Rookie Vet Chronicles

Animal Abuse: To Report or Not to Report?

Dr. D, March 3, 2010

As veterinary professionals, we see our fair share of blood and gore, and although it is sad, we lose patients. But there are some situations that veterinary school never prepares you for. You can read about animal abuse, hear firsthand stories from colleagues, and see stories on the news—but until you’ve treated one, it’s impossible to know what it feels like to see an animal in so much pain and to know that someone intentionally caused it.

Banishing Negativity From Your Veterinary Practice

Dr. D, February 10, 2010

The workplace often contains an interesting mix of people. If you're lucky, your coworkers are all people that you connect with on a personal level—folks you'd choose to go to the movies with, grab a drink with, or invite over to your house. More often than not though, your coworkers will run the gamut from the considerate to the...well, not so considerate. They may have interests and personal lives that run counter to what you value or believe in. But regardless of what personality types you prefer, the harsh reality is that you have to work with them all.

Influencing Client Decisions

Dr. D, December 15, 2009

Do you present options to a client when you would prefer not to push further with treatment because an animal is suffering and its prognosis is poor? Our veterinary culture tells us we should “offer the best” and let the client decide. But a client’s decision is based on many factors in his/her own life that may not have anything to do with what is best for the pet: finances, personal philosophy, home issues, or other obligations (sick parent, child, spouse, etc) all come into play.

What Type of Veterinary Professional Are You?

Dr. D, November 9, 2009

As veterinary professionals, when is our quest for medical knowledge ever enough? I am constantly reading books and articles about the cases I see—reviewing the pathophysiology, causes, treatments, and overall prognosis of the various conditions. I recently received an email from a family member that said, “You should be through most of the NEW stuff by now and have it all figured out…right?”—I laughed and rolled my eyes at this comment. I am sure every vet would say they did not have it all “figured out” only 5 months into their careers.

How Biased Are You?

Dr. D, October 26, 2009

As veterinarians we work with all walks of life: Medical doctors, policemen, lawyers, blue collar workers, the unemployed, and the disabled. Companion animals span all age brackets and educational backgrounds.

Compassion Fatigue: How Do You Deal?

Dr. D, October 5, 2009

As veterinary professionals, we experience the entire range of human emotion—often in a single day or hour. There are high fives after a sick pet pulls through a difficult procedure and moments of sorrow after a favorite patient passes away. Our careers are a series of peaks and valleys, highs and lows, a rollercoaster ride of successes and failures. We thrive on a mixture of messy emergencies, life-affirming miracles, and daily surprises that range from the sublime (an especially adorable puppy on a wellness visit) to the horrific (an abuse case).

Veterinary School: What They Don't Teach

Dr. D, September 8, 2009

If you are a practicing vet with years of experience under your belt, you probably remember some of your most exciting (or terrifying!) “firsts.” As a new veterinarian, I recently gave my first examination—an emergency appointment for a mixed breed dog that had been bitten by a rattlesnake. Although I was confident in my medical skills, the way the client’s tear-filled eyes locked onto mine as I explained the effects of snake bites, the various treatment options available, and the overall cost made me more than a touch nervous.

Veterinarian as Client: When the Tables Turn

Dr. D, July 28, 2009

Angry, impatient, and emotional clients: They’re a challenge nearly all veterinary professionals have to deal with from time to time. Although interacting with upset clients is a part of my job, that doesn’t make it any easier. And if you’re anything like me, you may find yourself getting frustrated with pet owners who don’t understand that you’re doing the very best you can to treat their pet. So why and what are they screaming about when it’s obvious that your team is just trying to help?