Class of 2016....how ya doing?

Veterinary Science Graduate Certificate from UofI
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that redhead said:
I can ask our favorite skin referral guy how frequently they do IDAT or if it's a realistic expectation if you're looking for data.

I think if I were right out of internship and had nothing tying me anywhere, I would consider derm more strongly. As it is, there are a few different specialties I've considered (from derm to poultry back to lab animal) but taking a massive pay cut would be tough and moving really isn't an option (or something I'd want to do!) I would enjoy derm cases all day every day but I've also found that the other cornerstones of GP (like surgery...where did the real TRH go?!) are very enjoyable too. You might consider a year or two in private practice before deciding!
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That'd be great! I'm probably going to ask a few of the dermatologists from school too and get their input as well. Realistically, I'll probably work in GP/ER for a year or two before considering it and going for it 100%. I just know I'm going to be super burnt out after this program and I also don't feel like I stand out enough for recs yet and need time (but I'm also over critical of myself). Also, since I'm a late bloomer, I don't know much about various programs and if I'm going to do this, I'd want to be as informed as possible. I know that I'm already leaning towards moving back towards Philly or Baltimore.
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that redhead said:
Makes up for the times I see an animal for some ridiculous "emergency" and the first thing the client says to me is, "Well we usually see Dr. BossMan" :yeahright:
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This.
I also get giddy when I see a client has requested me, especially when I have seen there pet for above mentioned emergency, and they decide to switch to me. I do not like when the crazies request me, though.
 
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that redhead said:
I still smile every time I see someone requesting me specifically for an appointment. Makes up for the times I see an animal for some ridiculous "emergency" and the first thing the client says to me is, "Well we usually see Dr. BossMan" :yeahright:
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I work with a father and son combo... tell me about it. I've very much learned to roll with "Oh well we usually see one of the Dr. Xs..."

I'm actually super bemused because I had a second person request me this afternoon. We looked up what I'd done for these people before:
#1: Examined/euthanized her pet rat.
#2: Told the owner that her dog was heartworm negative - apparently a slow afternoon so I was helping with tech appts - and fed the dog some pill pocket out of my treat pocket. At least I'm assuming that's what happened because she bought a bag from the front desk afterward, lol.
​
That's what we learn in vet school, right? ha.
 
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LetItSnow said:
Hey now, it was a serious question. I looked at those acronyms and was like "what the heck?"

You have it backwards. ER vets are lowly mortals. People who deal with skin and ears and long-term management of metabolic diseases are the rock stars. Anyone can give a DKA fluids and get it eating again. I mean, seriously. I had a HBC Monday and the owners are gushing about all the 'skill' and great care we've been giving it. You know what I did? Took rads (boring - broken hips, non surgical), did an aFAST/tFAST (easy, and negative on both), did baseline bloodwork (yawn), fixed its laceration (yawn again), put it on fluids and fentanyl. Literally anyone could do that. ER work is easy compared to GP. (At least, from what I hear from my GP friends.)
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ER work scares me. DKAs scare me almost as much. I'll stick to my GP work.
They were talking about intradermal allergy testing. And I refer to the animal allergy and dermatology center for that which is located close to thatredhead :)
 
I think I just want to become a QOL and euthanasia specialist, I'm really good at these things. I'm ok with chronic cases and internal med type stuff and don't mind those. And if I could never have to lift a scalpel blade again, I'd be a happy person.
 
cowgirla said:
ER work scares me. DKAs scare me almost as much. I'll stick to my GP work.
They were talking about intradermal allergy testing. And I refer to the animal allergy and dermatology center for that which is located close to thatredhead :)
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I'm getting to feel more comfortable with ER "stabilize and transfer" type cases but could pass on the critical care type cases. Too many electrolyte abnormalities and my brain wants to explode. respiratory distress cases still make me panic.
 
orca2011 said:
That'd be great! I'm probably going to ask a few of the dermatologists from school too and get their input as well. Realistically, I'll probably work in GP/ER for a year or two before considering it and going for it 100%. I just know I'm going to be super burnt out after this program and I also don't feel like I stand out enough for recs yet and need time (but I'm also over critical of myself). Also, since I'm a late bloomer, I don't know much about various programs and if I'm going to do this, I'd want to be as informed as possible. I know that I'm already leaning towards moving back towards Philly or Baltimore.
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I will shoot him an email when I'm back on Monday :)

@cowgirla we email Dr. J at AADC relatively frequently and he's hilarious and so helpful. Apparently he used to be a little more "uptight" but now we all giggle reading his responses.
 
