Studies in human medicine have demonstrated that first impressions pave the way for the doctor-patient relationship, and that a physician’s clothing is a component of these important first impressions.

 Specifically, physician attire has been found to affect patients’ trust, confidence, and comfort with their doctors. The research overwhelmingly connects the white laboratory coat with the parameters of trust and confidence.

While patients’ perceptions of physician (and psychiatrist, specifically), nurse, and dentist wardrobe have been well studied, research focusing on clients’ attitudes toward veterinarians’ attire is only in its infancy.

 investigating companion animal owners’ perceptions of, and preferences for, different types of veterinary attire, 449 pet owners were asked for their reactions to photographs depicting eight types of attire for male and female (model) veterinarians:

Formal attire (white dress shirt/black skirt [female], white dress shirt/black pants/necktie [male])

A single facial expression was used for each model veterinarian. Each participant received one of two randomly assigned online surveys associated with either the male or the female veterinarian. They were asked to assess the veterinarian's attire in the context of routine veterinary visits.

In the first part of the questionnaire, the eight photos were displayed randomly and participants were asked, anonymously, to rate their trust, confidence, and comfort in the model veterinarian being shown based on a 7-point scale anchored at “1” (low trust, confidence, and comfort) and “7” (high trust, confidence, and comfort).

Next, participants were shown all eight photos as a set and directed to rank them according to personal preference for each style of dress. Subjects were also asked to respond to statements regarding the overall importance of veterinary attire, their preference for name tags for veterinarians, and their ratings for specific items of appearance/attire (visible tattoos, running shoes, sleeveless tops, ear and facial piercings (male/female), long hair worn down, facial hair (male), necktie (male), and skirt (female).

The last part of the survey requested demographic data (respondent gender, age, education level, annual household income) and inquired about the respondent’s pet and veterinarian (i.e., number of years affiliated with current veterinarian, frequency of veterinary visits, type of attire worn by their veterinarian).

The study, performed by researchers at the University of Guelph in 2015 and published earlier this year in the 

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

, recruited adult participants in person at various dog parks in southern Ontario as well as via snowball sampling methods through social media.

Statistical analyses of the data controlled for independent variables such as gender of participant and of randomly assigned model, participant demographics and recruitment method, and gender/usual attire of participant’s regular veterinarian.

Most (71%) of the study participants — who were overwhelmingly female and college-plus educated, and take their pet to the veterinarian a mean of 2.4 times a year — expressed that a veterinarian’s attire is important. When asked to rank their preference among the eight wardrobe styles, their top choice for male and female veterinarians was surgical scrubs. Least preferred was formal attire.

For trust, confidence, and comfort scores, surgical scrubs garnered the highest ratings. For trust and confidence, high scores were also given to model veterinarians clad in a white laboratory coat and khakis. Trust and confidence were lowest for model veterinarians wearing casual shirt and jeans; comfort scores were lowest for model veterinarians dressed in formal attire.

Along with attire, the gender of the model veterinarian and the education level of the participant also impacted trust in and comfort with the model veterinarian.

Among individual items of attire, running shoes were most frequently (64%) rated as appropriate, while sleeveless tops were most often (58%) rated as inappropriate. Well over half of the participants (66%) conveyed the belief that veterinarians should wear a name tag while interacting with clients and their pets.

While this study demonstrates that a veterinarian’s work garb functions as an unspoken message to pet owners, there is variation in clients’ views on clothing selection. Studies in human medicine revealed that preferences in physician attire vary with severity of illness, time of day,

General practice guidelines for staff attire, the authors concluded, could enable veterinarians to better meet pet owners’ expectations and enhance the doctor-client relationship. Based on high demand expressed in this study, hospital managers might consider including staff name tags in their attire protocol.

Dr. Capuzzi is a small animal veterinarian and journalist based in the Philadelphia area.

1. Gherardi G, Cameron J, West A, et al. Are we dressed to impress? A descriptive survey assessing patients’ preference of doctors’ attire in the hospital setting. 

2. Aldrees T, Alsuhaibani R, Alqaryan S, et al. Physicians’ attire: parents’ preferences in a tertiary hospital. 

3. Rehman SU, Nietert PJ, Cope DW, et al. What to wear today? Effect of doctor's attire on the trust and confidence of patients. 

4. Sugerman-McGiffin T, Hybki GC, Castro J, et al. Clients’ attitudes toward veterinarians’ attire in the small animal emergency medicine setting. 

5. Robb KA, Rossi TA, Tansey C, et al. Evaluation of owners’ attitudes towards veterinarian attire in the small animal specialty setting in North America. 

6. Coe JB, O'Connor R, Pizzolon CN, et al. Investigation of the effects of veterinarians' attire on ratings of trust, confidence, and comfort in a sample of pet owners in Canada. 

