#203: The REAL Reason People Ask YOU About Their Pets Outside Of The Hospital

The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise addresses the common scenario where acquaintances ask veterinary professionals for pet advice outside of a clinical setting, often leading to feelings of annoyance and frustration.

She emphasizes the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries, and explains that these requests often stem from trust and concern for pets, reflecting a level of comfort with the veterinary professional that may not exist with their regular providers.

She encourages veterinary professionals to reconsider their initial reactions and understand the relational dynamics at play. She also discusses the broader implications of client interactions, noting that many veterinary professionals feel overwhelmed by client behavior, which can lead to burnout and stress.

She critiques the tendency to link personal wellbeing to client behavior and advocates for veterinary professionals to take ownership of their wellbeing. She highlights the importance of effective communication in veterinary practice, suggesting that many negative client experiences result from clients feeling unheard or judged. By engaging in high-value conversations and approaching interactions with compassion, veterinary professionals can build trust and improve client relationships.

Key takeaways:

1. Setting Boundaries: Veterinary professionals often face inquiries about pets from friends, family, or acquaintances outside of work. Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes the importance of setting and maintaining clear boundaries to avoid compromising their personal time and well being.
2. Understanding Motivations: People who seek veterinary advice outside of a professional context often do so out of trust and concern for their pets. This trust may stem from discomfort or negative experiences with their regular veterinary providers.
3. Emotional Drivers: Every action, including seeking advice, is driven by emotion. Recognizing this can help veterinary professionals understand the relational dynamics at play and respond with empathy rather than annoyance.
4. Communication is Key: Ineffective communication can lead to negative client experiences. Engaging in "high-value conversations" that address concerns and clarify misunderstandings can build trust and improve relationships.
5. Personal Responsibility: Veterinary Professionals should take ownership of their wellbeing rather than attributing their stress to client behavior. This mindset shift can help reduce burnout and improve mental health.
6. Compassion and Curiosity: Approaching difficult discussions with compassion and curiosity can help clients feel heard and understood, enhancing the overall experience for both parties.
7. Agency in Shaping Experiences: Veterinary professionals have the power to choose how they feel and react to client interactions. By focusing on their own wellbeing and letting go of the need to control external factors, they can navigate their profession more effectively.
8. Impact of Client Behavior: Linking personal wellbeing to client behavior can be harmful. Wise critiques this tendency and encourages veterinary professionals to focus on their own responses and beliefs.
9. Burnout and Stress: High rates of burnout and suicide in the veterinary profession are often connected to externalizing responsibility. Wise advocates for a shift in perspective to improve mental health outcomes.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay