Embracing your authentic self

At the keynote address for day 2 of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention in Denver, Colorado, on each chair, attendees were met with a card to fill out. They had to write down their name and 3 things that represent them. Through this exercise, attendees got a better feel for one another but also learned the things they love, or do not like, about themselves are all that made them the veterinary professionals they are today.

During her keynote address “Reaching New Heights,” Mariana Atencio, award-winning author and former Univision and NBC News reporter, shared how veterinary professionals can be authentic in their everyday lives, plus how what makes you different is what makes you special.

Flipping the script

Atencio told attendeees the story of a former manager who she spoke to about her career path. The manager had her write down all 3 things that she does not like about herself. She wrote her 3 things and then followed up with the manager and asked her: what now? The manager explained the 3 things she wrote down are not things for her to be ashamed of or not like, but rather they give her leverage.

“The fact that I come from somewhere different means, hey, why don't you tell your manager, I could cover that. I could cover immigration better than most people because guess what? I am from there and I am living and breathing it first-hand. The fact that English is my first language, hey, I can broadcast the news in Spanish and English. In fact, the way that I climbed up in the news business, I rose in the Spanish language [news stations], and then I crossed over to NBC News in the English language. It's an untraditional path. The traditional path is a little small market and from there, you end up at a place like NBC News, I have my own path based on these things I felt so insecure about,” explained Atencio.

Atencio then related this scenario to the veterinary clinic. Say you are an overly empathetic veterinary professional and you are labeled as too emotional by colleagues, or even clients. From Atencio’s point of view, being overemotional or empathetic means you care so deeply about your patients. This caring nature means you will go to bat for them and ensure they are getting the care they need, resulting in a happy owner and a happy, healthy pet.

In conclusion

What makes you different as a veterinary professional is what makes you, you. As you embrace who you are, flaws and all, you will be able to authentically be yourself in the veterinary clinic. This will help you stop worrying about who you are and focus on your patients and getting them the care they need. The industry needs more authenticity, so new generations of veterinary professionals can see it is okay to be who they really are in and out of their hospital.

Reference

M Atencio. Reaching new heights. Presented at: AVMA Convention; Denver Colorado. July 15 ,2023.