Why I’m So Glad to Be Here

After a great first few weeks at SVH, I wanted to take a moment and express my gratitude.
There are LOTS of veterinary hospitals out there. There are so many to choose from, so many people trying hard to take good care of animals and their families, that it’s hard even for a great one to stand out.
Shiloh is a special place – an exceptional place. Sometimes it takes a new set of eyes to remind the familiar ones what lies in front of them. I want to share with you what I see when I come to work every day.
– I see a team that works well together because they allow one another to be who they are and to do what they do. Vets, myself included, are often perfectionists, which sometimes leads to micromanaging. There’s no need to micromanage when surrounded by tremendously capable, honest, deeply caring people who want to do the best they can for clients and patients. We can be better doctors when we trust our coworkers.
– I see management that cares enough about their employees to support them through changes at home, the loss of their own pets, and extended leave due to long term illness. Ours is a field where it’s easy to lose sight of the hardworking people around us and the emotional energy we all use every day as if it’s unlimited.  Open communication, concern for employee wellness, and the concept of a work family are two of the reasons I felt an immediate connection with the group at Shiloh.
-I see every detail being considered for patient comfort: a variety of treats in every room; blue coats being ordered for the doctors to avoid the anxiety that can be inspired by white; pheromone diffusers in the rooms for kitty exams; nail trims without wrestling; soothing music in the kennels; doors closing softly; quiet voices everywhere; two hospitals full of people who care so much about decreasing fear, stress, and anxiety at vet visits that they are all becoming certified in Fear Free practice techniques. We all chose this field because we love animals and the bond we share with them. Nothing makes us more sad or uncomfortable than feeling we have harmed them by scaring them while trying to help. Fear Free practice helps us as much as it helps your pets.
– Medicine and equipment are of utmost importance and I see at Shiloh a constant drive to stay abreast of the most current developments in both areas. But the heart and soul of a practice is in the culture that unites a hospital from room to room, from pet to pet, and even across town. I know every client who looks up when I enter an exam room loves his or her pet as intensely as I love my own, and I truly believe our entire team shows up and works hard every day because of this knowledge. I’m proud and honored to be one of them, and I wanted to thank all of them and all of you for being so welcoming and kind. I hope to meet many more of you soon – hopefully for a stress-free wellness visit and a few treats, of course!