7. Nibhanipudi KV, Mason B, Pandey A, et al. A study regarding Spanish-speaking parents’ preference of physician attire in the pediatric emergency room. 

8. Li SF, Haber M. Patient attitudes toward emergency physician attire. 

Articles

A maiden study pinpoints wardrobe styles pet owners prefer from their veterinarian, uncovering links between attire and the levels of trust, confidence, and comfort clients associate with the doctor. 


Study shows clients care what veterinarians wear

The J. M. Smucker Company has voluntarily recalled one lot of

 Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula canned cat food due to health concerns associated with elevated levels of choline chloride, according to the 

. This wet food is sold in pet specialty retailers and online throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The company says that ingestion of the product may cause nausea with excessive salivation, constricted pupils and poor vision, diarrhea or vomiting, difficulty walking, muscle shaking, tremors, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, possible cardiac or respiratory failure and, in extreme situations, death.

Pet owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian immediately if their cat has eaten this food and displays any of these signs.

Below is a full description (found on the bottom of each can) of the affected product. No other Natural Balance products are impacted by this recall.

Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken & Liver Paté Formula canned cat food 5.5 oz can

Pet owners who have this product in their possession should discard it immediately. Anyone with questions is advised to call the company at 888-569-6767.

J. M. Smucker has recalled one lot of a cat food brand because of potential health concerns associated with high levels of this organic compound.

Cat food recalled due to elevated levels of choline chloride

Just a few short months ago, I was looking forward to a vacation in Puerto Rico and wondering how the Michigan Spartans would fare in the March Madness NCAA basketball tournament. But the harsh reality of a pandemic would soon put a huge dent in all my plans.

At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, I reassured my clients that our team would be available for them and their pets, but pet owners were flocking to the practice in such large numbers that we had to put strict measures in place to help prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

Handshakes were replaced with elbow bumps, and doorknobs, phones, and other surfaces were disinfected every 15 minutes. We also cut down on appointments to reduce the number of clients in the lobby and eventually started curbside service.

All staff members wore PPE throughout the day, and our team was split to two in order to comply with social distancing recommendations. We also delayed routine appointments and surgeries, and prioritized essential services.

Although the experience made my head spin on more than one occasion, for me there is a silver lining in this pandemic: gratitude. I appreciate being in a profession that is deemed essential, and I’ve been so grateful to observe how much our patients are loved and the important place they have in their families’ hearts.

Although Michigan was one of the first states to issue mandatory stay-at-home orders, I have overall been impressed with how clients are catering to their pet’s wellbeing throughout all of this. Whether they are seeking help for their pets via telemedicine or risking their own health to drop off their pet curbside, I’ve noticed that the human-animal bond has strengthened during these tough times.

I’ve also been fascinated by how committed people are in this field. The high quality of care, compassion, and positive attitude that our kennel staff, receptionists, technicians, and doctors have displayed time and time again have been exceptional. With clients unable to enter the building, another upside is that we’ve had more vulnerable and fun moments together as a team.

Overall, these challenging and unprecedented times have taught me that while it’s easy to get depressed with all the negativity, gratitude is key. I’m thankful to be in the veterinary profession, to have the clients that I do, and to work with such an amazing team.

Dr. Andrew Rollo is an associate at Madison Veterinary Hospital in Madison Heights, Michigan.

For this veterinarian, the COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed his love and appreciation for the veterinary profession.

The power of gratitude during a pandemic

Congratulations to all of this year’s veterinary school graduates! If you haven’t yet started searching for your first associate position, now’s the time. We know it can be stressful, but fear not, new grads, here are some tips from Eric Miller, senior specialist of talent acquisition at Banfield Pet Hospital, to help you land the perfect job.

Miller provided these insights during the dvm360 virtual career fair held last month in partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital. In addition to learning about opportunities at Banfield, several speakers offered advice and guidance for aspiring veterinary associates embarking on their career, with topics including resume writing and interview tips, strategies for managing student debt, maintaining health and wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion in the workplace — plus graduation greetings from a host of “stars” from stage, screen, and within the veterinary profession. Click 

Before you apply for any associate position, Miller advises, to do your research. Understanding what you are looking for in terms of hospital size, location, culture, work-life balance, and other factors will lead you to the practices that are right for you. Look for as much information as you can find about each hospital’s:

Miller feels strongly about cover letters. “You should always attach a cover letter unless the job specifically says not to,” he says. Your cover letter, which briefly outlines your professional work experiences, should be broken into three paragraphs. But first, make sure all of your contact information is correct. “If we can't get a hold of you, we can't interview you,” Miller says.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should include your name, the name of the hiring practice and the position for which you are applying. This paragraph should be customized for every job you apply for. Unlike a generic cover letter, adding these details shows that you are interested specifically in this hospital and this position.

