Ep 193: Reflections on Four Years in Veterinary Practice

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the ‘So You’re a Vet, Now What?’ podcast, host Dr. Moriah McCauley emphasizes the importance of seeking help and finding a mentor in the veterinary profession. As a new graduate, it is common to feel knowledgeable, but the reality is that there is still much to learn in the field of veterinary medicine. Dr. Moriah describes the information learned in vet school as being "a mile wide and an inch deep," while in practice, one must acquire knowledge that is "a mile deep and an inch wide." This highlights the need for continuous learning and guidance from experienced veterinarians.Dr. Moriah encourages new graduates to actively seek help and find mentors both within and outside of their practice. By doing so, they can navigate challenges with more confidence and preparation. Sharing experiences and hearing others talk through similar situations can make individuals feel more prepared to handle them. It is important to note that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a necessary step in the journey of becoming a successful veterinarian.Furthermore, Dr. Moriah emphasizes that seeking a mentor and asking for help should not be driven by a fear of judgment from others, but rather by personal growth and the desire to provide the best care for clients. The importance of setting boundaries and recognizing one's limits in terms of learning and professional growth is also highlighted. By understanding these limits and seeking guidance, new veterinarians can set themselves up for success and build better relationships with clients and staff members.Overall, the episode emphasizes that asking for help and finding a mentor are crucial aspects of professional development in the veterinary field. It encourages new graduates to embrace a mindset of continuous learning and seek guidance from experienced veterinarians to navigate the challenges they may encounter.Episode Outline[00:02:00] Practice expectations and milestones.[00:05:00] Asking for help in practice.[00:07:20] Setting boundaries in veterinary medicine.[00:10:59] Fear of others' opinions.[00:14:31] Changing perspectives for better outcomes.[00:19:25] Finding joy in veterinary medicine.[00:21:32] Four things learned in practice.Quotes"Just because you can do something by yourself doesn't mean you should.""I've heard it said another way is you can be the sweetest peach on the face of the planet but if someone hates peaches they're not going to like you, like it is what it is.""But we also know from experience and seeing what's happening in the grander veterinary practice is that if you don't set boundaries, you're on a fast road to burnout."