Publications
Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond
by Alice Villalobos
Articles
From the VetPartners Experts: Walking the Bridge to Connection and Finding Career Sustainability
There was a moment in my life when I almost let go of my bridge to connection. I was holding on to the bridge, dangling by my fingertips, and about to make that final decision to let go of life.
Then, I saw it. It was a flash, just for a moment. A thought. Today, I call these thoughts “balloons.” This balloon showed up literally just in time to save my life—it was the thought of the unspoken connection to my horse, Toby.
From that moment on, I realized I can’t get rid of the sinkers that pulled me off that bridge to connection and into my ocean of shame. In fact, I need them. My sinkers are connecting me to my inner passion and driving much of my conviction. Instead of trying to eliminate my sinkers from my life, what I could do was find and fill my balloons—my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balloons.
AAHA Connexity takes on topics that keep veterinarians up at night
The American Animal Hospital Association took a radically new approach to its annual conference this year. It forewent scientific subjects in favor of topics in practice management and personal well-being such as improving workplace culture, finding a balance between caring for others and caring for oneself, and marketing a practice’s charitable activities.
Finding Happiness in The Journey That is Veterinary Medicine
“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” Philosopher Albert Camus.
The plan was so clear when I was in my early 20’s and the comfort that came from that certainty was amazing. I knew exactly where I needed to go and had a very specific detailed “Plan”. I’m an organizer and I had organized my life to my end goal, or so I thought.
How to Continue to Find Joy in Veterinary Practice
AAHA – Guide to Vet Practice Team Wellbeing
We all remember the joy and excitement we felt when we got our acceptance letter to veterinary school or landed our first job in a veterinary hospital. But over time, the challenges of a busy and, at times, emotionally taxing daily practice life can start to diminish the joy. Because of these challenges, we can start blaming and judging ourselves and others inappropriately and unfairly. Do any of these phrases sound familiar?
Wellness: Not Just for Patients Anymore
Trends Jan 2018 Issue – AAHA Publication
Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, DACVECC, CYT, is no stranger to the challenges of the veterinary profession. Inspired by the passion of her parents—both veterinarians— she pursued a successful career as a critical care specialist. But while working as an assistant professor of emergency and critical care, she suffered from compassion fatigue.
The WOW Factor – Managing Your Emotional Well-Being
OVMA Focus Magazine Mar/Apr 2017
While her days are much brighter now, it wasn’t always this way. “I woke up one morning and felt like this was it – I couldn’t live anymore.”
Under Pressure
Cummings School of Vet Medicine at Tufts University Fall 2016 Issue
The first mental health survey of U.S. veterinarians paints a sobering picture: One in six has contemplated suicide. Why are these healers feeling so desperate? And what’s being done to help care for them?
DVM 360 Veterinary Medicine Podcasts
Your Veterinary Voice, Episode 15: Meet Kimberly Pope-Robinson, DVM – Dec 04, 2017
Holding steady during the ups and downs of a veterinary life – Jun 22, 2017
Two things that hurt veterinarian – Mar 29, 2017
Burnout: The universal stuff for medical professions—veterinary or not – Oct 25, 2016
3 flawless tips for the veterinary perfectionist – Sep 30, 2016
4 tips to combat the stress of a veterinary job – Sep 08, 2016
AVMA Leads the Way in Push on Wellness for the Profession
Pulse – Oct 2017 – Southern California VMA publication
The AVMA has outlined a path to wellness for the nation’s veterinarians, targeting the problems of compassion fatigue, burnout, depression and the personal disasters that can result, such as excessive drug use and suicide.
Finding Happiness In The Journey That Is Veterinary Medicine
Pulse – Nov 2017 – Southern California VMA publication
“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists if. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” Philosopher Albert Camus
SCVMA Pulse Magazine (Nov 2017)
A Personal Journey to Mindfulness
Today’s Veterinary Nurse – NAVC publication
What is mindfulness? It’s a common buzzword today, but do we really understand what it is? Wikipedia provides the following definition:“Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to the internal experiences occurring in the present moment.” Yet this definition leaves room for interpretation. What I have learned is that everyone’s understanding of it is as unique as their individual mind, body, and soul.