Dear New Veterinarian
This month we are welcoming into our profession the three thousand-plus veterinarians graduating from Veterinary Colleges around the country. I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of you that survived veterinary school - I know it was a long, tough road. You are now entering the world's most challenging, entertaining, emotional, demanding, and incredible profession. Veterinarians and those who work in veterinary medicine are some of the most supportive and kind people in the world. Your life will be blessed as you walk among them.
As I scroll through the posts on Instagram and TikTok, showing all your smiling, graduating faces, I realize I may have some wisdom to offer. With my experience working in the field for over 30 years and coaching veterinarians, I may have some advice to help you successfully navigate your new career and have an amazing life.
Here are five tips to help keep your mind focused, healthy, and happy in veterinary medicine.
Don't think you must know everything. You will not, and that is okay. Practice saying, "I don't know." Veterinary schools may have shamed you when you did not have an answer, but your colleagues and clients will not. It is dangerous to pretend that you have all the answers. Your clients want to know that you care about them and their pets. They want you to help them navigate decisions. You will do well if you care enough to communicate your opinion or recommend a test or specialist to help get an answer. Also, remember that you cannot and should not try to control their decisions. If they cannot afford proper testing, you may never have a diagnosis, which is okay. Counsel them to make their best choice on treatment and give them the next step plan if things do not resolve.
Plan and work for your physical and mental health. You can only help people if you are healthy and whole. Make that your priority. There will be days when work monopolizes your time and energy, but do not let that be daily. Plan to do what you love outside of work and spend time with your family and friends. You must have hobbies and relationships outside of veterinary medicine to nurture your soul. If you take care of yourself first, you can thrive despite a difficult day or week. Learn to set boundaries to keep yourself healthy and seek help when needed. Take care of yourself to build a long career caring for animals and their people.
Leave your cases at work. Easier said than done, I know, but practice techniques for protecting your life away from your job. Just because we have an important job does not mean we do not deserve time away. If you can picture yourself leaving the cases, problems, and emotions on your desk or hanging them in a bag on a hook in your office, you might clear your mind before you get home. When you return, the problems and tasks will be there, so practice and learn to leave them behind.
Most clients are kind, but you will deal with a few outliers. People can be unpredictable and emotional, especially when they are stressed. Be sure to practice calm, clear communication, and active listening. Remember that many clients are in some stage of grief, which includes bargaining and anger. They may not be angry at you but may direct that emotion to you. Most clients' feelings will pass if you stay calm, and empathetic and give them a little time or space. Trust your instincts regarding pets and people; when you feel unsafe, separate yourself from the situation and call the police if necessary. Remember that the good people far outweigh the bad; the mean people are more memorable than the rest.
Expect every new person who discovers you are a veterinarian will light up with excitement. It will happen at family functions, weddings and showers, bars and restaurants, parties, children's school events, and even the gym. When you meet someone new, they will have a story or question about their own or someone else's pet. They will smile and say, "I have a dog!" or "I always wanted to be a vet when I was a kid," or even, "That's so cool." You may be tempted to be irritated by their comments and questions, but try to see it as a compliment and honor. Most people don't have such a fabulous job. Answer their questions or nod and smile. You don't have to diagnose anything for them; just enjoy the attention.
The Human-Animal-Veterinary Bond is magic. If you approach your career with joyous expectation and stubborn self-preservation, you will build the life you have always dreamed of.
Welcome to the profession, new doctor; I am thrilled to call you my veterinary friend.
Dr. Julie Cappel