As high achievers, most of us are used to reaching goals. But in my experience, nothing compares to the heady mix of exhilaration, relief, and terror when you realize you’ve made it to vet school graduation… and from now on, you’ll be The Doctor.
Whether you’re just graduating or have been in practice for a bit, the learning curve is steep for those first few years. And we’re not only talking about surgery, drug dosages, and fluid rates; we’re talking about building habits, setting (or not setting) boundaries, having crucial conversations, and so many other things that will make it harder (or easier) for us to do the medicine and surgery parts.
In the crush of busy clinic life, I know how tempting it is to think, “I’ll just worry about the medicine right now. I’ll focus on the other stuff when I’ve got more mental energy.”
I’m still waiting for that day 16 years later.
Speaking from personal experience, many of us work so hard on showing up and scrubbing in—and so little on communication, habits, and boundaries—that we find ourselves teetering on the edge of burnout way way too soon.
The time to integrate all of these critical skills is now. Every medical or surgical case involves time management, client education, and deciding whether you’re going to finish that record tonight or tomorrow.
Whatever habits (beneficial and not so beneficial) you start building during month 1 of being The Doctor are likely to stick, so being intentional about seeking out information, tools, and colleagues that can support you is essential for your early days in practice. That’s where we can help.
Find us anytime at cliniciansbrief.com/student-center or launchpad@vetmedux.com.