It seems like everywhere I go in Whistler people still keep asking about this…
So I thought it would be easier to make a video, since it’s a really long answer, and it’s not something I really enjoy having to talk about everywhere I go. Now I can just say: “Go watch the video:)”
No, I am no longer practicing veterinary medicine. I submitted my official retirement/resignation to the CVBC at the end of 2023.
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On today’s episode of Twin Trees Vet Talk...
I discuss veterinary mental health and suicide and my experience with burnout in the veterinary profession. I share my personal journey in veterinary medicine, factors that led to psychological distress as a veterinary professional, and what led me to stop practicing veterinary medicine.
These are a couple of my other projects if you are interested:
https://twintreesvet.com/
Educational resource, podcast, free pet first aid course & more
https://solomebeauty.com
Organic skincare made in Whistler. PLANT + MINERAL BASED. CRUELTY FREE. REFILLABLE + ZERO WASTE.
https://littlepinepet.com
Little Pine: Sustainable/upcycled pet gear
Thank you and have a lovely day 🏔️🥂🕊️
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RESOURCES:
-If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Talk Suicide Canada 24/7 support at 1-833-456-4566.
-Suicide in veterinary medicine: A literature review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37577194
da Silva CR, Gomes AAD, Dos Santos-Doni TR, Antonelli AC, Vieira RFDC, da Silva ARS. Suicide in veterinary medicine: A literature review. Vet World. 2023 Jun;16(6):1266-1276. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1266-1276. Epub 2023 Jun 8. PMID: 37577194; PMCID: PMC10421543.
-Letter: What is wrong with the Whistler housing narrative?
https://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/opinion/letter-what-is-wrong-with-the-whistler-housing-narrative-5340620
-QPR training via AVMA (free for all veterinary professionals): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training
-ASK training via VetFolio (free and tailored to veterinary professionals): https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/ask-suicide-prevention-training
-Applied suicide intervention skills training: https://www.suicideinfo.ca/workshop/asist/
-Wellness Together Canada https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA?lang=en-ca
WELCOME TO TWIN TREES VET TALK! You may be able to find an answer to your question here. Join us on YOUTUBE for new content weekly. An informal chat with Dr. Lopez (Emergency Veterinarian) and friends to share our perspective on pet predicaments, being a veterinarian, our shared love for animals and more! Have a quick question? Want to run something by us? Or just need our two cents? This is your chance! Enter your questions here. and each week we will select a handful of questions to answer.
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3 BEST PIECES OF ADVICE FROM THE EMERGENCY VET THAT COULD SAVE YOUR PET'S LIFE
1) DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO GET HELP! If you wait too long, it could be too late. This is especially true for concerns such as laboured breathing, pale gums and weakness. You know your pet best, so if you are worried or concerned, "when in doubt, check it out!"
2) PREVENT THE PREVENTABLE. Learn as much as possible about dangers that face your pet, such as household poisons, seemingly harmless objects (like toys, clothing, garbage and rocks), other animals, and vehicles. Pets are like toddlers and they need a responsible adult/babysitter to protect them from danger. Puppies and kittens need to start their vaccines at ~8 WEEKS (and they need boosters too!) to protect them from deadly diseases.
3) BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. Have a plan in place, know your nearest emergency clinic, have the ASPCA phone number on speed dial. Know basic first aid training and CPR. But MOST IMPORTANTLY, BE FINANCIALLY PREPARED. The cost of medical treatment in an emergency, and the owners' ability to pay for it, is probably the most important factor that determines whether a pet will receive the medical care it needs. The best way to protect yourself is to have good medical insurance for your pet. Do your research.
**REMEMBER**: WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM, with the best interest of the patient as everyone's first priority. Let your vet do what he/she does best, and don't try to grab the steering wheel and obstruct your vet from doing his/her job. We are all in the same car, we are all headed to the same place, but only one of us has the driver's license (meaning, only the vet has the medical training and background to "drive the car").
DISCLAIMER
The medical information on this site is provided as an educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Please consult your pet's health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. Twin Trees Vet expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site.