In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the significant issue of external validation within the veterinary field and provides strategies for overcoming this challenge.

External validation is defined as the need for outside affirmation to confirm one's worth or correctness in actions. The academic environment perpetuates the belief that grades are synonymous with self-worth. Many students enter veterinary programs already grappling with insecurities, and the pressure to excel can create a cycle of anxiety, where temporary relief is experienced upon receiving good grades.

Dr. Wise stresses that veterinary professionals do not have control over patient outcomes or client behaviors. The emotional states of clients influence their actions, and veterinary professionals cannot dictate how clients feel or respond.

The dependence on patient outcomes and client interactions as indicators of success can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction within the profession. Dr. Wise encourages veterinary professionals to understand that their self-worth is not dependent on external factors.

Dr. Wise advocates for a transformative shift in mindset, urging veterinary professionals to concentrate on their responsibilities and efforts rather than seeking external validation. She underscores the importance of recognizing that mistakes and adverse outcomes are inherent to the practice of veterinary medicine. Embracing this fundamental truth can reduce pressure and cultivate a healthier relationship with their work.

Dr. Wise concludes by reminding her audience that perfection is an unattainable goal in veterinary medicine (and life); and that accepting the human experience, including errors, is crucial for both personal and professional development.

Key takeaways include:

1. The education system promotes reliance on external validation, causing anxiety and self-doubt in students.
2. Veterinary professionals measure success through patient outcomes and client satisfaction.
3. Many veterinarians internalize negative outcomes, feeling responsible for patients who do not improve or challenging client interactions.
4. Dr. Wise emphasizes focusing on true responsibilities like exams, histories, recommendations, and treatment plans.
5. Dr. Wise promotes a shift from perfectionism to accepting human imperfection in veterinary practice.

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

Follow me:

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes the critical role that veterinary technicians play in the veterinary field. She encourages listeners to express appreciation for the contributions of veterinary technicians, underscoring that their involvement is essential for creating a sustainable career environment in veterinary medicine.

Dr. Wise urges veterinary technicians to recognize that while they share common challenges, their individual responses to these circumstances are crucial. Many technicians fall into a cycle of negativity, which can detract from patient care and client service. Veterinary technicians possess the power to influence their work environment positively. She encourages them to take ownership of their attitudes and interactions, regardless of their feelings of being underappreciated.

The podcast highlights the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even amidst the chaotic circumstances that are inherent in veterinary medicine. She asserts that technicians can choose their responses and moods, which can significantly influence their colleagues and the overall workplace atmosphere. A positive demeanor can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to adopt a similar outlook, thereby fostering a more supportive and collaborative environment.

Key takeaways include:

1. Technicians often feel undervalued and face challenges like client dissatisfaction and workplace negativity.
2. A positive mindset in response to workplace circumstances will benefit all veterinary professionals
3. Technicians should engage in constructive discussions about their needs, such as pay and scheduling.
4. A positive attitude among technicians can enhance the entire veterinary team's culture.

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

Follow me:

Website: https://joyfuldvm.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18257625/

Instagram: ...

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the essential role of support staff in veterinary medicine and emphasizes the significance of veterinary technicians, assistants, practice managers, and kennel helpers, asserting that the sustainability and success of veterinary practices heavily rely on these team members.

She advocates for a team approach in veterinary practices, where credentialed veterinary technicians can assume more responsibilities. This delegation not only alleviates the workload for veterinarians but also enriches the work experience for support staff, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction across the board.

Key takeaways include:

1. Emphasizes the importance of support staff, including technicians and managers, for sustainable veterinary practices.
2. Highlights the underutilization of credentialed technicians and the need for better delegation of tasks.
3. Advocates for updating veterinary practice acts to align with the skills of credentialed staff.
4. Suggests effective team utilization can improve workflow and client experiences in veterinary practices.
5. Calls for a shift from a veterinarian-centered approach to a collaborative team environment.

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

Follow me:

Website: https://joyfuldvm.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18257625/

Instagram: ...