Trust Requires Transparency: The Importance of Boundaries in Professional Relationships

Trust is the foundation of every professional relationship. When we seek the expertise of a regulated professional, we are placing confidence in more than their technical skills. We are trusting that their judgment will be exercised independently, ethically, and in our best interests. Whether the relationship is between a patient and physician, a client and lawyer, a student and educator, or a pet owner and veterinarian, there is an underlying expectation: professional responsibilities will come first. That trust depends on transparency.

Conflicts of interest are about more than intent

Professional conflicts do not always arise because someone intends to act improperly. They can emerge when personal relationships, financial and business interests, professional responsibilities, or competing obligations intersect.

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) for example, recognizes that conflicts of interest arise when a veterinarian’s duties and responsibilities may be influenced by another interest, usually a personal or financial interest. Importantly, the CVO states that the assessment is not only whether the veterinarian believes their judgment could be influenced, but also whether a reasonable person aware of the circumstances would perceive that the conflict could influence professional judgment.

This is an important principle across regulated professions: maintaining trust requires not only avoiding actual conflicts, but recognizing situations where independence and objectivity may reasonably be questioned.

Disclosure is a professional responsibility

The CVO’s Guide to the Professional Practice Standard: Conflicts of Interest in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine states: “A veterinarian should disclose the circumstances of a real or potential conflict of interest to the person(s) and/or organization(s) affected by the conflict as soon as the veterinarian identifies that it exists.” The wording matters. The CVO does not limit disclosure only to a client. It refers to “person(s) and/or organization(s) affected by the conflict.” 

This recognizes that conflicts can have broader implications. Depending on the circumstances, those affected may include clients, patients, colleagues, professional organizations, and/or workplaces responsible for maintaining appropriate standards and processes. The CVO further explains that once a real or perceived conflict is identified and declared, managing that conflict commonly involves discussion with the affected person(s) and/or organization(s), along with consideration of whether it is appropriate to proceed with providing veterinary services in those circumstances. Insightful.

Informed consent requires meaningful information

Disclosure is not simply an administrative step. It is connected to informed decision-making. The CVO identifies several factors in managing conflicts, including:

• whether the conflict can be addressed through disclosure to the client;

• whether the client can understand the disclosure and provide voluntary and informed consent; and

• whether disclosure has occurred and client consent has been obtained.

A person cannot meaningfully evaluate a conflict they do not know exists.

Transparency gives people the ability to make informed choices about whether they wish to proceed, seek alternatives, or request additional safeguards.

Organizations also have a role in protecting trust

Professional accountability is not only an individual responsibility. Organizations also play an important role in creating environments where conflicts can be identified, disclosed, and appropriately managed. The CVO’s conflict guidance specifically contemplates situations involving affected organizations and emphasizes that conflicts should be identified, declared, and managed.

Strong organizations do not rely solely on the assumption that individuals will always recognize or manage conflicts perfectly. They build cultures where transparency is expected, concerns can be raised, and professional boundaries are protected.

Boundaries protect everyone

The CVO’s Professional Practice Standard on professional boundaries emphasizes that veterinary medicine depends on establishing and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. It states that veterinarians must acknowledge and manage the inherent power imbalance that comes with their title, role, and access to professional authority.

This principle extends beyond veterinary medicine. Every regulated profession relies on boundaries because expertise creates an inherent imbalance of knowledge, authority, and trust.

Accountability is about preserving public confidence

Accountability systems are not designed to destroy professionals. They exist because public trust depends on professionals recognizing their responsibilities, disclosing conflicts, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and putting the interests of those who rely on them ahead of personal interests. Trust is not maintained by good intentions alone. Trust is maintained through transparency, disclosure, and accountability.

About the author: 

Catherine Cameron is Communications Executive and Strategic Advisor with more than 30 years of experience. Her work focuses on trust, reputation, leadership communication, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, and public confidence.

Sources

College of Veterinarians of Ontario — Professional Practice Standard: Conflicts of Interest in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine CVO Professional Practice Standard: Conflicts of Interest in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine

College of Veterinarians of Ontario — Guide to the Professional Practice Standard: Conflicts of Interest in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine CVO Guide to Conflicts of Interest in the Practice of Veterinary Medicine

College of Veterinarians of Ontario — Professional Practice Standard: Establishing, Maintaining and Discontinuing Appropriate Professional Boundaries in Practice CVO Professional Boundaries in Practice