I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian.
Even as a small child, I was convinced that it was the perfect job for me. I loved animals. I loved science. I wasn't grossed out by blood and guts. It seemed a no-brainer.
Of course, what I imagined this job would be like is often very different from the reality of it. I guess I imagined myself diagnosing and treating disease with great ease. As if medicine was a matter of memorizing 'the rules,' and to practice as a vet merely meant following them.
The truth is, I very often don't know if I'm right or if my judgements are correct. At the end of the day, after I've typed up my last notes, and I'm back home, I start to mentally turn over the events of the day, and second-guess myself - or, at the very least, wonder.
'Did I choose the right medication? Or would another drug have worked better?'
'Did I diagnose that correctly? Will they come back because I've completely missed the mark?'
'Am I helping?'
When I decided I wanted to be a vet, I never foresaw this element of my job. The constant worrying. The doubts. I take it all home with me.
There is no greater relief than a re-check appointment, when you learn that everything worked out perfectly!
Even as a small child, I was convinced that it was the perfect job for me. I loved animals. I loved science. I wasn't grossed out by blood and guts. It seemed a no-brainer.
Of course, what I imagined this job would be like is often very different from the reality of it. I guess I imagined myself diagnosing and treating disease with great ease. As if medicine was a matter of memorizing 'the rules,' and to practice as a vet merely meant following them.
The truth is, I very often don't know if I'm right or if my judgements are correct. At the end of the day, after I've typed up my last notes, and I'm back home, I start to mentally turn over the events of the day, and second-guess myself - or, at the very least, wonder.
'Did I choose the right medication? Or would another drug have worked better?'
'Did I diagnose that correctly? Will they come back because I've completely missed the mark?'
'Am I helping?'
When I decided I wanted to be a vet, I never foresaw this element of my job. The constant worrying. The doubts. I take it all home with me.
There is no greater relief than a re-check appointment, when you learn that everything worked out perfectly!