Building a Healthy Professional Identity in Veterinary Medicine

Over the years, I’ve come to know many veterinarians and veterinary students who struggle to define themselves outside of their professional roles. This is a common sentiment among veterinarians who are unhappy in their work and uncertain about their next steps. Should they find another job, leave clinical practice, or exit the profession altogether? When forced to consider leaving the profession, many are struck by the question: “Who am I if I am no longer a veterinarian?”

The Struggle with Professional Identity

This struggle is particularly evident among veterinarians considering retirement. I recall a renowned small animal emergency and critical care specialist who dedicated her life to veterinary medicine. When health issues forced her to leave her faculty position, she found it incredibly challenging to embrace non-veterinary activities even after retiring. Similarly, my mother, who owned a companion animal practice for over 40 years, faced uncertainty and fear when she retired. Despite selling her clinic, she remained involved for years, committed to her clients, patients, and long-time team members.

Early Reinforcement of Professional Identity

Many veterinarians’ journeys start at a young age, often influenced by familial expectations. I, too, envisioned myself in this profession from childhood, reinforced by my parents’ encouragement. This early reinforcement, while well-intentioned, sometimes leads veterinarians to struggle with finding a sense of autonomy and exploring other career paths. Despite this, the passion for veterinary medicine usually prevails, keeping us steadfast on this path.

Lack of Personal Interests Outside the Profession

In my work with mid-career veterinarians, I frequently hear sentiments like, “I don’t have any passions outside of veterinary medicine,” or “I have no idea what my non-veterinary interests or hobbies are.” Many veterinarians spend their limited leisure time on animal-related activities, such as horseback riding, beekeeping, animal fostering, and dog training. While some find enjoyment in these activities, others feel resentment at never getting a break from their professional role. Casual outings often turn into “ask-the-veterinarian” discussions, leaving veterinarians feeling constantly tied to their profession, even during downtime.

The Need for Work-Life Balance

Veterinarians are undeniably passionate about helping animals and their families, but the expectation to field veterinary-related questions at all times can be overwhelming. This is akin to a child psychologist being asked for advice on toddler behavior at a dinner party or a general physician being questioned about a skin condition at a sporting event—situations that seem inappropriate outside a clinical setting. Yet, veterinarians frequently dispense advice during casual encounters, reinforcing their professional identity and blurring the lines between work and personal life. This constant demand makes it challenging to establish a healthy work-life separation, crucial for preventing burnout among caregiving professionals.

Identity Dissonance and Wellbeing

Professional identity is shaped by the values and priorities guiding veterinarians’ behaviors. Identity dissonance occurs when their actions conflict with these values, leading to feelings of anxiety, instability, and a reduced sense of control. For example, a friend of mine from veterinary school hated her first job at a high-volume, low-quality practice. This environment clashed with her values of quality patient care and meaningful client relationships. However, transitioning to a “low volume, high quality” practice improved her wellbeing significantly, allowing her to rekindle her passion for veterinary medicine and restore her sense of professional fulfillment.

The Transition from Training to Practice

Veterinary training often emphasizes a “find it and fix it” approach, focusing on diagnosing and treating cases at an advanced level. However, the transition to general practice reveals a stark contrast, with cases frequently lacking clear diagnoses and financial constraints being common. This mismatch between the idealized identity instilled during training and the realities of daily practice can leave newly graduated veterinarians feeling ill-prepared and lacking confidence.

Research on Professional Identity and Wellbeing

A 2018 study published in the Veterinary Record examined the connection between identity and wellbeing among newly graduated veterinarians in the UK. Researchers identified two distinct veterinarian identities: an academic, “diagnosis-focused” identity and a broader, “challenge-focused” identity. Veterinarians with a “challenge-focused” identity found satisfaction in addressing common practice challenges, while those with a “diagnosis-focused” identity often experienced frustration. This highlights the importance of fostering a professional identity that aligns with the realities of practice to improve wellbeing.

The Need for Curriculum Changes

Given the evidence supporting the positive relationship between a clearly defined, relational-focused professional identity and veterinarian wellbeing, researchers Drs. Armitage-Chan and Stephen May from the Royal Veterinary College propose a professional studies curriculum to support the formation of a healthy professional identity among veterinary students. They argue that veterinary decisions must be adaptable to any practice situation, balancing gold standard care with the needs and constraints of the client and practice.

Moving Forward

Veterinary school curricula must evolve to help students shape their professional identities, focusing on critical thinking and handling complex situations rather than just finding one right answer. By changing this approach, we can help veterinarians feel more satisfied with their work and boost their mental wellbeing. Being a veterinarian involves more than just being a good diagnostician and treating patients; it also involves complex decision-making amidst challenging circumstances.

By fostering a well-rounded professional identity and promoting work-life balance, we can support the mental wellbeing of veterinarians, helping them thrive both personally and professionally.