Trilt said:
I work with a father and son combo... tell me about it. I've very much learned to roll with "Oh well we usually see one of the Dr. Xs..."

I'm actually super bemused because I had a second person request me this afternoon. We looked up what I'd done for these people before:
#1: Examined/euthanized her pet rat.
#2: Told the owner that her dog was heartworm negative - apparently a slow afternoon so I was helping with tech appts - and fed the dog some pill pocket out of my treat pocket. At least I'm assuming that's what happened because she bought a bag from the front desk afterward, lol.
​
That's what we learn in vet school, right? ha.
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Hey, I got a repeat client because, six months before I'd euthanized their ancient family kitty (19yo Persian...I don't even know how that can happen!) as a new client, waived their exam fee and wrote them a sympathy note (which we do for all euthanasias). The guy was back with a dog and said how impressed they were and touched by the kindness and note. I'm sure your rat euthanasia people felt similarly!

We think that clients will be grateful for diagnosing some strange condition or performing a life saving surgery, and sure, they're thankful then, but so often it's our personal skills that stand out and make them come back :)
 
Trilt said:
I work with a father and son combo... tell me about it. I've very much learned to roll with "Oh well we usually see one of the Dr. Xs..."

I'm actually super bemused because I had a second person request me this afternoon. We looked up what I'd done for these people before:
#1: Examined/euthanized her pet rat.
#2: Told the owner that her dog was heartworm negative - apparently a slow afternoon so I was helping with tech appts - and fed the dog some pill pocket out of my treat pocket. At least I'm assuming that's what happened because she bought a bag from the front desk afterward, lol.
​
That's what we learn in vet school, right? ha.
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Bahaha I work with a father son duo as well, and have had the same kinds of things happen.
 
Had my first review as a vet, it was good. I do feel very lucky with the job I have, I get along with the staff, there isn't much, if any ,drama, we have some great clients (and not so great clients), I get a lot of support and mentorship. Overall, it has been very good and I could see myself staying here for a long time coming.
 
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Anyone else absolutely hate surgery? I seriously hate it. I have severe insomnia anytime I do a surgery...my brain does not shut up about the 15626266 complications that could happen. I didn't sleep for a week when a patient of mine developed a scrotal hematoma. I won't sleep tonight after this cat spiked a post op fever. Just, ugh. I wish my brain wouldn't do this to me but I can't shut it off.
 
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DVMDream said:
Anyone else absolutely hate surgery? I seriously hate it. I have severe insomnia anytime I do a surgery...my brain does not shut up about the 15626266 complications that could happen. I didn't sleep for a week when a patient of mine developed a scrotal hematoma. I won't sleep tonight after this cat spiked a post op fever. Just, ugh. I wish my brain wouldn't do this to me but I can't shut it off.
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Opioids?
And just hate ortho. Don't mind soft tissue. But I do like to have stress dreams where I work up cases of non-existent patients. That's what happened to me last night and yesterday was my day off...
 
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Nah, actually one of my bigger grumps about my current job is we have a boarded surgeon who comes in and does a lot of our less-routine stuff so I don't get to unless they're cash strapped.
 
What does everyone's clinics do for their clients following euthanasia? (e.g. condolences card, paw print, etc?)

I'm kind of not a huge fan of our current system... I have to ask specifically to get the card to sign, and we don't do clay paws or anything. They'd be open to changing things (as long as it isn't too expensive) and I'm curious. Poked around on VIN but would love to hear from recent generations.
 
Trilt said:
What does everyone's clinics do for their clients following euthanasia? (e.g. condolences card, paw print, etc?)

I'm kind of not a huge fan of our current system... I have to ask specifically to get the card to sign, and we don't do clay paws or anything. They'd be open to changing things (as long as it isn't too expensive) and I'm curious. Poked around on VIN but would love to hear from recent generations.
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My clinic did cards and paw prints. The cards were written by the receptionist and signed 'all of us at blank vet hospital' instead of by the staff individually. Boss lady bought clay in bulk. We had to hydrate it and make molds out of old lids. I hated that system - it looked really unprofessional, like a school art project. I've seen ones that other clinics make and they use a better quality clay, and the whole thing looks much better.

