In Episode 220 of the Joyful DVM podcast, Dr. Cari Wise addresses a universal yet often emotionally charged topic in the veterinary profession: leaving a job. She explores why it's perfectly okay to move on; and how to do it with integrity, clarity, and grace. Whether you're running toward a new opportunity or running away from a challenging environment, this episode provides practical wisdom and encouragement for navigating professional transitions without burning bridges.

Key Takeaways:

1. You Don’t Need Permission to Leave: Your desire to move on is valid, even if others don’t understand it. The most important thing is that you like your reason for leaving.
2. Clarity is Power: Understanding why you want to leave — whether you’re running from discomfort or running toward opportunity — is crucial. The latter tends to lead to more fulfilling results.
3. Avoid the "Same Situation, Different Clinic" Trap: If you're only trying to escape a bad experience without fully understanding the root cause, you may end up recreating that experience in your next role.
4. Small Profession, Big Connections: The veterinary world is tightly knit. Leaving with grace preserves relationships that might benefit you in the future.
5. Preserve Your Peace: Departing from a job should be an act of empowerment, not destruction. You owe it to yourself to walk away in a way that maintains your integrity and peace of mind.

Resources & Links:

1. Website: www.joyfuldvm.com
2. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18257625/
3. Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyfuldvm
4. Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoyfulDVM/

✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend in the veterinary profession!

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

In this episode of The Joyful DVM Podcast, Dr. Cari Wise explores the connection between stress, anxiety, and compassion in veterinary medicine. She discusses how the emotional highs and lows of the profession are natural and not indicators of personal failure.

Key Takeaways

1. Stress & Anxiety Reflect Compassion – The extent to which we experience stress is directly related to how much we care. It is not a sign of failure but a natural part of being in a compassionate profession.
2. Client Interactions & Emotions – Clients who appear aggressive or frustrated often act out of fear and concern for their pets. Recognizing this can help veterinarians maintain perspective and respond with understanding.
3. You Cannot Control Client Choices – A veterinarian's job is to provide medical recommendations, but clients ultimately decide on the course of action. Their choices do not reflect the veterinarian’s worth or ability.
4. Comparison Leads to Self-Doubt – Assuming colleagues have it "all together" based on appearances can lead to unnecessary self-judgment. Everyone experiences stress differently.
5. Veterinary Medicine is Full of Uncertainty – Outcomes are never guaranteed, and there will always be unknowns in veterinary practice. Accepting this helps reduce pressure and unrealistic expectations.
6. Money and Veterinary Care – Charging for veterinary services is necessary and ethical. The cost of care does not diminish the value of the veterinarian or the services they provide.
7. Letting Go of the Need to "Fix" Emotions – Experiencing stress and anxiety does not mean something is wrong with you. The goal isn’t to eliminate these emotions but to acknowledge and move through them without self-judgment.

Resources & Links:

1. Website: www.joyfuldvm.com
2. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18257625/
3. Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyfuldvm
4. Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoyfulDVM/

✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow veterinary professional who might need to hear it!

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

What happens when a client declines your veterinary recommendations? For many of us, their “no” sparks frustration, judgment, and even resentment. But what if that "no" isn’t actually a problem? In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise explores the deeper meaning behind client decisions, why we take them personally, and how shifting our mindset can reduce stress, build trust, and create a more positive veterinary experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1️⃣ Why Client “No’s” Feel So Personal – Understand how external validation impacts your emotional response to client decisions.

2️⃣ The Role of Judgment in Veterinary Interactions – Learn how unconscious judgment—toward clients and yourself—creates unnecessary stress.

3️⃣ How to Communicate Without Pressure or Manipulation – Discover how small language changes can build trust and encourage client collaboration.

4️⃣ The True Role of a Veterinarian in the Care Cycle – Gain clarity on what is (and isn’t) your responsibility when offering medical recommendations.

5️⃣ How Letting Go of Control Reduces Burnout – Find out how detaching from client choices leads to a more sustainable and fulfilling veterinary career.

Key Takeaways:

✅ A client’s “no” is neutral—it’s only a problem if we attach judgment to it.

✅ Veterinary professionals often rely on external validation, making client decisions feel more personal than they actually are.

✅ The best way to advocate for pets is to present all options neutrally, allowing owners to make informed choices without pressure.

✅ Changing the way we communicate—avoiding phrases like “have to,” “need to,” and “should”—improves client trust and decision-making.

✅ When we stop taking responsibility for client decisions, we free ourselves from unnecessary guilt, frustration, and burnout.

Resources & Links:

1. Website: www.joyfuldvm.com
2. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18257625/
3. Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyfuldvm
4. Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoyfulDVM/

✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow veterinary professional who might need to hear it!

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay