As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am taking a communications elective. In this class we have learned about asking the right questions, reflective listening, nonverbal skills, expressing empathy, giving feedback, conflict, euthanasia, medical errors, and talking to clients about money. Needless to say, these are all really important skills to have as a veterinarian, no matter what type of vet you become.
The assignments and labs in this class have been plentiful. They have ranged from role playing to writing up feedback after watching a video to being filmed taking a history from an actor and then having to critique that video with a professor. Being filmed was incredibly nerve racking. When I walked out of the room afterwards, I felt like it was a train wreck. I kept going over all the mistakes I felt like I had made in my head.
I recently got my video back, and it wasn’t bad. There is definitely a lot of room for improvement, but I don’t think a client would think it was a weird interaction walking out of the room… you’ll have to tell me what you think.
I am believable as a veterinarian, right? For the record, that is a stuffed dog. I was really tempted to ascultate it with my stethoscope and then exclaim that it was in cardiopulmonary arrest and start CPR, but I resisted the urge. I think not taking it seriously might have reflected poorly on my grade. J
I thought you did fantastic! But then, I don't start vet school until this fall, so my opinion doesn't mean much. :)
ReplyDeleteOne thought: rather than talk medicine while doing the physical exam, isn't there something to be gained from talking through the purpose of the physical exam while you're doing it? I know that one problem in vet med right now is combating the (client) sense that vets don't provide value beyond vaccination. It seems to me that explaining what we're doing while we're doing it ("I'm checking his eyes for..... I'm taking a look at his teeth for.... I'm listening for.... I'm checking the flexibility in his hips so that....") is one way to push back against that perception.
Is that something that your instructors are suggesting? Or is it your sense that there just isn't time enough in a typical visit for that? I know that the clinic I spend most of my time at schedules longer client visits than most clinics, so we're a bit spoiled.