We would do ink paw prints on cards sometimes, and I really liked those. It takes practice and to get them right, but the owner doesn't have to come back and pick them up (they would come get their clay paw print about a week later, which was okay if they were also picking up ashes but awkward if they had to make a trip in especially for the paw print). It's also easy to incorporate an ink print into a photo memorial.
 
Trilt said:
What does everyone's clinics do for their clients following euthanasia? (e.g. condolences card, paw print, etc?)

I'm kind of not a huge fan of our current system... I have to ask specifically to get the card to sign, and we don't do clay paws or anything. They'd be open to changing things (as long as it isn't too expensive) and I'm curious. Poked around on VIN but would love to hear from recent generations.
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The place I worked did a card for every pet death, no matter what. I was in charge of that task and signed them from the dr's and staff, some pets were extra special and everyone would sign the card. We also did cremations in house, and I would occasionally offer to place a hair clipping in the box tied with a nice ribbon. The place I worked this past summer did paw prints for all cremations, but it was included by the cremation service they used. Sometimes people would ask for a paw print even though they were not cremating, and those requests were always honored though they would have to bake the clay in their oven at home to cure it. I think a card should be minimum. Anything else should be with owner approval. Some may not want the paw print or lock of hair, and it's important to allow them to make that decision. Including paw prints with cremation is good because if they want ashes, they will likely love the paw print too.
 
Trilt said:
What does everyone's clinics do for their clients following euthanasia? (e.g. condolences card, paw print, etc?)

I'm kind of not a huge fan of our current system... I have to ask specifically to get the card to sign, and we don't do clay paws or anything. They'd be open to changing things (as long as it isn't too expensive) and I'm curious. Poked around on VIN but would love to hear from recent generations.
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We send a card, do claw paws. With little metal letters to stamp the animal's name in if my staff have time and are feeling artsy. We also make sure the regular veterinarian gets a record so they can contact their client.

My staff are great about the cards - I'm <horrible> at remembering them, and there's always someone saying "Dr. LIS, you can't leave yet, you haven't signed cards." We're not consistent from hospital-to-hospital HOW we do the cards - at most of them we just all sign our names (whoever was on-shift). At one place, their front desk person writes a (really nice, in my opinion) note and then everyone signs a name. At one place, people tend to write a short note and sign.

Of all those, I like the one where the front desk person writes a note and we all just sign - saves all the rest of us time and the note sounds more sincere than just each of us writing "sorry for your loss" or whatever.

In my experience a large percentage of clients want a clay paw. I think it's worth doing for them.
 
We did a card for all euthanasias (even walk-ins) and offered up to four paw prints (white clay, name stamped in, and a bow of colored ribbon and they could specify which color) at no cost. There were paints and people could paint them if they wanted but usually there wasn't time. Anyone who interacted with the patient in any capacity was expected to sign...so for walkins there was at least the doctor and a tech signature and the more frequent fliers often had two cards since literally the entire hospital would sign. It wasn't just signing your name either...short messages (even if just 'sorry for your loss') were expected. There was a bin people were expected to go through like weekly, but we'd get pushy if needed. Occasionally clients would ask for a lock of fur and we'd try to bundle it up nicely and tie it with a ribbon. For the very best clients (usually the frequent fliers who were great to work with, had been with us for years, and spent lots of money on their pet) we would occasionally have river stones for their gardens made with personalizations like "Max, beloved pet" or "Lucky, world's greatest dog". They did those maybe three times the year I was there?
 
We do a clay paw print with their name stamped into it and a card for every pet. We have cookie cutters and stuff to make the clay into hearts, flowers, circles, etc so they look nice. We send a card for every pet, including those euthanized, pets that are DOA for cremation, and even clients that call to tell us they passed away. All techs and doctors are expected to sign the cards, and most people write a small note, but they just get sent out whenever they are full because there really isn't enough room for everyone.
 
Trilt said:
What does everyone's clinics do for their clients following euthanasia? (e.g. condolences card, paw print, etc?)

