Making and Changing History in Veterinary Medicine
Embracing a joyful moment at work.
Making and Changing History in Veterinary Medicine
There is a song by Blake Mills called “History of my Life.” I first heard the song in 2013 and it resonated with me immediately. The singer wistfully laments for the ability to change the history of his life. Though you could easily wallow in the beautifully retrospective lyrics, I instead found myself inspired to frame the message in a more forward-facing light. I was at a pivotal time in my veterinary career – emerging as a “baby vet” and starting to find my footing in my profession and the world in general. I decided that my personal mission would be: Making and Changing History.
Making and Changing History in Veterinary Medicine. This is my “why.” My purpose. My path. And really putting this into words became so important for me, especially when deciding that becoming a practice owner was my next big step in forging my path.
There are reasons for my career choice that I would label as traditional. I have always wanted to become a veterinarian because I love animals. I can’t imagine my life without the positive influence of animals. I also loved school and luckily I was pretty good in sciences, so the stars aligned in that regard. However as time went by, I realized that there was a powerful undercurrent that was driving my passion, and it reached beyond the traditional reasons for becoming a veterinarian. And many of these reasons answer the question as to why I have chosen to become a practice owner.
As I have grown personally and professionally, I have been able to find more meaningful reasons for WHY I do what I do:
I believe that the veterinary profession can positively impact the lives of animals and humans.
I believe that the deservedness of the human-animal bond is not dictated by socioeconomic factors.
I believe that animals and their human counterparts deserve care that is delivered with the nurturing kindness of a family doctor, and the expertise of a skilled diagnostician and surgeon.
I believe in workplace wellness, and that a healthy and fulfilled veterinary team can better care for their patients, as well as care for themselves.
My purpose is to turn my beliefs into action, and in doing so, we will challenge the traditional identity and role of a veterinarian in society.
With my purpose described in a list, I have been able to explore and create how my WHY translates into WHAT I do, and what WE do at Central Veterinary Services:
We will provide expert-level care that is delivered in a nurturing and non-judgemental way. We will help our client to choose the best option for their pet, and for them.
We will promote a consideration for shared quality of life, for both pet owner and pet. This is because we value and understand the importance of the human-animal bond.
We will make every interaction count so that our clients feel heard and understood. They will never hesitate to reach out to us when they have a concern regarding their pet’s wellbeing.
We will lead and nurture a team of like-minded veterinary professionals so that they can be fulfilled in their professional and personal endeavours.
Bringing it all together
So here I am, approaching the end of my ninth year in veterinary practice, and I feel like I am only just getting started. It has become such a powerful exercise to be able to put my purpose into words, and then to see those words turn into actions. My passion is far-reaching. From my patients and clients, to community outreach initiatives, to our Central Vet team, and beyond.
I am making and changing history, in veterinary medicine and in my life.
** If you are interested in the song that inspired my mission, take a listen below. Enjoy! **
