Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College

Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College
Several hands coming together, with an overlay of nodes and lines to signify the web of connections between people.
RCVM@OVC logo

Welcome!

Co-led by Drs. Jason Coe and Kat Sutherland at the University of Guelph, the RCVM@OVC research program is anchored in the relationships that are integral to veterinary medicine. This research program was founded from the VCA Canada Chair in Relationship-Centred Veterinary Medicine.

The goal of this research is to enhance these relationships to drive positive change among veterinary teams and the clients and animals they serve. 

  • RCVM team and 2 honorary members walking on campus
  • Quote: “The foundation of the veterinary profession is relationships.” Dr. Jason Coe, DVM, PhD
  • Drs. Coe, Sutherland, & Janke at OVMA conference, June 2024
  • Catherine & Basima at merch table, ICCVM pre-conference at OVC - Nov. 2024
  • Quote that says, “Establishing an understanding of the current state of relationships in veterinary medicine is an integral step in creating evidence-based best practices and supporting positive outcomes for veterinary professionals, clients, and pets.” Dr. Kat Sutherland, PhD, Lab Alumna
  • Two vets doing surgery.
  • RCVM@OVC team posing for a group portrait, sitting on a log in a wooded area of the Arboretum at the University of Guelph.
  • Quote that says, “A relationship-centred approach is the gateway to providing accessible care. With client involvement and veterinary team know-how, the patient gets the best life-long care from available options in the veterinary field.” Catherine Groves, MSc, PhD Candidate
  • Basima presenting research at the Ontario Veterinary College's 3-minute Thesis competition

“The foundation of the veterinary profession is relationships — between the client and the animal, between the client and members of the veterinary team, and between veterinary team members. Communication and relationships cross everything we do.”
Dr. Jason Coe, DVM, PhD