What if I’m Not a Good Doctor? Ten Liberating Realities I Wish I Knew 25 Years Ago

You’re amazing, Doc, and you have what it takes. But, like most of us, you probably question whether this is true from time to time. I understand because I’ve been there. As a new graduate, I thought a good doctor was 100% committed to the job, never made mistakes, and always had the right answers. Twenty-five years later, I know better, and after decades in the trenches and coaching dozens of doctors, I can tell you what makes a good doctor. And it’s not what you think it is.

As veterinarians, we are driven, compassionate, and highly skilled professionals who dedicate our lives to the care and well-being of animals. However, the very qualities that make us exceptional in our field can also contribute to emotional distress and burnout when coupled with unrealistic expectations.

In this session, we’re going to myth bust the perceptions of what it means to be a good doctor compared to the reality of what one actually is. We’ll talk about self-compassion and how to lower the bar you’ve set for yourself without lowering the quality of your care. We’ll also discuss how to move past mistakes and help others do the same, so you can rest in the fact that, yes, you are a good doctor, and you deserve to be here.