I'm kind of not a huge fan of our current system... I have to ask specifically to get the card to sign, and we don't do clay paws or anything. They'd be open to changing things (as long as it isn't too expensive) and I'm curious. Poked around on VIN but would love to hear from recent generations.
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We're all supposed to send at least a sympathy card for all euthanasias/DOAs we see. On our form going over the options for the body afterwards, the owners are able to circle y/n for a ink pawprint and how many they want. We have a good number of owners who actually prefer not to get one. We as interns I feel get harassed more if we don't get them out compared to some of the senior doctors. If it's a patient that has seen multiple doctors we usually ask if anyone else wants to sign it before mailing.
 
My clinic does clay pawprints and cards free of charge for every euth. Cards are signed with short messages from every person at the clinic (which isn't that many people, so we all have to make sure we do that).

Boss lady is an artist, so she paints the pawprints up all fancy with gold paint and engraves the name of the pet. They are really pretty. :)

ETA: we also sometimes will send flowers to the super-clients
 
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Sympathy card, ink paw print. We do have some clay for certain clients or those who ask. For good, regular clients, we'll do a donation in the pet's name to a charity.... usually a zoo or something. Occasionally we've sent flowers to our amazing clients.
 
Trilt said:
What does everyone's clinics do for their clients following euthanasia? (e.g. condolences card, paw print, etc?)

I'm kind of not a huge fan of our current system... I have to ask specifically to get the card to sign, and we don't do clay paws or anything. They'd be open to changing things (as long as it isn't too expensive) and I'm curious. Poked around on VIN but would love to hear from recent generations.
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we do clay paws and cards. Don't forget the cards have to go out w/i about 3 days or it can lengthen the grieving process in a bad way.

I pay for the clay out of my own pocket. But it's fairly cheap
 
Thanks guys. I'd never worked at a clinic that didn't do pawprints before this, wasn't sure if I just had a weird sample but seems pretty par for the course.

Follow up: do you guys use one of the commercial kits (and if so, name? and if you know, approx. cost/paw?) or just buy your clay and make yourself?

Cards go out same day here. I worked at a clinic where there'd sometimes be like a week delay and yeah, I can imagine that opening the wound pretty bad.
 
Our practice manager bought clay in bulk for us. We had a toaster oven and would bake them ourselves. In vet school we used kits...I actually prefer the terra cotta colored clay from those kits better than the white stuff we used but it served it purpose. I dislike sending them home unbaked because things can happen to them and there usually isn't much of an opportunity to redo one if it gets messed up.
 
At my neuro internship, they had a decent system - on the file of any deceased pet they'd place a card inside, write the initials of all doctors (seniors and interns) who'd seen the pet at all and then it would get shuffled through each doctor's mailbox to sign the card and then returned to reception to mail it. It would take a little longer (they'd try to get the cards out within a week) but that's kind of the way it works in a larger specialty hospital where the senior doctors may only work 4 days a week. If they were a patient of a specialty service aside from ER they'd make a donation to ACVS or ACVIM in the pet's name as well, and if a senior doctor made a notation on the file (for very long-term or particularly involved/sad cases) they'd send flowers out sooner than the card would arrive in addition to the card. If the owner had significant contact or relationships with technicians or reception they usually signed the card too.
 
We do a sympathy card for all (doctor writes, everyone else just signs), clay paw print(s) with name stamped in upon request of the owner (we charge $19 per paw print, I believe) and donate $10 in the pet/family's name to a large non-profit organization for current clients. My biggest gripe is the cards go out waaaay too late.
 
Ink paw prints on a rainbow bridge that we try to make nice, and cards signed by everyone esp. for long term clients. I try to write something personal about the pet. Drew a scissor tail flycatcher in one for someone because it was relevant. I also get little swatches of hair and wrap it in old silk suture for the long haired pets that we knew well.
 
Trilt said:
What does everyone's clinics do for their clients following euthanasia? (e.g. condolences card, paw print, etc?)

I'm kind of not a huge fan of our current system... I have to ask specifically to get the card to sign, and we don't do clay paws or anything. They'd be open to changing things (as long as it isn't too expensive) and I'm curious. Poked around on VIN but would love to hear from recent generations.
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We did paw prints if requested, otherwise did condolences cards - different ones for cats and dogs - and got as many people to sign them as possible. Usually sent them a day or two after. The cards were generic but we tried to write our own individual little messages, especially for long time patients. Of course there were always the ones where euth was the first appointment, but I like to think the clients still appreciated it.
 
