Why This Veterinarian Couldn't Be a Specialist
The Money
Earning more means that you’re charging more. And that can raise a whole host of uncomfortable issues. It’s not that I don’t currently suffer my own daily stresses related to my clients’ inability or unwillingness to pay for their pets’ care, but the stress for me would be a whole lot worse if my services cost thousands instead of hundreds.
The Caseloads
Specialists may get lots of interesting cases to tackle, but they also get the sickest patients. Just imagine being a veterinary oncologist. That could be a tough job.
The Scope
I’m more of a big-picture person. Although I’d love studying for a specialized education, I can't see myself practicing one specialty for the rest of my life, not when I can discuss everything from cutting claws to cancer in the same visit.
In fact, breadth of scope is the main reason that I elected to spend two extra years studying for an MBA. Business is broadening, while increasingly specialized science can be confining. For me, anyway.
Of course, I am by no means dissing specialists. After all, they play a huge role in my ability to provide great care to my patients. I respect them highly for their impressive talents and willingness to do something that I’m not cut out to do myself.
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