07.Jul 2021

Interview with Dr. Gaby Verburgh Hoffmann, PhD., Dipl. ECVIM / ACVIM



 
Diplovets: How do you see telemedicine by specialists helping practising veterinarians?

Dr. Gaby Verburgh Hoffmann: The half-life of medical knowledge has risen exponentially in recent years. Therefore, the opportunity for general practitioners to consult their specialist colleagues for advice on a case can be of great help.
This can be done to improve the quality of one's own work, out of interest in the latest scientific findings or general exchange, to mentor junior colleagues, or simply due to lack of time in the daily practice or as a "back-up". Colleagues can have confidence from their own workup plans being supported by specialists.

Diplovets: What do you believe are the advantages of telemedicine for the internal medicine?

Dr. Gaby Verburgh Hoffmann: I believe that telemedicine is especially helpful for discussing quite specific problems in a very short amount of time.
Consultation is tailored individually and specifically to the case. Specialists may answer specific questions or lend support even for general questions like "what next?" – whereby vets can accept all possibilities or only certain parts at their own discretion.
Customers and patients can remain longer in the familiar environment of their chosen veterinary team instead of having to travel to an unfamiliar referral clinic.
The most complicated part of a case work-up for many internal problems is the evaluation of examination findings, for example of endocrine tests. This is where telemedicine offers many advantages.
In other cases, telemedicine can also be helpful in providing an outside opinion on a topic being discussed by the pet owner, the breeder, or the breeding association.
And telemedicine is naturally a sensible and modern solution with regard to sustainability.

Diplovets: What do you need in order to make a sound diagnosis?

Dr. Gaby Verburgh Hoffmann: Viewing the full details of a patient's medical history and of the examinations carried out, with exact findings and treatments, is often useful for a complete internal medicine consultation.
An overview with keywords is also indispensable for longer case histories.

Diplovets: Do you have any final advice?

Dr. Gaby Verburgh Hoffmann: "Four eyes see more than two." Why not just ask a colleague for their opinion? I myself am always astonished at the new insights that arise when discussing a patient's case. I think it's wonderful that telemedicine allows us to consult each other quickly and easily.
 
Thank you for your time and for answering our questions. All the best to you!