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I think I hit a low yesterday. Possibly rock bottom. Mix health issues + not sleeping + very ill patients... I somehow managed to hold it together and not fall into a heap of tears while at work. Definitely broke down after work. I've never been that beat down before, at least I have tomorrow off.
 
Having the day off has helped some. I literally did nothing all day. Stayed in pj's, ordered pizza for lunch and watched tv/movies all day. Now just have to hope working this whole weekend doesn't kill me. We shall see.
 
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Hugs, DVMD!


happen.gif
 
Would anyone be able to help with my CV, perty please?? :-D
 
DVMDream said:
Having the day off has helped some. I literally did nothing all day. Stayed in pj's, ordered pizza for lunch and watched tv/movies all day. Now just have to hope working this whole weekend doesn't kill me. We shall see.
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Hope you're doing okay. Always an open inbox if you need an ear.
 
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Figuring out my plans for post internship is stressing me out. I think I want to head back towards Philly but since I'm not tied down to anyone in particular anymore, a part of me also just wants to pick up and move somewhere completely new.

Not sure if some of that is because I've been feeling a bit lost lately and feel like I'm slowly heading down a mental path that was not too pretty the last time around. Working on that aspect though and trying to get back to seeing
a therapist.
 
Staying at my internship as an ER doc and then may consider a Derm residency. Had a case that I got super excited about today that was derm related. :biglove:
 
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cowgirla said:
I am so glad there are people like you in the world. Skin is icky. Itchy skin makes me itchy.
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I really didn't think I'd want to do a residency. But the more I think about it as a possibility, the more excited I get. And nows the time to do it since I'm not geographically tied down. The loan situation will suck but I'll figure that out.
 
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Just finished my last shift as an intern!!! I was scheduled from 3pm to 1 am and I only just got into bed. Felt like a horrible person when I got excited over my last two records being a DOA and a PTS only exam. But now it's time to sleep and actually make money!
 
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Started my new job about a month ago. It's amazing to think how far I (we) have come in the past year. I felt so different walking into my current job 1 month ago compared to when I started a year ago. So much more confidence. I like the company I work for (corporate), and I like the $$ I'm making and the hours are great, but this place is SO busy. It's good, in a way, because it forces me to step out of my comfort zone and take on cases I normally wouldn't. I'm learning so much. But the staff is starting to make mistakes because we are so busy. I'm hoping that we can find a way take a few extra seconds to double, triple check everything before treatments are administered, a patient is discharged, charges to an account are made. Luckily nothing too serious has happened yet. And hopefully won't.
 
psilovethomas said:
Started my new job about a month ago. It's amazing to think how far I (we) have come in the past year. I felt so different walking into my current job 1 month ago compared to when I started a year ago. So much more confidence. I like the company I work for (corporate), and I like the $$ I'm making and the hours are great, but this place is SO busy. It's good, in a way, because it forces me to step out of my comfort zone and take on cases I normally wouldn't. I'm learning so much. But the staff is starting to make mistakes because we are so busy. I'm hoping that we can find a way take a few extra seconds to double, triple check everything before treatments are administered, a patient is discharged, charges to an account are made. Luckily nothing too serious has happened yet. And hopefully won't.
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I didn't really realize how far I had come either until the new interns arrived. It's been eye opening for sure. I still don't know a lot about a lot of things, but I just sort of now take on whatever and figure it out as I go instead of trying to stay within my comfort zone. Glad you're liking the new job so far and hope the double checking things works out well. I totally get how easy that can happen as we're a ridiculously busy ER with not enough bodies all around (techs, drs, etc) and it can happen so easily.
 
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orca2011 said:
I didn't really realize how far I had come either until the new interns arrived. It's been eye opening for sure. I still don't know a lot about a lot of things, but I just sort of now take on whatever and figure it out as I go instead of trying to stay within my comfort zone. Glad you're liking the new job so far and hope the double checking things works out well. I totally get how easy that can happen as we're a ridiculously busy ER with not enough bodies all around (techs, drs, etc) and it can happen so easily.
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we hired two new grads and they keep asking me questions like I know things... :eek:
 
Trilt said:
we hired two new grads and they keep asking me questions like I know things... :eek:
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This keeps happening to me too. I'm also terrified of when I'm the "adult" on overnights in a few weeks. I manage all the inpatients and let the intern primarily see all the cases. But it's horrifying.
 
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