The Business of Practice: Overcoming People-Pleasing Tendencies 

In this episode, Jesse Tyma, DVM, DACVS, shared her perspectives on people-pleasing as an equine veterinarian. People-pleasing involves prioritizing others’ needs before your own. People pleasers often sacrifice their own needs to wishes to appease other people. “It’s a way of being that equine veterinarians can often definitely relate to,” said Tyma. 

People-pleasing is often based in fear, she continued. People pleasers might fear being perceived as selfish or inadequate. Sometimes, they feel unworthy of being nurtured and accepted. “It is so human to feel this way,” Tyma said, but she reminded listeners that sacrificing your own needs to please others is learned behavior.  

Tyma discussed ways to overcome your people-pleasing tendencies. Change involves recognizing the toll it takes, including increased stress and anxiety. Self-awareness and understanding the fear that drives the behavior are important steps. In closing, Tyma reflected on managing conflict and difficult conversations as a people pleaser. 

About Dr. Jesse Tyma  

Jesse Tyma, DVM, DACVS, is an equine surgeon at Rhinebeck Equine in the Hudson Valley of New York. Her clinical interests include gastrointestinal and soft tissue surgery, wound management, sports medicine, and back disorders. 

Tyma grew up in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and attended Amherst College for her undergraduate education followed by Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a rotating internship at Rhinebeck Equine followed by a large animal surgical residency at the University of Georgia, and she became a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2019. She joined Rhinebeck Equine in 2023. Tyma is the chair of the AAEP Early Career Committee and is both a Decade One and Starting Gate group facilitator. She is passionate about providing dedicated mentorship for intern veterinarians and building a strong sense of community and collaboration through her practice. Tyma is an avid Cross Fitter, hiker, skier, and traveler. She thoroughly enjoys doting on her cats and miniature horses. 

Related Reading

• The Business of Practice: The Power of Positive Perfectionism
• Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Communicating Boundaries in Equine Practice
• Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Practicing Radical Acceptance

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