An Informal Interview…

If you have found your way onto my site, you may be interested in knowing a little bit more about me professionally.  That is why I am posting an ‘informal’ type interview that may answer some frequently asked questions.

What am I looking for in a practice?

I am looking for a small or mixed animal full time associate veterinary position.  As far as the practice goes, I am looking for an environment that is open to communication and support between staff members.  The ideal work environment would contain discussion and consultation between doctors, especially on difficult cases.  New ideas would be heard and even expanded upon if the business could potentially benefit.  In house lab ability is something I would find almost necessary.  A decent staff:doctor ratio is also preferred.

What are my strengths?

1.) My great love is internal medicine, especially endocrinology.  I feel that my strengths lie in the diagnostics of many of the difficult cases.  If I find a situation where I am uncertain, I seek out further information in order to solve a case.  The joy I get from finally figuring out a difficult case is indescribable.

2.) My ability to educate may be another plus.  At my current job, the technicians have often stated I am the best educator of the staff and clients.  With the knowledge clients have today (or potentially, with the confused information on the internet), I feel that it is essential to educate them about why their pet is being sent home on a certain medication or why a certain test must be performed.

3.) My commitment and dedication to my profession and position.  I continue to want to improve myself in multiple areas.  I have applied for the distance MBA program through CSU (and will hopefully hear soon whether I am accepted!).  I feel business is VERY important to understanding how to improve a clinic and veterinary medicine as a whole.  I am constantly seeking out ways to involve myself and my clinic in the community, as well as improve my clinic.  I do not like to sit still very much!

What are my weaknesses?

1.) I would state that I often do discuss things TOO much in detail.  I realize I need to work on not allowing discussions to last too long if another client or room is waiting.

2.) I do not have as much experience in surgery as I would like, especially orthopedics.  I am attempting to remedy this by hopefully traveling with our local surgeon if possible.  However, I am proficient in routine surgeries such as spays, neuters, declaws, mass removals, etc.

Why am I leaving my current position?

During my first year out, mentorship was very important to me.  I received little to none.  Therefore, although I got excellent experience my first year out in a vast array of cases and species, I was always basically without consult.  I found this very frustrating and eventually unacceptable. My boss is aware that I am leaving my current position, and we have agreed to part our separate ways.

Would I be willing to relocate?

I would be more than willing to relocate, especially if some aid in relocation was offered.

What is my desired salary?

Please feel free to discuss this with me in person!  However, I will say that if my salary were to include production pay, I would prefer a base salary at least to start.

What about my family and pets?

I have a WONDERFUL albeit often needy family of pets!  Most of my creatures have been rescued, so they come with their own sets of problems.  Jada is my ACD, who has taught me a number of things about behavior training!!  Kodak is what I lovingly refer to as a ‘cochund,’ what appears to be cocker spaniel and dachshund mix.  He is too cute, and he knows it.  Then there’s Dolly. I rescued her from my clinic in Casper.  She is a difficult to manage diabetic.  Her glaucoma was so out of control, she lost both her eyes. However, I was able to put in silicone implants which was new and exciting to me!

I have three cats that like to keep us awake at night!  Dingo, Adonis, and Didgeridoo.  I also have a foster cat named Slippers.  She is a good little cat and deserves an excellent home.

I also have a chinchilla named Kokopelli.  He is a social little creature and provides entertainment just watching his antics.

Finally there is my horse, Gryffindor.  Yes, he is named after the house in Harry Potter.  He is a relatively green gelding, but I am working on him!  I have had my fair share of throws from him, but he improves every day!

Also, I have a wonderful and understanding companion that has been by my side for the past 7 years.  He works long distance for Mississippi State currently.  He is excited to move on and discover another chapter in our life together!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS!!

I hope this may have helped you learn a little bit more about me. Please don’t hesitate to ask if there is any further information you would like to know!

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