Full Description
A Compassionate Calling offers an unflinching and deeply personal look into the realities of the veterinary profession.
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, a veterinary specialist with experience in academia, emergency and referral hospitals, and general practice, weaves candid personal stories with evidence-based insights from published research. In 40 concise and thought-provoking chapters, she explores the hidden curriculum of veterinary school, the toll of on-call work, the emotional impact of euthanasia, the challenges of practicing during a pandemic, and many other important topics. Marie also tackles pressing issues like diversity, equity, inclusion, and the evolving dynamics of pet insurance and corporatization in veterinary medicine.
Despite nearly 90% of pet owners viewing their animals as family members, few truly understand the challenges veterinarians face daily. This book pulls back the curtain to address questions such as:
Why don't some veterinarians recommend the profession to others?
How do distressing events, like euthanasia and moral stress, affect veterinarians' mental health?
What do veterinarians wish pet owners knew about the emotional and mental toll of caring for their animals?
With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and practical insights, A Compassionate Calling is essential reading for pet owners, aspiring veterinarians, and anyone curious about the veterinary profession. Practicing veterinarians will also find comfort and connection in its honest exploration of the joys and struggles of veterinary life.
Contents
PART 1. Journey of a Veterinary Critical Care Specialist 1. Pursuing a Lifelong Calling 2. Between Pre-Vet and Practitioner 3. The Path to Veterinary Specialization 4. The Challenges and Realities of a Residency 5. Adventures in Veterinary Academia 6. A Departure from Academic Life 7. Transforming Overwhelm Into Opportunity 8. From Crisis to Compassion PART 2. What I Learned About Veterinary Medicine Along the Way 9. The Road to Becoming a Veterinarian 10. Veterinary Education's Debt Crisis 11. The Hidden Curriculum of Veterinary School 12. Meeting the Demand for Veterinary Specialists 13. Stories from Veterinary Intensive Care 14. Navigating Euthanasia in Veterinary Medicine 15. Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Stress 16. The Paradox of Compassionate Veterinary Care 17. Compliments, Complaints, and Client Incivility 18. Examining Toxicity in Veterinary Practices 19. The Burden of On-Call PART 3. What We Now Understand About Veterinarians 20. Professional Identify 21. Playing the Veterinary Victim and Martyr 22. The Hidden Struggles of Perfectionism 23. The Human Side of Veterinary Mistakes 24. Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession 25. Recognizing Mental Health Stigma 26. Confronting Compassion Fatigue 27. Addressing Burnout Among Veterinarians 28. Finding Balance With Boundaries 29. Unveiling the Tragedy of Veterinarian Suicide 30. Realities and Resilience Amidst the Pandemic PART 4. What the Future Holds for Veterinary Medicine 31. The Rise of Veterinary Corporatization 32. Insights Into Pet Health Insurance 33. Transformative Technologies Including Telemedicine 34. Striving For Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 35. Redefining Veterinary Education for a Dynamic Profession 36. Exploring Veterinary Frontiers Outside Clinical Practice 37. The Unsung Heroes of Veterinary Medicine 38. Responding to the Veterinary Workforce Crisis 39. Paving a Path to Self-Care and Self-Compassion 40. Reshaping Veterinary Culture to Value Team Wellbeing
