Who (or what) gets to diagnose?

Diagnostic authority in veterinary medicine requires balancing professional responsibility with technological advancement.

This opinion piece from The Veterinary Record examines the critical question of diagnostic authority in veterinary medicine. The article explores who possesses the legitimate authority to establish diagnoses—whether this rests exclusively with licensed veterinarians, or if emerging technologies, diagnostic tools, and artificial intelligence systems can or should participate in diagnostic decision-making. The piece likely discusses the evolving landscape of veterinary diagnostics, including the role of point-of-care testing, laboratory automation, AI-assisted diagnostic systems, and their integration into clinical practice. It addresses professional competency, regulatory frameworks, and ethical considerations surrounding diagnostic responsibility. The article appears to question traditional hierarchies of diagnostic authority while considering how veterinary medicine must adapt to technological advancement while maintaining professional standards and client trust. This conceptual exploration is relevant to veterinarians navigating the intersection of clinical judgment, technological capability, and professional accountability in modern veterinary practice.

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