That’s the way business works, but I think it’s toxic when life is at stake. It’s a topic I’ll talk more about in the future. I’m interested to hear from other vets about how you manage the pull between your medical instincts and your business instincts. Can they peacefully co-exist? What do you think?
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4 Comments:
- At 6:22 AM, Sharon J said...
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Hi. I'm not a vet but I do have pets and have often wondered how a vet feels when he or she has to turn away a sick animal because the owner isn't in a position to pay for expensive treatment.
I'm in the UK and although we have the PDSA, it's only open to those claiming welfare benefits not to those who are working. But of course, working doesn't necessarily mean you're on a high income and when an uninsured dog that was rescued needs an operation that costs £500, it's difficult to find enough money to cover the costs.
I fully understand that business is business but it must be quite a dilemma for vets. - At 10:39 AM, Dr Robb said...
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HI Sharon,
Thanks for your input from the UK. It is a dilemma for vets especially those who are not well versed in business or unwilling to delegate this task to others. If a veterinarian runs a profitable business operation there is always room to help the poor and needy and never euthanize a pet or wildlife when the vet can fix.
The Protect the Pets movement is all about educating the public and the veterinarian to drive the changes necessary so no pet dies because of profits over pets. I would love to speak to you and discuss the situation in the UK concerning these important issues. Call me Dr. Robb @ 203-312-9419, thanks, Dr. Robb - At 7:49 AM, Edie said...
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As a veterinarian, I simply cannot afford to 'give away' my services. I have incurred >100 grand in student loan debt that was required to fund my education, as no one else could contribute financially in my life. I am not alone with this type of debt working the veterinary field. My reasoning for the type of behavior you fear in our profession includes;
Education cost: not a choice.
Caretaking a pet: a choice.
Food on table cost: not a choice.
Owning a pet: a choice.
I think you can see my point.
I have always struggled with those hard decisions some owners have to make over what they can and cannot do for their pet financially concerning medical care. Yet I have to step back and realize that I have bills to be paid also, every month, like everyone else, and there is only so much charity work I can afford to do. - At 8:45 AM, Dr Robb said...
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Thanks for your comment and I hear you loud and clear. I find myself under the same pressures today. Although it’s not school loans etc my financial position is a daily concern. Having said that I still don't believe helping a pet or animal in need will impact me negatively. First of all there is the goodwill that comes with it. Goodwill gives pet owners confidence that our hearts are in the right place and they can trust us with their loved ones. Secondly I believe it’s often the business practices that impede profits not helping an animal in need without any money attached. Most importantly is our soul. That we can look in the mirror everyday and like whom we see. In every animal eye I see a reflection of myself. If I was in the position of the animal where I needed medical help and had no money I would hope compassion would be the overwhelming emotion and I would be helped.
If you would like a free consultation concerning your business practices please give me a call at 203-312-9419. Thanks for participating! Dr. Robb
Dr. John Robb is a respected doctor of veterinary medicine from Connecticut. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California – Davis in 1981 and his D.V.M from that same institution in 1985. More
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