Returning to work after a period of parental leave can be both a rewarding and daunting balancing act for veterinary professionals. Whether you’re seeking a financial boost, mental stimulation, or some actual adult conversation (or all three!), we’ve got some practical tips on getting your figurative ducks lined up for a smooth transition back into the workplace. Apply the organizational and self-care advice outlined here, and you, too, can genuinely achieve the healthy, sustainable long-term equilibrium of working and parenting that every parent wants…

In veterinary medicine, the line between the demands of your profession and your life outside of your calling is becoming more blurred, scuffed, or even washed away entirely by the tide of daily life. We’ve all had those long cases that go well past closing time, that friend whose cat is having a moment, or a veterinary pal who is having a tough time coping and reaches out. And our natural empathy makes it very hard to say no. Yet, having boundaries can help you keep your own work-life situation in balance. We’re not talking about Great Wall boundaries, more like lines in the sand. If we all learned how to set and appreciate boundaries, we could foster more mutual respect and compassion amongst each other rather than resentment or anger. And we might just add another small but important facet towards improving the overall mental health of the veterinary profession. So, here are some essential steps toward setting mutually beneficial boundaries…

Congratulations! You have made it through the rigorous curriculum, clinical rotations, and countless hours of studying to earn your veterinary degree. As you embark on this exciting journey, it is essential to recognize that there will be speed bumps in your first years of practice. Facing these hurdles head-on with a positive mindset and determination will help you build a successful career in the veterinary field. We asked recent graduate vets, nurses, and techs to share their first-year-out challenges and their suggestions to overcome them. Prepare for your own journey and equip yourself with answers so you can thrive as a new veterinary professional…