Ep 200: Career Transitions in Veterinary Medicine, with Dr. Molly Brinkmann

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the ‘So You’re a Vet, Now What?’ podcast, host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Molly Brinkmann. They discuss Dr. Brinkmann’s significant realization that the environment they are in changes you, rather than you changing the environment. This moment prompted Dr. Brinkmann to re-prioritize and consider what is truly important to her. As a result, Dr. Brinkmann made a pivot in her career path and decided not to return to large animal practice.Dr. Brinkmann also emphasizes the importance of regularly checking in with oneself to ensure personal growth rather than falling into the trap of anxiety. She highlights the significance of reflecting on one's situation and being open to making necessary changes. Additionally, Dr. Brinkmann stresses the value of having honest individuals in your life who can provide feedback on the impact of their career on their well-being. In Dr. Brinkmann’s case, their husband and parents play this role by recognizing their unhappiness in their current environment.Furthermore, Dr. Brinkmann discusses the value of learning from various experiences and mentors early in one's career. She acknowledges that not everything they learned from their first job or mentor was the best approach and were willing to adjust their practice accordingly. Dr. Brinkmann emphasizes the importance of discerning what is effective and what is not, and being open to adapting their approach.Lastly, Dr. Brinkmann acknowledges the difficulty of moving on from a job she loved. She expresses concerns about whether the decision was right and the possibility of not enjoying their future colleagues. However, Dr. Brinkmann believes it is acceptable to explore different opportunities and recognize that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Despite not loving everyone she works with in their new job, she understands that it is part of life and that it is okay to explore until finding the right fit.Episode Outline[00:01:16] Pivoting in veterinary career.[00:06:17] Toxic workplace environment.[00:08:02] Pushing for change in medicine.[00:13:01-00:13:11] Separating career and personal happiness.[00:17:37] Learning from different mentors.[00:20:19] Career growth and change.[00:25:33] How do we work together?[00:28:02] Embracing challenges in veterinary career.Quotes"And it was like someone was waiting for me to fail and not trying to help me succeed. The toxicity of that practice put me in a position where I had to do something""It never happened. And the comfort was short. But yeah, and I think you have to continuously check in with yourself because you can get sucked in. It can swallow you""But I think it's okay to try different pastures. You’ll find the right one."Episode LinksDr. Molly's Website: https://linktr.ee/drmollysaysDr. Molly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmollysays/Mentioned in this episode:So You're a Vet, Now What? - The CourseAre you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything