u/sixfoldakira

I'm a newly-licensed veterinarian working at a small animal hospital for about 2 months now. I regularly see patients for routine wellness checks and vaccinations, and for straightforward to complex check-ups. I do the sample collection, IV or U cath placements, etc. I also oversee admitted patients when their attending is off. I've spayed/neutered cats and dogs and assisted in soft tissue and ortho surgeries.

Despite this, I don't feel like a real doctor. I feel like I'm just reading how-to guides on how to treat patients. I regularly use references (Plumbs, VIN, TVP, journals) to figure out what diagnostics to do, the disease process, treatment modalities, what meds to prescribe, etc. Sometimes I'll use similar previous cases at the clinic database as reference. I seek advice from my fellow clinicians (bless them) a lot. There's a lot I don't know tbh.

Am I actually practicing medicine or just following guides? How do I even know that I'm actually practicing medicine? I really do try to be mindful and conscientious with every case, but I feel like I'm faking it while hoping something works.

Non-verbatim because I can’t recall the exact wording, pls bear w me!

I think it’s on Queens Who Like to Watch, probably one of the reality shows.

Someone in the show they’re watching is complaining about meaningless, shallow conversations (I think)

And in response, Katya says something that essentially means, “Instead of complaining about the shallow conversations, let’s try to do our part in elevating them” or something.