#Holly Sawyer

Why ancient errors can aid in modern medical diagnosis

Why ancient errors can aid in modern medical diagnosis

October 18, 2022

Recent studies suggest many medical mistakes occur not due to a lack of knowledge, but to insidious defects in the way we think. To delve deeper into the concept of these defects, known as cognitive bias, we are going to take a journey through the cosmos.
What veterinarians can learn from hummingbirds

What veterinarians can learn from hummingbirds

September 28, 2022

From the time of James Herriot to modern 24/7 practice, some aspects of veterinary medicine will never change. Then as now, we do not know what will walk in the door, what surgical skills will be required of us, what complicated treatments must be instituted, or what conclusions must be determined and deftly explained. This makes for interesting work days. Alas, performing at the ragged edge of ability, efficiency, performance, and limitation as we do, it is no overstatement to say we experience hard days.
<i>MythBusters</i> and a love of medicine

MythBusters and a love of medicine

August 12, 2022

"We often don’t appreciate the merit of one way of thinking until it is held in counterpoint to another," writes Holly Sawyer, DVM. "I like science; I love medicine. I love that health professionals get to improve lives and treat disease. I love that veterinarians make a real difference in the world. I love that veterinary school taught me how to think in a unique and profound way."
Is a Band-Aid no longer the solution?

Is a Band-Aid no longer the solution?

June 30, 2022

So, what can veterinary medicine learn from the “alcohol swab and bandage” routine of human vaccinations? First, sometimes human medicine can get lost in the ideal of what ought to make sense at the expense of practical sense, just like we can.
Re-earning client trust by leading down the chain of command

Re-earning client trust by leading down the chain of command

March 28, 2022

Nothing builds or destroys a client’s trust like a veterinary team available (or not available) when a pet is in crisis.
Applying MCI protocols to veterinary triage

Applying MCI protocols to veterinary triage

February 7, 2022

With phones ringing off the hook at general and emergency practices, and so many pets requiring evaluation for urgent conditions, veterinary staff must find a way to cut through the clamor.
Shedding new light on work-life balance

Shedding new light on work-life balance

September 13, 2021

We all aim for work-life balance these days. However, do we really understand this concept, or do we simply run the gauntlet, bewildered and exhausted, hoping for a better tomorrow?
The pandemic's impact on veterinary medicine's most sacred responsibility

The pandemic's impact on veterinary medicine's most sacred responsibility

August 16, 2021

Illness and death slam all of us with the realization we do not have full control over life. Lack of control breeds fear.
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