– by Dr. Shelley Breadner –
We had a young enthusiastic student attend our hospital to learn more about being a veterinarian. She was so excited and committed to learning everything she could from her experience. We found ourselves caught up in that enthusiasm of youth, and wanted to see her hold fast to her dream. Within the same week, we received a visit from one of our former employees. She is freshly carrying the title of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and we are extremely proud of her accomplishments in achieving this honour.
For me, the devotion to being a veterinarian started at the age of three. It remains deep within me. As spring 2015 comes to a close, it finds me a 32 year veteran of the veterinary profession. I ask myself now, as I did so many years ago. What does it take to be a good vet? Has anything changed?
The Science: Devote one’s self to constant learning. Understand the foundations of anatomy, physiology, behaviour, chemistry, math, construction. Develop the skills it takes to do the work.
The Quest: Have a thirst for knowledge. Desire to learn who, what, where, when, why, how. Be resourceful. Never leave a stone unturned. Think outside the box.
The Inner Nature: Be inquisitive, contemplative, decisive, persistent. Above all, remain patient, kind, understanding, compassionate and supportive. To others and to yourself.
The Heart: It takes great courage to accept the role of being advocate for those without voices. To be there in the middle of a crisis, intensely fighting to support vitality in a being. To hold a paw in one hand and a human’s hand in the other. To return a wild thing, healed, back to its rightful place. To witness the last breath in one moment, and the first gasp of life in the next.
As the world has changed, our profession has taken on new roles, more demands and more pressures. We have seen losses due to stress, burn out and depression. We are the caring profession, and with that comes great burden at times. We take our work home with us, spend long hours to help the animals we tend, and feel the emotions of being involved with our patients and families. We want to do our best for the animals and their people.
I tip my hat to all the amazing vets, be they promising, newly minted or very well-seasoned. Next time you see your veterinarian, look them in the eyes, feel their compassion and devotion for what they do. And if I may ask, take a moment to share with them what you see.
