Wellbeing & Lifestyle

I had to tackle this tough task sooner or later. Turns out it was later.

Your patients need you to be sharp for each appointment, so take these steps to make sure your mind is prepared to meet every challenge.

The effects of criticism are dependent on who is giving it – and your relationship to that person. Our world view and understanding is filtered through words. Of all the strategies which handle criticism effectively, the most important is to figure out accurately what the problem is. Be prepared to ask questions to clarify what is wanted or expected.

Charles Figley, PhD, who did the seminal research in the diagnosis and treatment of Compassion Fatigue, defined it in 1995 as: "A state of exhaustion and dysfunction (biologically, psychologically, and socially) as a result of prolonged exposure to compassion stress" (giving of yourself without a way of replenishing your energies and resources).

If a three-day weekend or short vacation isn't easing the stress of practice life, you may need more. Here's how one veterinarian found professional renewal through a two-month sabbatical.

Therapist Jill Cody shares top tips for stressed veterinarians and team members to loosen up, handle criticism with flair, and start focusing on what you value most.

Caffeine and sugar may get you through your day at the veterinary practice, but they won't get you to your happy place. Exercise your mind by exercising your body and your rights to healthy food.

You can't give all of yourself away at the veterinary practice or you'll wind up with nothing left. Learn helpful coping skills to stay happy and healthy at the animal hospital.

Are you living your passion? It's a question that motivational speaker Gary Zelesky asked more than 350 veterinarians and team members today.

Low-cost spays and neuters fill a crucial need. Veterinarians: Don't begrudge your colleagues who help.

A veterinarian writes an apology letter to a former pet owner who couldn't afford to care for his dog.

Following this guideline will make life in the veterinary practice harder-but easier.

The graceful shape of a cat's face. The watchful eye of a dog. The smile of a grateful client. These are the faces of veterinary care. They keep us going and can help us succeed in practice, conquer our mountains, and be the best veterinarians we can be.

Here are four ways to strengthen your relationship with clients.

Conquer clients' fears at the veterinary practice with these communication tips.

It's time to leave compassion fatigue in the past. Start anew with 10 revitalizing resolutions, a self-care pact, and compassion fatigue quiz.

No wonder veterinary associates can't imagine ownership. Where does their low self-esteem come from?

This practice manager received a big dose of inspiration when his hospital went the extra mile for the littlest, neediest patient.

Our profession has had its ups and downs over the years. We have seen periods of perceived shortages and excesses of practicing veterinarians. We have moved from a profession of mostly male, large animal practitioners to one of mostly female, companion animal practitioners. The human-animal bond has been better understood and developed so that our pets have moved from the barn in the 1950's into our bed by the 1990's.

The old gray Mac, she ain't what she used to be.

The University of Tennessee CVM experiments with a new student resource.

How do I handle 'sugar pushers'-clients or team members who bring in sweet treats for our staff or who place fund-raising cookie and candy order forms in the break room? I don't want to be rude, but I also want to live a healthy lifestyle.

A veterinarian shares why she gave up medical school for veterinary school.

Lead your practice with its future ownership in mind.

Don't beat yourself up for failing to be all things to all people all the time

Being an owner doesn't mean you're doomed to work long hours.

What it means to work in the veterinary field has changed over the course of a generation.

Too much to do and not enough time to do it, coupled with lack of communication, resources, and financial incentives, leaves team members tense.

Have you ever had one of "those" days? You know, the kind where things started of slow, your energy seemed low and your enthusiasm even lower.