The Veterinary Medical Board of California convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the veterinary workforce and data transparency. A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a new dashboard designed to provide open data related to veterinary licenses. This dashboard will be hosted on the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) website, allowing researchers and stakeholders to access and analyze the data effectively.

During the meeting, board members expressed interest in comparing the veterinary workforce data with that of human medical licensees. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding the demographics and trends within the veterinary field, particularly in relation to the populations they serve. Board members acknowledged the wealth of information available in the dashboard and its potential to inform future decisions and policies.

Elise, a board member, noted that this dashboard is an iteration of previous efforts to present workforce data more comprehensively. She highlighted that the board is also working on additional dashboards, including one focused on education pathways for veterinary professionals. However, the board is still seeking enrollment data from veterinary schools to enhance their analysis.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, but no comments were received from attendees. The board expressed gratitude for the informative presentation and reiterated their commitment to ongoing collaboration and data sharing.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Veterinary Medical Board's efforts to improve transparency and understanding of the veterinary workforce in California, paving the way for informed decision-making in the future.