What is a Conflict of Interest under Regulation 1093?

A Conflict of Interest under Regulation 1093 is identified when personal interests clash with professional duties. This concept is crucial in veterinary practice because veterinarians are expected to prioritize their clients' and their pets' best interests. When a veterinarian’s personal interests, whether financial, social, or familial, interfere with their professional responsibilities or affect their clinical judgment, this creates a conflict of interest.

For instance, if a veterinarian were to provide preferential treatment or services to a friend, their professional judgment could be compromised, leading to subpar care for other clients. The regulation is designed to ensure that veterinarians maintain integrity and transparency in their professional relationships and decision-making processes.

In contrast, offering discounts for multiple pets or making referrals to other veterinarians may be ethically sound practices as long as they do not compromise veterinary judgment or service quality. Similarly, providing services to friends without compensation does not inherently create a conflict of interest unless it distracts or detracts from professional obligations.