#138 Referral Resistance

10/04/23 • 33 min

The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals

The scope of veterinary practice is continuously expanding. We are always learning more about animals, their physiology, and their medical conditions. We are regularly developing new treatment modalities and skills.

The days of a veterinarian being all things to all patients and treating all ailments are long gone.

Embracing this reality, however, is taking a little longer.

The ability to refer a case to a fellow veterinary professional, specialist or not, is a great opportunity in our profession.

Intentional referral is not only in the best interest of the patient, it is also in the best interest of our personal wellbeing.

Don't underestimate the negative impact hanging onto a case you'd rather refer is having on your net emotional state...

Despite this, many of us resist referring out cases...

But why?

It comes down to Shame and Fear, which are both tied up in judgement... judgement of self, and judgement of others.

In this episode

The links between shame, fear, and judgement
The three situations in which referral is a great choice (and no, it's not limited to the really critical and really sick ones)
What keeps us hanging on to cases that we don't really want to manage
The opportunity we have collectively to improve our job satisfaction and wellbeing by working in a more synergistic way

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend and consider leaving us a review on wherever you listen to podcasts

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

The days of a veterinarian being all things to all patients and treating all ailments are long gone.

Embracing this reality, however, is taking a little longer.

The ability to refer a case to a fellow veterinary professional, specialist or not, is a great opportunity in our profession.

Intentional referral is not only in the best interest of the patient, it is also in the best interest of our personal wellbeing.

Don't underestimate the negative impact hanging onto a case you'd rather refer is having on your net emotional state...

Despite this, many of us resist referring out cases...

But why?

It comes down to Shame and Fear, which are both tied up in judgement... judgement of self, and judgement of others.

In this episode

The links between shame, fear, and judgement
The three situations in which referral is a great choice (and no, it's not limited to the really critical and really sick ones)
What keeps us hanging on to cases that we don't really want to manage
The opportunity we have collectively to improve our job satisfaction and wellbeing by working in a more synergistic way

If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a friend and consider leaving us a review on wherever you listen to podcasts

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Previous Episode

#137 "I read online that..."

When a client says, "I read online that..." many of us cringe.

Dread and frustration often bubble up.

We become defensive and impatient.

But why?

Today more than any time in history, information is easily available.

Unfortunately, misinformation is easily available, too.

However, it's not our job to police the internet.

Our job is to help the client and patient in front of us... that is all.
So what do we do when client begins sharing everything the internet told them, and maybe even trying to dictate how we treat their pet?

We start by taking a breath!

In this episode I share how you can navigate these interactions in a way that is powerful and professional for you, but also supportive of the client and patient in front of you.

A client who values information is a great client to have, and one you can always find common ground with when you are willing to both listen and share.

But remember this: You never have to compromise the way you practice medicine. Your approach to any case is yours alone to decide.

Clients can accept your recommendations, or not. That part you'll never control. But feeling frustrated about the information and perspective they arrive with... that part is always optional.

Take a listen and learn how you can gracefully navigate these conversations with your wellbeing intact and your mind at ease.
For more tips on improving your personal wellbeing, visit https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Next Episode

#139 Taking Time To Celebrate

Our world is a whirlwind of busyness.

In VetMed we race from appointment to appointment for hours each day.

Other aspects of our lives often get pushed off as we run low on time and energy.

This cycle continues as time continues to pass.

From time to time we become aware of what we haven't accomplished, yet.

Our goals and dreams seem so far away.

And in the distraction of it all, we totally miss how far we've come.

In a world that is constantly moving forward at a frenzied pace, we must periodically take time to look back.

We must celebrate how far we've come, the challenges we've conquered, the growth we've experienced.

Without these moments of reflection, it's easy to conclude we haven't accomplished anything...

... that we've wasted our time...

... that we've made no progress toward our goals...

Those conclusions are NEVER true.

You have made progress.

You have experienced success.

You have accomplished big things.

Take a moment to remind yourself of all that you've done.

Celebrate your efforts and achievements.

Remind yourself that you are capable of creating all that you dream.

The evidence and encouragement is all around you.

In this episode I take a look back at all we've accomplished since starting Joyful DVM in 2017. The list is very humbling, a bit mind-blowing, and strong evidence that our mission resonates with the veterinary community.

Thank you for being a loyal listener and helping us to reach this most recent goal.

If our podcast has made a difference in your life, I hope you'll share it with a friend.

Resources discussed in this episode:

VetMed; JOY CLUB

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals - #138 Referral Resistance

Transcript

This transcript is auto-generated and may contain typos.
Hi there. I'm Dr. Cari Wise veterinarian, certified life coach and certified quantum human design specialist. If you are a veterinary professional looking to uplevel your life and your career or maybe looking to go in an entirely new direction, then what I talk about here on the Joyful DVM podcast is absolutely for you. Let's get started. Hello my friend. Welcome back to another episode of the Joyful DVM pod