Good client communication is essential in practicing veterinary medicine. The ability to communicate effectively leads to trust and confidence in pet care, making your clients more likely to follow advice and agree with your diagnostic/treatment plan. Here are some tips on talking to clients: DO: Always discuss the possible causes of the symptoms/signs and be […]
The Story of Honey: A Heartworm-Positive Dog
This story has been shared with owner’s permission. Heartworm disease is a preventable disease caused by the larva Dirofilaria immitis, but it could be fatal if not treated. In the past months in practice, I have seen a few pets with heart disease, but I have not yet treated a positive heartworm case. I recently […]
One Health For All Species
There’s a Buddhist proverb that clearly defines how everything is connected. “This is because that is. This is not, because that is not. This ceases to be because that ceases to be.” Everything, animate and inanimate, is connected and part of a greater whole. It is as part of this greater whole that we, as […]
The Power of One Health
One Health is a concept that recognizes the connection between the health of animals, people, and the environment. I first became familiar with One Health after attending a talk at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. This talk familiarized me with One Health and its practical use for veterinary and human health professionals. The […]
The Worst Advice For New Veterinary Students
Welcome, veterinary medicine class of 2026! I’m sure everyone you already know in vet school is eager to give you the most thoughtful, inciteful advice as you count the days to the wonderful journey that is veterinary school. I thought about giving my favorite advice from when I was in your shoes, but all that […]
Summer Scaries: Heat Stroke Season
With summer months approaching, the seasoned ER technician in me knows in our world, it is time for heat stroke season. Heat stroke is a common condition seen in hot, humid environments. In my experience, most cases tend to be this time of year in particular. It’s in the beginning of hot afternoons, which may […]
Summertime Means Fleas!
As a veterinarian in small animal practice, I know how difficult it can be for pet owners to deal with fleas. The primary issue we encounter is that many pet owners are unaware their furry family member has been sharing everything with these uninvited roommates! Often, a pet experiencing itchiness, redness, and hair loss in […]
Imposter Syndrome as a Student
In her first vlog for Student Stories, Amanda (also known as @Student Vet Amanda to her YouTube fans) dives into the topic of Imposter Syndrome and how she copes with feelings of doubt in veterinary school. Stay tuned for more vlogs by Amanda.
How I Learned About Ticks and Lyme Disease
I grew up helping stray animals, and I remember getting bitten by a tick when bathing a homeless dog. I was a first-year undergrad student, and I didn’t even know ticks could transmit diseases. In my senior year of undergrad, I learned about Borrelia burgdorferi in my medical microbiology class. I found it interesting how ticks can […]
The Many Hats of a DVM
In honor of World Veterinary Day, I thought it might be fun to evaluate the impressive and mighty DVM. A veterinarian is a: Pharmacist (four-year degree): Every veterinarian prescribes, constitutes, and even sometimes compounds a multitude of drugs each day for multiple species. Drugs range from antibiotics (which have their own set of rules and […]
