I was recently listening to an interview where an economist was criticizing the way modern media reports the news. He said that the mainstream media tends to grab onto a disaster, thrust it into the national spotlight and then ask the question “how do we prevent this from happening again?!” The economist said this behavior… Read More
Perspective
An Honest Look at What We’re Thankful For
I’ve seen more than a few shocked faces as I, the guy known for holding the torch of positivity in veterinary medicine, tell people that “life is suffering.” If you’ve listened to my podcasts or read my articles, you’ve heard me tell people that medicine (and management) is simply picking your poison over and over… Read More
Those You Know, But Don’t Know
When I used to drop my kids off at daycare, my primary focus was ejecting the children from my car so I could get on to my mile long to-do list. Screeching tires, flying gravel and… was that a little girl wearing a halloween costume in March? I passed through the parking lot as quickly… Read More
Perception: It’s All How You Look At It
Today I am thrilled with my dog. I am so, so happy. Do you want to know why? Because he only destroyed a very nice pair of socks belonging to my oldest daughter. For those of you who have been reading my letters for a while, you might remember that Skipper Roark is a devout… Read More
Choosing the Rulers We Measure Ourselves By
Jamie Holms RVT interviews Dr. Andy Roark about his recent article in Today’s Veterinary Business titled “Measuring Sticks.” They discuss how we determine our own self worth and the tendency for driven people to choose unhelpful and unhealthy measurements by which to judge themselves. Cone Of Shame Veterinary Podcast · COS – 235 – Choosing… Read More
The Daring Release of Perfectionism
Dr. Natalie Marks joins Dr. Andy Roark to discuss her recent article on “The Daring Release of Perfectionism.” They discuss how the selection process for veterinary school and success within veterinary school may favor perfectionistic tendencies, and the drawbacks these tendencies have in practice. Finally, they talk about how to manage perfectionism and make peace… Read More