#204: You're Only Human

The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the unpredictability of veterinary practice, the impact of human errors, and the unrealistic pursuit of perfection. It emphasizes the importance of accepting human fallibility, understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process, and fostering self-compassion.

The principle of "first do no harm" is explored, highlighting the intention behind actions rather than the outcomes. The podcast also stresses the significance of building trust within oneself to establish strong relationships with clients.

Veterinary professionals are reminded of their qualifications and encouraged to focus on the positive impacts they make, letting go of guilt and shame associated with past mistakes. The overarching message is to embrace veterinary medicine as a journey of growth, where doing one's best in each moment is what truly matters.

Key takeaways:

1. Challenges in Veterinary Practice: Veterinary professionals face unpredictability and emotional struggles, often dealing with outcomes that do not meet expectations and human errors that lead to guilt and shame.
2. Acceptance of Human Fallibility: The podcast emphasizes that veterinary medicine is a practice where mistakes are inevitable. It encourages acceptance of human fallibility and making decisions with the best available information and intentions at the time.
3. Critique of Perfectionism: Perfectionism is seen as detrimental to self-trust and team dynamics. The relentless pursuit of perfection can create a toxic work environment and hinder professional growth.
4. Principle of "First Do No Harm": This principle is about the intention to help rather than guaranteeing the absence of discomfort or suffering. Self-judgment based on future evaluations of past decisions can lead to guilt and shame.
5. Building Trusting Relationships: Trust within oneself is foundational to building trusting relationships with clients. Approaching client interactions with self-doubt and shame can hinder rapport, while focusing on the best interests of the patient and client can mitigate adverse outcomes.
6. Qualifications and Decision-Making: Veterinary professionals are reminded of their qualifications and the importance of making informed decisions based on available resources, rather than striving for perfection. Outcomes are influenced by multiple factors beyond the veterinarian's control.
7. Self-Forgiveness and Compassion: Letting go of past mistakes and reframing them as neutral events is crucial. Holding onto guilt and shame can impede professional performance. The podcast advocates for self-forgiveness and compassion, recognizing that all veterinary professionals face similar challenges.
8. Focus on Positive Impact: Emphasizing the positive impact made in the lives of animals and clients is important. The majority of interactions are beneficial, and this should be the focus.
9. Journey of Learning and Growth: Veterinary medicine should be seen as a journey of learning and growth. The goal is not perfection but doing one’s best in each moment.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay