Recently, ARV was asked to appoint a member to serve on the AAVMC Academic Food Supply Veterinary Medicine Committee.  What can we suggest to help with curriculum development in the nation's veterinary schools?

Most all of us have had experiences early in our careers that caught us either unaware or unprepared to deal with unpredicted consequences. For example, my first employer spent about 9 days out the first six weeks of my employment in the clinic. The rest of the time he was totally unreachable. My second boss had his accreditation revoked for one year due to funny things he did in regard to cattle testing. When my DVM wife and I began our practice I threw away our first bounced check, I didn’t know what to do with it. Many have had similar and far worse experiences.

I am gathering as many anecdotes and horror stories as possible from all veterinarians about first job or practice startup situations for which the individual was not prepared. My hope is to compile a “New Grad or New Practice Survival Guide.”

I don’t think this has been done, and such a document might be a good resource for both new grads and practice startups. No holds barred, no topics restricted, gender issues, generational issues, ethical, financial, “My first boss was a horse’s patoot”, or anything like that. Also, any rational solutions to any of these dilemmas anyone would care to offer would be appreciated.

I believe such a work might be helpful in helping a new grad or new practice develop with a little less pain.

Contact:
Steve McDonald DVM
Bojo8669@aol.com
940-631-0796