The ability of the veterinarian to effectively communicate with pet owners is a critical component of determining a correct diagnosis and providing appropriate medical care. The process of obtaining a thorough medical history is one you will perfect over time.

Assuring your approach covers all the pertinent information, and recognizing when to take a particular path with your questions, is an art form all of its own.

1. You will need to tailor your questions to the situation at hand.
2. Having stock questions at the ready is important, but if your method feels like an interrogation your client may withhold valuable information or become defensive.
3. To avoid leading the owner toward a particular answer, use open-ended questions.  
4. And when at all possible, use a conversational approach.

Just as in social situations, exam room conversations can sometimes yield unexpected responses. How you react in these blooper moments can potentially destroy the trust and rapport you have worked to establish with your client. Can you ever really be ready for the unexpected? Probably not, but it is safe to assume that a snarky remark, or unbridled laughter would never be appropriate.

The Situation

New clients arrive with a pair of young adult felines for annual exams and vaccinations. Client X is chatty and concerned because Cat A appears to be losing weight. The cats have never been ill in the past. Client Y, The Spouse, stands near the back quietly observing.

The conversation steams ahead predictably. You learn the cats are inside only, both are eating and drinking fine, there has been no change in environment, eliminations have been normal, and the clients have had the cats since they were kittens.

You ask the next logical question, “Are the cats littermates?” The Spouse quickly responds, “Yes, they use the same litter box.” (The Spouse is dead serious.)

What do you do?

1. Burst out laughing!  Litter boxes have nothing to do with being siblings!
2. Chastise Client Y with a technical definition of “littermate”
3. Simply nod and move on

Answer: c

Though it will make a great story later, now is the time to stifle your snicker and keep the focus on the felines. Client X will smile gratefully at your discretion, The Spouse will be glad to have had the opportunity to provide useful information, and you will have preserved a valuable relationship.

Staying Physically & Mentally Fit Through Vet School

Vet school is undoubtedly one of the busiest and most stressful times in your life. With all that you’ve got going on, it’s important to stay physically healthy and mentally sharp to get you through it all. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy.

• Simple steps for staying in shape
• How to overcome the feeling of sleep deprivation
• Improve those eating habits
• ...and more!