Episode 2: Compassion, Pets, People, Complexity

In this Shared Table Episode we explore the path of two veterinarians – what got them into the profession to the very real, complex challenges they are facing today. I recently visited Anti-Cruelty, Chicago’s oldest and largest, private, open-admission, unlimited stay humane society, and sat down with Dr. Emily Swiniarski, Medical Director of Anti-Cruelty and Dr. Amanda Schnitker, Hospital Director at Companion Animal Hospital River North and Uptown Animal Hospital, both a part of Uptown Animal Hospital, INC. Dr. Emily and Dr. Amanda shared what inspired them to pursue a veterinary career – from helping an injured animal on the road to shadowing at a vet clinic to see animal surgeries. Their stories highlight the need for more moments that inspire the next generation to follow in their paths. Our conversation shifted gears to the obstacles veterinarians face – a major one being the ongoing impact from the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown period. While we live in a post-pandemic world today, veterinarians are living with a ripple effect that exacerbated many existing challenges veterinarians face daily – compassion fatigue, shortage of veterinarians and technical staff and visit decline tied to new competitive care models, like online pharmacies and urgent care veterinary hospitals that gained momentum during the pandemic. Beyond managing the health of our pets, veterinarians also manage pet owners’ emotions, expectations, devastations – it’s about people. At Elanco we say, Making Animals’ Lives Better, Makes Life Better – and without veterinarians this can’t happen. That’s why Elanco shows up every day for veterinarians, working to bring both the partnership and business expertise and an innovative portfolio that address some of their most challenging unmet needs – from parvovirus and pain to diabetes to itchy dogs. Despite the challenges veterinarians face, it’s clear Dr. Emily and Dr. Amanda find deep fulfillment in their work – especially in the moments that involve direct care and connection with animals and their owners. Huge thanks to all of our veterinary professionals. What you do is so important. I’m inspired by Dr. Emily and Dr. Amanda, their optimism balanced in reality as well as the possibilities they see for the next generation of veterinarians. #SharedTable #PetHealth #VeterinaryMedicine #WeAreElanco Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-swiniarski-968831a2/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/anti-cruelty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsimmons2050/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/elanco https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-schnitker-095b264/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/uptown-animal-hospital/