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The advancement of veterinary science, the bicentenary symposium series. Volume 1: Veterinary medicine beyond 2000
ELSEVIER
PreventiveVetennaryMedicine19 (1994) 57-67
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
Book reviews
Advancement of Veterinary Science The Advancement of Veterinary Science, the Bicentenary Symposium Series. Volume 1: Veterinary Medicine Beyond 2000. A.R. Michell (Editor), C.A.B. International, Wallingford, UK, 1993, 288 pp., £ 35.00 (US$ 66.50), ISBN 0-85198-759-1. In celebration of the bicentenary of the Royal Veterinary College in 1991, veterinarians from all over the world gathered to present five commemorative symposia covering historical aspects, contemporary views, and future directions of veterinary medicine. This volume documents presentations to predict the future of veterinary medicine with sections on molecular medicine; pharmacology and therapeutics; information technology and quantitative approaches; agriculture, veterinary medicine and human welfare; and future opportunities and responsibilities. The authors represent a wide spectrum of the veterinary profession from leading research scientists in academia and industry to practising veterinary surgeons. For those, like the reviewer, with a passing knowledge of newer technologies this volume makes fascinating reading. Most sections are lucid to the non-specialist. Several contributors wisely balk at suggesting their predictions may prove accurate because many of the astounding advances in technology upon which current predictions are based were unthinkable as little as 25 years ago. However, of the already known technologies mentioned, many are already online, benefits can be seen already and their future value is more predictable.
1. Molecular medicine
The section on molecular medicine details many instances where biotechnology is likely to influence animal health and health care delivery in the near and distant future. Dr. Jarrett's papilloma virus studies illustrate the importance of epitope selection in vaccine production now that such selection is possible. Others, in equally fascinating briefs indicate that we have a way to go to understand the relationship between the main histocompatibility complex and disease and that newer knowledge of cytokines may allow specific intervention in inflammation and scarring. Readers seeking a brief overview of the present and likely im-
58
Book reviews /Preventtve Veterma~. Medtclne 19 (1994) 5 7-6 7
pact on animal husbandry of new methods of gene detection such as immunoblots and polymerase chain reaction will be rewarded.
2. Pharmacology and therapeutics Using the examples of NSAIDS and recombinant DNA, Lees offers an optimistic view of new pharmacologic developments in animal health. In contrast, Wishart provides a stiff reality check by pointing out that the animal health market can barely support the development of new drugs and must rely heavily on the human pharmaceutical industry for support.
3. Information technology and quantitative approaches The economic trade off between disease control and health maintenance costs and the need to establish economically optimal preventive programs using epidemiological disease modelling and a 'quantitative' approach to veterinary epidemiology is described by Thrusfield. The need for collaboration between multiple specialists and appropriate education in our schools is emphasized. For clinical problem solving, Grieve provides an interesting forward thinking approach to information exchange. Some aspects mentioned are already in place, e.g. remote ECG interpretation. However, the reviewer is uneasy about diagnostic assistance using computer software programs and long distance specialists, because the root of all diagnostics is an accurate history and a thorough physical examination by the 'practised eye and hand'.
4. Agriculture veterinary medicine and human welfare Johnston presents the role of the profession in providing a safe food supply; Aitken speculates on the possible consequences of climatic change on animal disease; while Blaxter gives a sobering theoretical estimation of the world's maximal sustainable human population.
5. Future opportunities and responsibilities The sections on the relationship between the veterinary profession and animal welfare groups provide a parochial UK-centred view on companion animal medicine that does not reflect the North American experience. However, the experiences are real and provide a lesson in public relations for the profession world wide. The section on magnetic resonance imaging is interesting, but in trying to explain the theoretical basis of the technique, the coverage is perhaps too brief to
Book revtews / Preventtve Vetermary Medwme 19 (1994) 57-67
59
be useful. The chapter on the future division of labor provides interesting speculation on future manpower requirements in the veterinary profession. This small book is brief and meaty enough to hold the reader's attention. It is recommended for those who want to know the direction various forces are likely to send our profession in the future, although the price at US$ 66.50 (£ 35.00) is quite high. DAVID F. SENIOR
SSDIO167-5877(93)OO314-U
Department of Vetertnary Chntcal Sctences School of Veterinary Medicine Loutstana State UntverstO' Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
The Advancement of Veterinary Science, the Bicentenary Symposium Series. Volume 2: Veterinary Education ~ The Future. A.R. Michell (Editor), C.A.B. International, Wallingford, UK, 1993, 236 pp., £ 35.00 (US$ 66.50), ISBN 0-85198-760-5. This book is a collection of 20 essays (chapters) attempting to present a 'world view' of veterinary education in or for the future. The authors range from wellknown and respected veterinary educators to more peripheral persons. Consequently, some of the authors exhibit a depth of appreciation for their topic while others lightly brush their task. The book is to be commended for attempting to bring the diversity of the challenges to veterinary education into one collection. This forces the readers to look beyond the problems of their corner of the world and to reflect on the similarities and dissimilarities elsewhere. Who might the readers be? Only veterinary education administrators, faculties involved in curricular change, and regulatory officials are likely to be interested. However, if any one of them is seeking 'new light' to guide decisions on change in veterinary education, then nothing new is to be found here. It does however, raise these questions: Is the current and future practice of veterinary medicine a profession or a vocation? Is the answer to this question the same in North America as it is in Europe, Africa, or in Asia?
