Vets Ask Dr. Dave: Am I a fraud?

July 21, 2017

Dave Nicol, BVMS, Cert. Mgmt MRCVS

Nicol is a graduate of Glasgow University Veterinary School in Scotland. He initially set out with plans to become a surgeon, but almost immediately was drawn into general practice by the interaction with pet owners and the problem-solving opportunities that cropped up each day. Initially, this meant finding and fixing animal problems, but quickly it became clear that there were plenty of problems with how practices worked as well.

You're not alone in wondering. CVC educator Dr. Dave Nicol takes on imposter syndrome.

In “Vets Ask Dr. Dave,” CVC educator Dave Nicol, BVMS, Cert. Mgmt MRCVS, answers colleagues' questions on the business of veterinary medicine. Here, Dr. Mary asks, "Does every veterinarian feel like a fraud, or is it just me?"

"That's imposter syndrome," says Dave. (Pro tip: Check out this CVC-inspired doodle that addresses “why many high-achieving professionals so often feel they're never good enough.”) Don't hide from the feeling-embrace it! That sensation will push you outside your comfort zone-and toward being better at your job. “If you never feel like a fraud, it's because you're not growing,” Dave says.

Want more from Dr. Nicol? Go to the full video to hear about money being hidden from veterinary associates and paperwork from hell.

Would you like to get Dr. Dave's take on your veterinary business question? Reach him through all the likely channels: Use the hashtag #VetsAskDrDave on Twitter (@drdavenicol) or Facebook (facebook.com/drdavenicol), or email hello@drdavenicol.com.