Letter to dvm360: Why shouldnt veterinarians make a decent living?

I would like to comment on the subject of low-cost veterinary care addressed in numerous articles, especially the latest concerning the high-volume clinic in Missouri. Having been both a practice owner and an associate in middle-class to low-income areas, I have seen that it is possible to ask fair prices and keep clients.

But my main question to all the recent conversations is this: What's wrong with a veterinarian making a living?  My plumber has a nice house; why can't I? That being said, I still need to make a profit to pay my mortgage!

In the 29 years of my career as a veterinarian, the same money issues continue-of criticizing our desire to make a profit, long hours of work to do so and unequal pay for women. As I look to retirement, I see no changes from when I graduated-good luck, future veterinarians!

Susanne Felser, VMD

Taos, New Mexico