We are happy with our experienced and communicative veterinarian. If she asked our consent for a vet student to examine or possibly treat one of our pets under her supervision, most likely I would agree. However, not to be asked, much less directly notified, would cause me to question her judgement and lose the trust that has grown over several years. 

The board ignored the public when they again stipulated minimal notice to animal owners whose pets could be treated by someone with about as much experience as I myself have. Why is it so difficult to accept  that CONSENT is the word here? Training in other professional fields---even those not associated with life-and-death situations---requires notice and/or consent from patients and clients. Look at social work or physical therapy for examples. One wonders what, aside from indifference to, or contempt for, public opinion, keeps the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine from following such standard practice.

Therefore, I request a new comment period on this matter.