1. Part one. The viewpoint from the UK
The five 'veterinary' viewpoints range from those of two Deans who understand the 'business' of veterinary education in the UK, through the views of a faculty member, a recent graduate, and a current student. A sixth, complementary, contrasting view of medical education in the U K is appended. Veterinary education must be prospective; looking forward to new opportunities for its graduates in areas outside of today's sphere of activities. It must abandon the produc-
PreventiveVetennaryMedicine19 (1994) 57-67
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
Book reviews
Advancement of Veterinary Science The Advancement of Veterinary Science, the Bicentenary Symposium Series. Volume 1: Veterinary Medicine Beyond 2000. A.R. Michell (Editor), C.A.B. International, Wallingford, UK, 1993, 288 pp., £ 35.00 (US$ 66.50), ISBN 0-85198-759-1. In celebration of the bicentenary of the Royal Veterinary College in 1991, veterinarians from all over the world gathered to present five commemorative symposia covering historical aspects, contemporary views, and future directions of veterinary medicine. This volume documents presentations to predict the future of veterinary medicine with sections on molecular medicine; pharmacology and therapeutics; information technology and quantitative approaches; agriculture, veterinary medicine and human welfare; and future opportunities and responsibilities. The authors represent a wide spectrum of the veterinary profession from leading research scientists in academia and industry to practising veterinary surgeons. For those, like the reviewer, with a passing knowledge of newer technologies this volume makes fascinating reading. Most sections are lucid to the non-specialist. Several contributors wisely balk at suggesting their predictions may prove accurate because many of the astounding advances in technology upon which current predictions are based were unthinkable as little as 25 years ago. However, of the already known technologies mentioned, many are already online, benefits can be seen already and their future value is more predictable.
1. Molecular medicine
The section on molecular medicine details many instances where biotechnology is likely to influence animal health and health care delivery in the near and distant future. Dr. Jarrett's papilloma virus studies illustrate the importance of epitope selection in vaccine production now that such selection is possible. Others, in equally fascinating briefs indicate that we have a way to go to understand the relationship between the main histocompatibility complex and disease and that newer knowledge of cytokines may allow specific intervention in inflammation and scarring. Readers seeking a brief overview of the present and likely im-
58
Book reviews /Preventtve Veterma~. Medtclne 19 (1994) 5 7-6 7
pact on animal husbandry of new methods of gene detection such as immunoblots and polymerase chain reaction will be rewarded.
2. Pharmacology and therapeutics Using the examples of NSAIDS and recombinant DNA, Lees offers an optimistic view of new pharmacologic developments in animal health. In contrast, Wishart provides a stiff reality check by pointing out that the animal health market can barely support the development of new drugs and must rely heavily on the human pharmaceutical industry for support.
3. Information technology and quantitative approaches The economic trade off between disease control and health maintenance costs and the need to establish economically optimal preventive programs using epidemiological disease modelling and a 'quantitative' approach to veterinary epidemiology is described by Thrusfield. The need for collaboration between multiple specialists and appropriate education in our schools is emphasized. For clinical problem solving, Grieve provides an interesting forward thinking approach to information exchange. Some aspects mentioned are already in place, e.g. remote ECG interpretation. However, the reviewer is uneasy about diagnostic assistance using computer software programs and long distance specialists, because the root of all diagnostics is an accurate history and a thorough physical examination by the 'practised eye and hand'.
4. Agriculture veterinary medicine and human welfare Johnston presents the role of the profession in providing a safe food supply; Aitken speculates on the possible consequences of climatic change on animal disease; while Blaxter gives a sobering theoretical estimation of the world's maximal sustainable human population.
5. Future opportunities and responsibilities The sections on the relationship between the veterinary profession and animal welfare groups provide a parochial UK-centred view on companion animal medicine that does not reflect the North American experience. However, the experiences are real and provide a lesson in public relations for the profession world wide. The section on magnetic resonance imaging is interesting, but in trying to explain the theoretical basis of the technique, the coverage is perhaps too brief to
Book revtews / Preventtve Vetermary Medwme 19 (1994) 57-67
59
be useful. The chapter on the future division of labor provides interesting speculation on future manpower requirements in the veterinary profession. This small book is brief and meaty enough to hold the reader's attention. It is recommended for those who want to know the direction various forces are likely to send our profession in the future, although the price at US$ 66.50 (£ 35.00) is quite high. DAVID F. SENIOR
SSDIO167-5877(93)OO314-U
Department of Vetertnary Chntcal Sctences School of Veterinary Medicine Loutstana State UntverstO' Baton Rouge, LA 70803 USA
The Advancement of Veterinary Science, the Bicentenary Symposium Series. Volume 2: Veterinary Education ~ The Future. A.R. Michell (Editor), C.A.B. International, Wallingford, UK, 1993, 236 pp., £ 35.00 (US$ 66.50), ISBN 0-85198-760-5. This book is a collection of 20 essays (chapters) attempting to present a 'world view' of veterinary education in or for the future. The authors range from wellknown and respected veterinary educators to more peripheral persons. Consequently, some of the authors exhibit a depth of appreciation for their topic while others lightly brush their task. The book is to be commended for attempting to bring the diversity of the challenges to veterinary education into one collection. This forces the readers to look beyond the problems of their corner of the world and to reflect on the similarities and dissimilarities elsewhere. Who might the readers be? Only veterinary education administrators, faculties involved in curricular change, and regulatory officials are likely to be interested. However, if any one of them is seeking 'new light' to guide decisions on change in veterinary education, then nothing new is to be found here. It does however, raise these questions: Is the current and future practice of veterinary medicine a profession or a vocation? Is the answer to this question the same in North America as it is in Europe, Africa, or in Asia?
1. Part one. The viewpoint from the UK
The five 'veterinary' viewpoints range from those of two Deans who understand the 'business' of veterinary education in the UK, through the views of a faculty member, a recent graduate, and a current student. A sixth, complementary, contrasting view of medical education in the U K is appended. Veterinary education must be prospective; looking forward to new opportunities for its graduates in areas outside of today's sphere of activities. It must abandon the produc-