Commentary|Articles|February 24, 2026

Identifying and resolving thought patterns that sap energy in veterinary practice

Author(s)Abi Bautista-Alejandre, Assistant Editor

A slideshow on identifying the 3 most common mental roadblocks in veterinary medicine and practical shifts that can help professionals move forward.

This slideshow, inspired by episode 11 of The Resilient Vet: Mind and Body Strategies for Success podcast with Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, and Jennifer Edwards, DVM, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, breaks down the hidden "energy blocks" that, according to Edwards and Shaw, keep veterinary professionals trapped in cycles of frustration, stress, and other negative emotions. By identifying these hidden mental roadblocks, individuals can stop reacting out of habit and start leading a more sustainable, intentional career.

From exam room tips to practice management insights, get trusted veterinary news delivered straight to your inbox—subscribe to dvm360.

Related to this article

September 16th, 2026

When difficult client interactions stick: Processing their emotional impact

A candid conversation on why difficult client interactions can linger, how repeatedly pushing aside the emotional impact can affect future interactions, and how intentional debriefing can help veterinary professionals process those experiences in a healthier way.

September 8th, 2026

5 protein tips to help veterinary professionals last long shifts—from a strength specialist

In the latest Resilient Vet podcast episode, Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, lays out 5 practical protein habits built for long shifts and a durable career. This slideshow walks through all 5.

September 19th, 2026

Why pet owners decline vaccines: Survey insights and strategies for navigating hesitancy

In a keynote address at the 2026 Fetch National Harbor Veterinary Conference, Jessica Pritchard, VMD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), shared research showing that many owners decline vaccines because they do not think their pet needs them, and discussed ways veterinary teams can address those concerns.

September 19th, 2026

Veterinary triage for technicians: Assessing urgency, communicating with clients, and coordinating the team

Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, FVTE, outlines key considerations for veterinary technicians during triage, from rapid patient assessment and prioritization to client communication and team coordination, in this interview from the Fetch National Harbor Veterinary Conference.

September 18th, 2026

Good flea control is good tapeworm control, veterinarian tells Fetch attendees

In a session at the 2026 Fetch National Harbor conference, Nathanael Oster, VMD, MBA, walked attendees through the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of the flea tapeworm in dogs and cats, including why cats are affected more often than dogs.

September 18th, 2026

SNAP-P: If rotisserie chicken, why not pet food?

SNAP-P is a proposed high-impact program that would provide at least $4.4 billion in benefits to low-income pet owners at marginal cost to federal and state governments.

September 18th, 2026

Inside veterinary social work

In a slideshow drawn from an onsite dvm360 interview at Fetch National Harbor, a veterinary oncologist and a veterinary social worker walk through how the role supports owners and staff across a pet's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and end-of-life care.

September 18th, 2026

Wrap up: New World screwworm confirmed in a US horse, and other news

Here are this week's headlines

Identifying and resolving thought patterns that sap energy in veterinary practice

Related to this article

Trending on dvm360

Why pet owners decline vaccines: Survey insights and strategies for navigating hesitancy

New study takes aim at copper-associated liver disease in Labrador retrievers

Veterinary triage for technicians: Assessing urgency, communicating with clients, and coordinating the team

Approaching parrot behavior cases: From behavioral history to treatment

Q&A: The truth about Toxoplasma gondii risk from household cats