The middle section is where you really get to showcase any achievements or experience that makes you a good fit for this role. Highlight anything that will help you stand out from other applicants.

In your closing paragraph, mention again your interest in the hospital and how ready you are for the position.

Like your cover letter, your resume must be up to date. And be sure to include your name in your phone’s outgoing message so a recruiter or hiring manager will know they have reached the right person.

Make sure you have a professional email address on your resume. If you are using your veterinary school email address, be sure to check how long it will stay active.

Avoid nonessential “filler” information on your resume. “If you're applying for a role as a veterinarian, we probably know you're really good with clients,” says Miller.

Instead, he recommends, mention your achievements, such as volunteer work, research, publications, and successes from previous jobs. This is the type of information that makes you stand out, he says.

Finally, reach out to the employer or recruiter when you submit your resume to reiterate your interest in working at the practice. Another option: reach out to practices that aren’t actively hiring. They might just think of you when they are.

Before the interview, whether it’s on the phone or in person, learn as much as you can about the practice, and prepare questions to ask during the interview. This shows employers you are very interested in the job.

For in-person interviews, Miller recommends bringing five copies because you never know who you will run into. “It would be better for you to return home with four resumes rather than be short one when you need it,” he says.

When the interview ends, politely ask about next steps. And be sure to follow up with a thank you note or email restating your interest in the position. If they give you a timeline for when to expect someone to reach out and it does not happen, follow up.

Be sure to send a thank you note anyway, and let the practice know if you are open to other positions that may become available. Also consider asking why you didn’t get the job. Any feedback may help your interview process in the future.

If you receive an offer, Miller recommends taking a few days to consider it, and reach out to the recruiter or employer with any specific questions you have. Let them know when they can receive an answer.

Miller says it’s OK to negotiate at this point, just be prepared that the practice may not accept your counter-offer.

Congratulations to the class of 2020! As you prepare to enter the workforce, consider these tips to make your job search more fruitful.

Tips for landing your first veterinary associate position

dvm360 is thrilled to announce the launch of The Vet Blast Podcast, a weekly audio program hosted by Chief Veterinary Officer Adam Christman, DVM, MBA.

This new multimedia offering was developed to promote the advancement of veterinary medicine and highlight key industry leaders, everyday veterinarians and students who are making a difference in the field. 

"Join us as we explore all the wonders veterinary medicine has to offer," says Dr. Christman, adding that he hopes this new platform will create networking opportunities for veterinary professionals and students alike.

In this inaugural episode, Dr. Christman offers a sneak peek into his personal life and shares his unique path to veterinary medicine, including his experience undertaking a major career shift during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In upcoming episodes, the show will feature an exciting line-up of guests discussing topics ranging from cinical medicine and self-care, to fitness, diversity in veterinary medicine and much more!

If you’re interested in being featured on the podcast, contact us 

Take a listen to the full first episode below. And stay tuned for episode 2, "Meet the president of SAVMA!"

Podcasts

In this inaugural episode of The Vet Blast podcast, our Chief Veterinary Officer and podcast host Dr. Adam Christman opens up about changing careers in the midst of a pandemic and shares some of his goals for this new platform. 

Introducing dvm360's The Vet Blast Podcast

Royal Canin has expanded its line of gastrointestinal (GI) veterinary diets to include products for kittens and puppies. Last month, the global pet nutrition company officially launched GI Kitten wet and dry, as well as GI Puppy — “the first and only diet formulated exclusively for the immature gastrointestinal system of growing cats and dogs,” according to a company release.

“These diets are targeted toward young cat and dog patients and feature texture options including rehydratable kibble and an ultra-soft mousse texture to help facilitate food intake,” said Catherine Lenox, DVM, DACVN, Royal Canin regulatory veterinary manager.

According to Royal Canin, these new diets offer these benefits:

High-energy formulas with adapted nutrient levels promote optimal growth.

Kibble can be easily rehydrated to facilitate food intake for puppies and kittens.

The mousse texture helps to ease the transition from milk to solid food.

“In addition to this exciting innovation, we have created a more user-friendly packaging design to help consumers understand the benefits of the product their veterinarian recommends,” said Dr. Lenox.

Royal Canin has also revised the classification of its products around six core health needs: urinary, gastrointestinal, weight management, dermatology, vital support and health management.

In addition, a new packaging design is aimed to facilitate the veterinarian’s recommendation “by reinforcing the nutritional message and communicating the product benefits to the pet owner along with easy-to-read feeding guidelines,” according to the release.

The company recently introduced three new veterinary gastrointestinal diet products, two for kittens and one for puppies.