VPN Plus+ ExclusiveThe muzzling of science and the veterinarian's roleSeptember 16, 2020By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBAAn acceptance of “un-science” is happening despite the fact most of us carry the bulk of this planet’s available information on our person at all times. The facts are literally at our fingertips.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveA gentle rant on medical infantilization and the "pet parent" trapAugust 6, 2020By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBASmack in the thick of Miami's COVID spike, I had to have minor surgery to correct a bony defect caused by Rottweiler skull-induced trauma to my nose. The timing was technically elective. It needed to be done eventually, but the sooner the better, cosmetically speaking. I chose vanity over safety weeks in advance, not knowing my zip code would zoom to the top of COVID's bell curve of casualties on that exact day. At least it was an excuse to test myself ($350 for a 24-hour "concierge" negative) and take a much-needed mental break––a two-week staycation––after powering through the first full half of 2020 without so much as one whole day off (Sundays included). Despite the pain I anticipated, and the unsightly bruising, I was looking forward to the propofol and midazolam. Sweet, medically sanctioned oblivion! Sadly, I suffered a rough night during my required stay at the surgical center. The food was inedible, the meds made me vomit, and the nurse was on my case. Let's just say I wouldn't wish her on anyone. Among other transgressions, she blamed me for vomiting on my blankets when she didn't lift a finger to bring me a receptacle, constantly woke me …
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveSurviving a pandemic as a veterinary professionalJune 24, 2020By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBAIf you're a veterinary professional and you feel like you're being squeezed from every direction, welcome to my pandemic-warped world. It's gotten so bad that sometimes I feel like a Cuban sandwich, all thin slices of ham, cheese, baby pork, and pickles smushed between two halves of buttered baguette, which is then compressed by an industrial press so powerful the edges of the bread burn and the cheese sizzles while the bread soaks up the excess. Further indulge my Miami metaphor by envisioning our suppliers as the bottom half and elite specialty providers as toppers. We, the tender baby pig (arguably the least equipped to tolerate the pressures), are becoming but a smear of protein. To be sure, it's delicious in the end. Nevertheless, it's still kind of sad the bread ends up with more than its share of all the butter. Culinary fantasies notwithstanding, it's clear things are getting tougher for the average veterinary practice. Increased ER income is keeping specialty services humming, while as many as a third of the practices in my area have temporarily shuttered, possibly never to reopen. This rearranged game board has given an edge to the larger, more established practices, along with …
