We were lucky to catch up with Shannon Gregoire recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shannon, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Developing your confidence and self-esteem are found along a bumpy and windy road called life. I think the biggest impact for myself would be that I try to reflect on my personal growth and skills every 1-3 months. Sometimes you don’t realize how far you’ve come or how much you have grown until you stop and reflect on your experiences. I am always surprised at how skills or achievements that seemed so out of reach are either accomplished or I have made significant progress in achieving them.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a veterinarian who graduated in May of 2022. I just started my own business to work full time relief or “locum” shifts where I travel around to multiple different clinics for work. This business will also be the hub for all of my social media and industry endeavors as well.
I also want to be a guide for any pre-vet students, vet students and veterinarians who want to be business owners, who can imagine a wonderful and fulfilling career in this industry and I hope I can lend wisdom from where I’ve been.
I’d love to hear from you about starting a Youtube vlog starting from the beginning of my pre-vet journey until now and moving forward! If that would be helpful for you please email me at [email protected] Hope to hear from you soon!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Team-work: Teamwork is of utmost importance in the veterinary field as it enables comprehensive and effective care for animals. Veterinarians often collaborate with a diverse team of professionals, including veterinary technicians, assistants, and specialists. By working together, they can pool their knowledge, skills, and resources to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients. Moreover, teamwork extends beyond the immediate veterinary team. Collaboration with pet owners, trainers, and other animal care providers is crucial for the overall well-being of the animals. By working together, veterinarians can ensure consistent and coordinated care, leading to better health outcomes and a stronger bond between pets and their human companions.
Humility: Humility is essential to being a veterinarian as it cultivates a mindset of continuous learning and compassionate care. Veterinarians must acknowledge the limitations of their knowledge and skills, understanding that there is always more to discover and understand in the field of veterinary medicine. By embracing humility, they remain open to new research, techniques, and perspectives, ensuring they provide the best possible care for their animal patients. Humility also encourages veterinarians to collaborate with colleagues, seeking guidance and expertise when needed. It fosters empathy and respect for both the animals and their human caretakers, promoting effective communication and trust. Ultimately, humility allows veterinarians to approach their profession with humility, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of animals.
Perseverance: Perseverance is crucial for aspiring veterinarians because the journey to becoming a veterinarian is demanding and requires unwavering dedication. The path to veterinary medicine involves years of rigorous education, practical training, and extensive clinical experience. Veterinary medicine is a complex and ever-evolving field. It demands continuous learning and adaptation to new research, technologies, and treatment methods. Perseverance enables veterinarians to remain resilient in the face of these challenges and stay motivated to expand their knowledge and skills. Additionally, the nature of veterinary work can be emotionally taxing. We often deal with critical cases, difficult decisions, and the loss of animal patients. Perseverance helps us maintain our compassion, empathy, and commitment to providing the best possible care, even in the face of emotional challenges.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Pause and breathe: Take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. Deep breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, helping to calm your mind and reduce stress.
Identify the source: Determine the specific cause of your overwhelm. Is it an excessive workload, personal issues, or a combination of factors? Understanding the root cause can help you address it more effectively.
Prioritize and organize: Make a list of tasks or responsibilities that are overwhelming you. Prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Organizing your thoughts and responsibilities can alleviate some of the overwhelm.
Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. This can include activities like exercising, meditating, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or simply taking a break to do something you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential in managing overwhelm.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and establish healthy boundaries to protect your time and energy. It’s important to recognize your limitations and avoid overcommitting yourself.
Breaks and time management: Incorporate regular breaks into your schedule to give yourself time to rest and recharge. Additionally, practice effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to work in focused bursts and maintain productivity without feeling overwhelmed.
Seek professional help if needed: If feelings of overwhelm persist or significantly impact your daily life, it may be helpful to consult with a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @drshannondvm
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/drshannondvm
- Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ekfhrzQzgz0TPdKx4UTvF?si=fd54444e0f6e40d4
Image Credits
Vet Candy, LLC Barnes Photography
