Secretly here for the kittens and puppies.

Career transitions and teaching roles can address burnout in veterinary practice.

This article is a personal reflection piece by Emily Auger published in The Veterinary Record, documenting her career transition from first-opinion small animal practice to academic veterinary medicine. The narrative explores the psychological challenges veterinarians face, specifically addressing perfectionism and burnout—significant occupational health concerns within the profession. Auger describes how her experience in clinical practice informed her decision to pursue teaching and academic roles, ultimately discovering that education became her professional calling. The piece provides insight into the motivations behind career transitions in veterinary medicine and highlights how some practitioners find fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of veterinarians. While primarily anecdotal, the article addresses important wellness and professional development themes relevant to small animal practitioners considering alternative career paths. The reflection emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout indicators and exploring diverse career opportunities within veterinary medicine to maintain professional satisfaction and mental health.

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