#123: Beyond Clinical Practice: Harnessing Your Secret Veterinary Superpowers For A Diverse Career, And Leveraging Tough Times To Fight Self-Limiting Beliefs. With Dr Stephanie Morley
This episode dives into the highs and lows of a 'squiggly' veterinary career, guided by the story of a professional who has seamlessly blended veterinary practice, entrepreneurship, and business development. We explore the contrasting mindsets between lifelong veterinary dreamers and those who found the profession later in life, shedding light on how these perspectives shape resilience, burnout, and adaptability in the field.
Dr Stephanie unpacks the perfectionist tendencies ingrained in veterinarians and how these ideals collide with the unpredictable, messy realities of daily practice. The discussion also uncovers the hidden opportunities for veterinarians to apply their unique skill sets—like decision-making, leadership, and sales—in industries beyond animal care.
Alongside personal advice on fostering self-worth, positive self-talk, and overcoming limiting beliefs, listeners will gain practical strategies for navigating the emotional hurdles of the profession. The episode wraps up with a glimpse into cutting-edge veterinary medical devices, showing how veterinarians can use their expertise to innovate and shape the future of the field.
Have you ever considered doing something other than clinical veterinary practice, only to get stuck at 'but what else could I do? The only skill I have is fixing sick animals!' Dr Steph Morley will show how how wrong you are.
You'll learn how the skills and attributes that make you a good vet are highly valued outside of the vet clinic, and how to re-write your CV to make it applicable to any industry.
And if you're not considering leaving practice - great! This conversation will help you better value your skills and knowledge and change the negative self talk that devalues your skills and makes you feel like an imposter.
Dr Stephanie Morley's career has included a degree in hospitality and business and working in clinical practice and practice management, and in lab animal medicine. This led her first major pivot into a role as the Associate Director of Business Development at the University of Michigan, and then to the entrepreneurial life as the Co-Founder and President of Zomedica. Dr Steph is currently the President of Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices, the team behind an innovative new antibiotic delivery device for veterinarians.
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Topics and Time Stamps
04:57 Your Unique Veterinary Superpowers
15:55 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Limiting Beliefs
25:00 Translating Veterinary Skills to Other Careers
36:42 Networking Tips for Introverts
38:27 Transitioning from Clinical Practice
47:19 Innovative Antibiotic Delivery Device
01:07:28 Advice for New Veterinary Graduates
The Reality of Veterinary Burnout and How to Navigate It
- Shifting self-talk: Cultivating positive self-talk and challenging limiting beliefs about self-worth can help veterinarians better cope with the emotional and financial pressures of the profession. This involves consciously changing the internal narrative to one of self-compassion and recognising their inherent value. Techniques like identifying and challenging limiting beliefs through evidence-based inquiry can help reframe negative thought patterns.
- Recognising and leveraging transferable skills: Understanding that veterinary skills extend beyond clinical practice can open doors to alternative career paths. Veterinarians possess valuable transferable skills, such as decision-making under pressure, problem-solving, communication, and leadership, which are applicable in various fields. By exploring these options, veterinarians can potentially find more fulfilling and less stressful career paths.
- Prioritising self-care and well-being: While not explicitly mentioned in the sources, prioritising self-care is crucial for preventing and recovering from burnout. This encompasses activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health, such as exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Building a support network of colleagues, friends, and family can also provide invaluable emotional support and coping mechanisms.
- Advocating for systemic change: Although not discussed in the sources, advocating for systemic changes within the veterinary profession is crucial for addressing the root causes of burnout. This includes advocating for fair compensation, improved working conditions, access to mental health resources, and promoting a culture that values veterinarian well-being.
Finding Fulfillment Inside and Outside of Veterinary Practice
- Challenge limiting beliefs: Veterinarians, often driven by a deep passion for animals, may enter the field with romanticised notions. The episode suggests that these individuals are more susceptible to disillusionment and burnout when confronted with the challenging realities of veterinary practice. It's crucial to challenge limiting beliefs about self-worth and embrace the concept that veterinary skills are valuable beyond the clinic.
- Embrace the "MacGyver" mentality: Veterinarians, often faced with limited resources and diverse patient needs, develop a remarkable ability to improvise and find solutions, a characteristic referred to as "MacGyverism" in the episode. Recognising and valuing this ability to think outside the box and adapt to challenging situations can be empowering and translate well to other fields.
- Reframe challenges as opportunities: The episode highlights the importance of viewing seemingly negative experiences as opportunities for growth and learning. By reframing challenges as stepping stones, veterinarians can build resilience and find meaning in their work, both within and outside of clinical practice.
- Cultivate self-compassion and realistic expectations: The inherent vulnerability and empathy that draw many to veterinary medicine can also make them susceptible to burnout. Accepting imperfections, celebrating successes, and acknowledging limitations are crucial for maintaining well-being.
- Identify and articulate transferable skills: Veterinarians possess a wealth of skills applicable to various careers. These include decision-making in high-stress situations, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability. By reframing their experiences and highlighting these skills on resumes and in interviews, veterinarians can effectively showcase their value to potential employers in diverse fields.
- Explore diverse career paths: The episode encourage veterinarians to explore opportunities beyond clinical practice, leveraging their skills in areas like research, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, business development, education, and consulting.
- Network and seek mentorship: Engaging with professionals in different fields can broaden perspectives and open doors to new opportunities. Networking can help identify potential career paths and gain valuable insights into the skills and experience required for a successful transition.
- Set boundaries and prioritise self-care: The demands of veterinary practice can easily lead to neglecting personal well-being. Establishing boundaries, prioritising self-care activities, and seeking support from colleagues, friends, and family are essential for preventing and managing burnout.
- Embrace continuous learning: Staying engaged in professional development and pursuing interests outside of veterinary medicine can foster a sense of purpose and personal growth.
- Find meaning and purpose: Reflecting on values and identifying what brings joy and satisfaction is essential for finding fulfilment, whether within or outside of veterinary practice.
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