Korean Veterinary Medical Association Focuses on Public Veterinarians and System Improvements

Wooyeon-cheol, the 28th president of the Korean Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA), assumed office in March 2026, prioritizing improvements in the treatment of veterinarians and animal health-related systems. Key areas of focus include enhancing support for public veterinarians, assisting animal hospital management, and resolving ambiguities in veterinary-related laws.

Priorities and Policy Planning

President Wooyeon-cheol emphasized a shift in veterinary policy operate, moving away from a secretariat-centered approach to one driven by the executive board and standing committees. He initiated a series of executive workshops, beginning in April, to foster consensus on policy directions and priorities. This follows preparation undertaken during his time as president-elect, which included forming a Policy Planning Committee.

Focus on Public Service Veterinarians

A primary priority is addressing the challenges faced by public service veterinarians, particularly concerning quarantine and livestock infectious diseases. The KVMA plans to advocate for a “3·6·9” plan: raising the Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory to a level 3 institution, increasing the recruitment of veterinary public officials to level 6, and providing a 900,000 won allowance for veterinarians – aligning with physician compensation levels. The association recognizes the need for increased compensation for veterinarians working in key quarantine departments.

Supporting Animal Hospital Management

Recognizing the difficulties faced by veterinary hospitals, the KVMA aims to reduce administrative burdens and lower drug procurement costs. This includes exploring revisions to allow drug supply from human drug wholesalers and facilitating access to new or orphan drugs, alongside sharing scientific evidence.

Clarifying Veterinary Law Interpretation

The KVMA intends to address inconsistencies in the interpretation of veterinary laws and animal medicine. A case book, similar to one created in 2017 regarding self-medication for pets, will be updated to reflect current legal understandings, particularly concerning the legality of pet owner-administered injections. The association also plans to pursue legislative issues related to the pharmacist exception clause and the Animal Health and Medical Technology Promotion Act.

Companion Animal Welfare and Industry Collaboration

The KVMA seeks to increase the number of pet families through collaboration with all stakeholders in the companion animal industry, including feed, medicine, and supplies. Efforts will focus on addressing the “puppy cliff” and improving the overall system for companion animal welfare.

Ministry Oversight of Companion Animals

The KVMA maintains its position that the ministry responsible for veterinary licenses should also oversee companion animal policy. Unless the veterinary license management task is transferred, the association believes jurisdiction should remain with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The KVMA criticized the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for lacking a clear roadmap for companion animal safety management and disease control.

Comprehensive Plan for Animal Medical Training and Development

The KVMA has consistently highlighted two key issues regarding the government’s Comprehensive Plan for Animal Medical Training and Development: the public nature of animal medicine must be declared, and the scope and direction of animal medicine must be legally defined. The association believes policies, budgets, and regulations should reflect whether animal healthcare is considered a public quality.

Specialist System and Animal Hospital Classification

The introduction of a specialist system is a priority, with the KVMA advocating for a system similar to the American Board of Veterinary Specialists (ABVS), adapted to the domestic context. The association emphasizes the importance of institutionalized training and a clear distinction between institutionalized specialists and those with expertise gained through experience.

University Animal Hospitals

The KVMA supports improvements in clinical education and the establishment of a tentatively named university animal hospital, recognizing its role in education. Though, the association acknowledges the challenges in securing legal support and funding for such institutions.

Mandatory Disclosure of Medical Departments and Electronic Records

The KVMA will maintain its position on addressing concerns related to drug misuse and abuse before considering mandatory disclosure of veterinary hospital treatment departments. Regarding mandatory electronic recording of veterinary prescriptions, the association seeks revisions to limit the requirement to drugs affecting public health.

Seoul National University Animal Examination Center

The KVMA continues to view the operation of the Seoul National University Animal Examination Center as an illegal act and calls for self-purification from the university.

Veterinary Officer Candidate System

The KVMA is working to address the declining number of veterinary officer candidates and advocates for reducing the service period, aligning it with those of military doctors and public health doctors.

Korean Veterinary Medical Association

Korean Veterinary Medical Association – Public-Service Veterinarians Act