Hi all! First year DVM student here. Was also working full time as an assistant for a few years before starting school. Like most of you, I’ve worked with some great doctors as well as some that were… difficult to work with. Even though I’m a long way out from graduating, I’m trying to start a list for myself of “annoying doctor habits” or things I want to avoid doing as a new grad. This is what I have so far:

If you have someone restraining a fractious cat that for some reason you’ve chosen not to sedate, if they ask you “Are you sure that’s all you need?” DO NOT say yes and then go “wait, actually” once the cat is back in its carrier. That’s gonna be a no.

Don’t be the first one in there trying to draw blood/place IVC etc etc. The techs are better at that than you are. Chill out. Go do doctor things.

Conversely, if the clinic is slammed, don’t be too big to help. Don’t be the person who shrugs and walks right by that blowout diarrhea kennel.

That’s what I’ve got so far. What are some annoying habits your DVMs have that you wish you could shake out of them?