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Mentorship supports early-career veterinarians in developing the skills necessary for successful spectrum-of-care practice

by Dr. Kate M. Boatright, VMD

Some of the biggest stressors for early-career veterinarians transitioning from student to doctor are the ethical dilemmas that arise when clients are unable to pursue recommended care. Financial limitations are the most common reason these situations occur, and a spectrum-of-care approach to practice can help navigate these cases in a way that maximizes patient care within the limitations of the client and allows the veterinarian to meet their moral, ethical, and legal obligations. Unfortunately, many veterinary students currently have limited exposure to spectrum-of-care training in veterinary school. Training in the client communication and clinical decision-making skills that are needed for successful spectrum-of-care practice is left to the colleagues of these recent graduates. Mentorship offers an opportunity for experienced veterinarians to engage more deeply with early-career veterinarians to support spectrum-of-care thinking. This article reviews the need for spectrum-of-care training in the clinic, common fears that may prevent early-career veterinarians from offering a spectrum of care, and how mentors can support the development of essential spectrum-of-care skills: identifying client and patient barriers, relationship-centered communication, clinical decision-making, and shared decision-making. Ultimately, mentorship and spectrum-of-care practice provide opportunities to improve the mental health of early-career veterinarians.

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