Why evidence-based medicine matters more in veterinary care

Evidence-based medicine is getting renewed attention in veterinary circles as clinicians confront misinformation, client pressure, and a flood of low-quality claims online. In a December 3, 2025 post, California veterinarian Brennen McKenzie, who writes as SkeptVet, framed evidence-based medicine as a practical response to the profession’s own cognitive blind spots, including confirmation bias and overreliance on anecdote. His argument aligns with mainstream definitions from the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association and RCVS Knowledge, both of which define evidence-based veterinary medicine as the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise and the circumstances and preferences of the client and patient. (skeptvet.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this is less a philosophical debate than a practice-management issue. Evidence-based medicine helps teams weigh benefits, harms, and uncertainty more consistently, especially when pet parents arrive with strong beliefs shaped by social media, wellness marketing, or isolated success stories. Major veterinary institutions already embed that principle into policy and education: AVMA says veterinary medical research is fundamental to evidence-based practice, while RCVS Knowledge has built journal, toolkit, and training resources around applying evidence in day-to-day care. (avma.org)

What to watch: Expect continued emphasis on practical EBVM tools, critical appraisal training, and clearer communication strategies as the profession responds to misinformation and growing demand for science-based care. (rcvsknowledge.org)