September 2017 – The on-call phone

Wow, nothing really prepares you, does it? I was very fortunate not to join the on call rota straight away; some of my friends had been on call from their first month, week and even day of work, but the tachycardia and feelings of dread at taking possession of the on-call mobile still hit me hard. I’m not sure when these feeling cease, I hear they’re replaced with apathy and dismay but to be honest, anything is better than the gut twisting terror I experienced a few weeks ago. But then again, being on call is great. What else tests you as much as being the only vet in the practice with the responsibility of making decisions?  That’s not to say I didn’t call my 2^nd on-call for help when on my first night I was presented with a seizuring cat, or message a partner when I wasn’t sure about the possibility of a tendon repair. Once I got over my decidophobia there was almost a masochistic desire to be the one in charge which I certainly didn’t expect! Should I be worried?!

Being on call also taught be that my history taking over the phone definitely needs improvement, so the cat that I thought was blocked actually had cystitis which would have been clear if I had only taken a bit more time on the phone with the owner. I guess being on call made me think of all the bad cases that could present I forgot that not every phone call would be an emergency! And while I’m on the subject of the phone, does anyone out there actually sleep soundly with it next to their bed? How many on calls do I need to do before I don’t spend 2 hours falling asleep then sleep so lightly that I’m jumping awake at every noise?  I am ashamed to admit this, but I actually rang the on call mobile from my own phone to make sure it was working – so much effort over a little Nokia.

Something else I have been thinking about this month, especially as the amount of horse work I do increases, is how long in a conversation can I obfuscate about being a new grad? I thought the grey in my hair would help deflect these inquiries but it appears not. The questioning usual starts off as: I haven’t seen you before, are you new? I agree that yes, I am new to the practice. Then: Where are you from? I answer honestly here and reply Glasgow, but grew up in the south of England originally. At this point I try to head them off by turning the focus of the conversation back onto their horse, but this is not always successful. Alas, the dreaded: What sort of vets did you work at before? By this stage I hope I’ve proven myself trustworthy by giving sound advice and fussing over their pony, but you never can tell and in a bright a voice as possible I chirp: Oh I graduated in June. Seconds stretch to hours as I watch the client’s face – is that a look of pleasant surprise or dismay? My smile is fixed to my face as I try to move the conversation along, wondering if I’ll ever be called out to their animal again.

Do I need to do this? Should I just come right out with it? As yet I have not been brave enough to try the direct approach but any advice is welcome – answers on a postcard!

PS. BEVA Congress was, once again, excellent this year. I especially enjoyed the live ultrasound demo. Prof Denoix made it look so easy. Alas, I need much more practise!