As the number of equine veterinarians entering the profession has fallen, the pressure on those in the trenches has increased. The need for equine relief veterinarians has never been higher. Some practices have been able to add associates, but others rely on relief veterinarians to meet client demands and receive occasional or regular respite from on-call responsibilities. Someone who can step in periodically provides a tremendous service to the profession.
Benefits of Relief Veterinary Work
A career as a relief veterinarian can offer a remarkable amount of freedom. For someone who enjoys travel and has not yet settled down or is an empty nester, relief work can bring opportunities to see different areas of the country. More people these days want to have choice and control over their work schedule. Sometimes this is because they have competing responsibilities, such as children, elderly parents that need caregiving, or personal health issues. In other circumstances, veterinarians might enjoy the variety of working in different practices and exploring other locations while earning a premium.
Setting Your Schedule
Relief veterinarians can decide how far ahead to book work. Some have a regularly scheduled weekday or weekend at a practice for up to a year in advance. Some fill in for a maternity leave of two to six months. Others look at each month in advance and decide when they want to work, based on the important events in their own lives. Meggan Graves, DVM, an emergency-only provider, strongly recommends limiting availability to 15-20 days per month with no more than two to three weekends. Many doctors will decide to be available much less than this. One very important rule in relief work is never to agree to work a certain day or days and then call to cancel, unless it is a true emergency. Doing so can significantly damage your reputation as a reliable professional, and the practice you leave in the lurch is sure to tell others.
Final Thoughts
Every practice will have a different set of client expectations, staff availability, software and equipment, and culture. While this might be unsettling at first, most relief veterinarians are adaptable, flexible individuals who thrive on variety. Many see this challenge as one of the career path’s benefits. Some relief veterinarians have their own outfitted rigs so they can be efficient and comfortable as they take over care of another veterinarian’s clients and patients.
Being a relief veterinarian brings compassion and satisfaction through not only serving patients but also helping other doctors in need. In addition, independence and financial incentives make relief service rewarding for equine doctors pursuing this career. There are many models to provide relief services, and each individual is free to choose what works for them. If you enjoy adventure, don’t hesitate to consider relief practice.
Disclaimer from sponsor: This content is subject to change without notice and is offered for informational use only. All statements are the sole opinions of the author. Synchrony and its affiliates, including CareCredit, make no representations or warranties regarding the content. You are urged to consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.
Related Reading
- The Business of Practice: Relief Veterinarians
- AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: New Frontiers in Emergency Service
- Policies for Emergency Services in Equine Practice
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