Blog
Featured Posts
-
Diffusing Difficult Situations with Veterinary Clients
In the fast-paced and stressful world of veterinary medicine, conflicts are inevitable. Very often these disagreements involve upset or angry clients who make statements like “you’re only in it for the money” or “you should have been able to figure out my pet’s problem by now”. When our self-image is challenged, particularly with accusations of […]
-
Navigating the Top Stressors in Veterinary Practice
In the heartwarming yet challenging realm of veterinary practice, we, the dedicated professionals, often find ourselves juggling an array of stressors that shape our daily lives. Acknowledging these challenges is not just a necessity for our mental wellbeing; it’s a vital step toward nurturing a compassionate and supportive community. Let’s dive into the most common […]
-
Defining Futile Care and Its Impact on Wellbeing in Veterinary Medicine
As an emergency and critical care specialist, I can wholeheartedly attest to providing futile care to patients whose owners who would not consent to euthanasia or discontinuation of intensive care. I remember one dog in particular who had a collapsing trachea that was stented and then had progression of his disease resulting in laryngeal and […]
All Posts
-
It’s veterinary practice not perfection!
As a veterinarian (and recovering perfectionist), I can say that perfectionism is a common trait had by those in our profession. I think if I polled a room of 100 veterinarians, more than 90 of them would self-identify as perfectionists. Perfectionism is a personality trait that characterizes a person striving for flawlessness who sets excessively […]
-
I’m a veterinarian and I make mistakes…
As I prepare to give my lecture on “Disclosing Medical Errors” to veterinary care providers in Calgary this evening, I recall what is still to date the most difficult experience of my veterinary career. It was when I realized that a mistake that I made killed a dog in our intensive care unit (ICU). As […]
-
Do you experience Seasonal Affective Disorder?
If you’re anything like me and you live in a northern climate, then this time of year when the days get shorter, life can feel more “difficult”. In other words, you might start to feel like you have less energy, are more irritable, and that your sleep patterns are disrupted. While many people attribute these […]
