DEALING WITH A DIFFICULT DOCTOR (SUPPORT STAFF'S GUIDE TO SANITY IN THE WORKPLACE)

摘要

The veterinary hospital is full of difficult people including clients, support staff, receptionists, and veterinarians. How to appropriately deal with difficult support staff and clients has been discussed in staff meetings everywhere. Dealing with the difficult veterinarian is a more delicate topic that is not routinely brought up for discussion. Personality types, self assessment, conflict management, and resolution will be explored.Personality types vary, and bring constant challenges to the workplace. The road to becoming a veterinarian requires dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. To achieve these traits requires a specific personality type. Most commonly, a "type A" personalityis encountered. "Type A" personalities tend to be perfectionists" impatient" and have an abnormal sense of urgency. Frequently, this personality type can leave others feeling resentful, intimidated,, overwhelmed, and frustrated. These attributes must bedelicately handled when dealing with a difficult doctor. Typically that doctor is the employer. If the doctor is not the employer, they are still head of the veterinary team, which puts them in a leadership position. It is important to remember that being a veterinarian does not mean having good leadership or communication skills. Each individual use the tools they possess to communicate effectively, which is the key to conflict prevention.