The Strain of Misinformation

It takes a significant amount to push my buttons, but every professional has their breaking point, and I've hit mine.

Simply owning a pet and searching online doesn’t qualify you as a veterinarian. It's important to understand that there are "studies" that can support virtually any belief. For instance, some "studies" falsely link vaccines to autism, despite scientific evidence confirming there's no connection whatsoever.

People tend to gravitate towards information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.

My profession has faced undue scrutiny for far too long, leading to a staggering rate of suicide among veterinarians who are often undervalued, underpaid, and dismissed by those who think they know better because they read something online.

I could write endlessly about my expertise and the knowledge I've gained through education and certification, not to mention my first-hand experience with various dog breeds. Yet, some individuals still choose to disregard veterinary advice in favor of questionable information they find online.

This is frustrating, to say the least. I often find myself accused of being influenced by pharmaceutical and food companies, yet I'm struggling to make ends meet. The irony is palpable.

I’m not walking away from my profession; instead, I'm stepping back from the futile effort to counteract the misinformation that circulates. If you choose to rely on pet owners who seek out information that fits their narrative, that's your prerogative. But when your pet suffers due to these choices, it will be my fellow veterinarians who step in to help. We become the "enemy" until you need our expertise.

I refuse to be a target for misplaced anger or ignorance any longer. I’m exhausted and done with this cycle. I've tried my best to combat these misunderstandings, but I cannot let them invade my personal life too.

I want to use my voice for positive change, but I won't be engaging with negative comments or arguments about things I know to be incorrect.

I wouldn't presume to tell you how to do your job; I would never write about a field I don't belong to. It's disheartening to see people accuse us of wrongdoing without any factual basis, which can have dire consequences.

Daily, I encounter pet owners who neglect preventive care, provide poor diets, and then blame us when their pets fall ill.

I've had enough. This is my last attempt to write about this matter before I reconsider my entire career path. I firmly believe in science—my convictions are not influenced by any outside entities.

So, congratulations. If you choose not to vaccinate, to ignore preventive measures, or to keep your cats outdoors, you win.

The Reality of Veterinary Work

I sometimes wonder if I should have pursued a different career path altogether. The constant barrage of misinformation and the challenges of dealing with it daily can be overwhelming.

I truly care about animal welfare, but the negativity surrounding pet care is draining. I cannot change how pet owners perceive science and my profession.

So, for now, I’m stepping back.

I know I’ll continue to care deeply about animal welfare, but I’m taking a break from discussing these issues publicly.

It's clear that people will believe what they want, right until they find themselves in a crisis. Then, they expect us to work miracles.

I’ll be here when you genuinely need me.

In the official music video "Katharine McPhee - Over It," the artist expresses feelings of frustration and the desire to move forward, mirroring my sentiments on misinformation in veterinary care.

The alternate ending of "Katharine McPhee - Over It" offers a different perspective on the same emotional journey, resonating with the challenges faced in the veterinary profession.