Covetrus, Inc. announced that Link Welborn, DVM, DABVP, the company's Chief Veterinary Officer, will assume an expanded role and additional responsibilities in 2024. In addition to serving as the company's external spokesperson for veterinary health matters, Dr. Welborn will create and lead the Covetrus Veterinary Advisory Board, serve on the company's newly formed product development committee, and help Covetrus develop a more integrated and refined approach to public affairs. He will continue as CEO of Veterinary Study Groups, the umbrella organization for the more than 60 Veterinary Management Groups.

In his role as external spokesperson, Dr. Welborn will serve as Covetrus' leading voice for veterinary health-related topics and their impact on the veterinary industry, such as telemedicine and VCPR (veterinary-client-patient relationship). According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, VCPR is the basis for interaction among veterinarians, clients and patients and is critical to the health of animals. Telehealth plays a role in augmenting the VCPR, but only within the context of a previously established physical examination.

Additionally, Dr. Welborn will oversee veterinary advocacy for other policy related activities at the Federal and state levels. He will support this commitment by helping to raise awareness among veterinarians and their practices of Covetrus VetSuite?, the company's integrated connected care experience. VetSuite is designed to deliver greater practice workflow efficiencies and cost savings for veterinarians so they can better compete in the marketplace and build stronger pet parent advocacy.

Dr. Welborn will also spearhead the company's Veterinary Advisory Board, a group of leading veterinarians who provide the company with insights and perspectives regarding the best products and service enhancements for practices. His other activities include leading Covetrus' presence at leading veterinary conferences and providing strategic input for meetings with customers and suppliers. Dr. Welborn is a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, certified in Canine and Feline Practice, the owner of eight hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and an AAHA past president.

In addition to his clinical focus, he has a strong interest in practice management and driving the economic success of the veterinary profession.