As a retired physician and former head of a peidiatric residency program, I am very aware of the benefits of maximum supervised experience prior to entering practice. However, that experience must be obtained in a controlled environment to assure the safety of patients.

I do not see adequate controls as a part of this proposal, so I am opposed to this change.  I could be supportive only if the Board:

1. Requires owner consent for student performance of any task which ordinarily requires a license.

2. Sets standards for what tasks students may perform at each stage of their training based on their education and experience at that point

3. Sets standards to assure that the veterinarians under whose supervision they obtain their experience are of the highest caliber in terms of clinical competence and professional ethics.