This blog is a little out of character for me as it pertains more to life than veterinary medicine. I am going to just let out some thoughts and hope for the best.
Sometimes I feel like Taylor Swift when I am working... this may be a stretch but let me get you there.
My colleague recently went on vacation and when I was joking about leaving me alone for a busy Friday she said to me, " You have all the staff to yourself, they are only focused on you." She wasn't wrong, I was the only doctor there and everyone would be looking to me for direction and to keep the flow of the day going. It got me thinking about how doctors run the show at the hospital. This is not meant to dismiss the other staff at the hospital (I couldn't do it without my support staff), but let's be honest with out the doctor there would be no show.
A few days ago before leaving for work my family put the Eras Tour movie on (thanks to grandma for being the biggest Swiftie). We were dancing around and having a great morning. In the beginning of the movie, Taylor is talking to the crowd and telling them how powerful they make her feel. She points her finger to different parts of the crowd which causes them to scream with just a point of her finger. This is when she gave me the idea that veterinarians are so powerful in their own profession. Taylor Swift is a powerhouse of her art, but veterinarians have their own niche of power.
My mood dictates the color of the day. My good work ethics will lead the way for good work ethics of the support staff. Everyones eyes are looking at me and mimicking me in their own way, just like Taylor's fans and aspiring artists.
Some days I have recognition of the power that I hold. I hold a patients life in my hands and the pet parents are trusting me to make the correct decisions in their care. The technicians are there to execute whatever treatment plans I recommend. I feel like "The Man." But then come the dark days when I feel powerless, imposter syndrome sets in. I doubt my knowledge, I forget where I started, I forget that I am capable. Luckily for me the dark days are few and far between at this point of my career. If you are a veterinarian or a doctor or any professional for that matter, if you can push through those days, you will make it to the days where you realize your true power and potential.
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