more embarrassed because I know one of these flaming imbeciles. But that still doesn't give people the right to start bashing my school because of a few stupid, inflammatory posts. If ya'all want me to beat them round the head, I shall. In fact the next time I see fox, I intend to give him a piece of my mind....anyhow, back on topic. I will say, again...don't make assumptions about a school from two idiots who post crap on boards.

I know for a fact that no one in my class, or the classes above me, would say things like that. But fox and koda are both first years. Our first years, this year, are unfortunately a bit "off" as a whole (and I can say that because I know a lot of them). Hopefully the 2012 group will be more "as usual".

 

[julieDVM]

i think it entirely depends on what the nature of the picture is. I think it's generally accepted that cadaver dissections are a part of vet school, so the argument that the public would see these photos and react poorly is somewhat inflated.

However - if people are doing inappropriate things, or the dogs/cats/horses etc are identifiable in the picture, rather than just seeing a partial dissection of, say, a hind quarter, then these pictures should not be publicly viewable - for the same reason you cannot publish pictures of patients without explicit client consent.

 

[cyrille104]

Hmm...I was kind of wondering, do you guys who agree with the OP think it's worse to put pictures on facebook with dogs cats and horses than with the chicken and fish we dissect?

 

[foxvet]

I am, quite frankly, shocked. I thought that today's veterinary students were if anything too soft, too sensitive, but this disrespectful, insensitivity far outstrips anything my classmates or I (DVM 2000) would ever say.

I was raised on a farm, have served in the military, practiced medicine for over seven years and wouldn't be called a "bleeding heart" by anyone, but was completely blind-sided by this one.

As a veterinarian you take on a responsibility to your patients (and yes, your cadaver is your first patient). Your responsibility is to care for them to the best of your ability, the SAME responsibility a physician has to a human patient. Placing "humorous" pictures on Facebook is not part of that responsibility - that is simply unprofessional. I can assure you, many pet owners (myself included) would go far out of their way to avoid a veterinarian that thinks it's "just an animal".

I am glad to say that I don't think this represents the future of veterinary medicine. I just came back from the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando and the students I met there were scary smart, compassionate and professional.


Just wanted to add - one of the most seroius problems facing veterinarians today is poor compensation (especially in light of increasing student debt load). How can we as veterinarians expect to be paid as professionals if we don't act like professionals?

Yours,
- a seriously concerned veterinarian

Your comments regarding my statement are well justified. My response was
written in haste and the wording was clearly out of line. Lesson learned. My apologies.