as a vet, I'm not in it for the money.
In fact, I'm not even sure how you go into something for the money. I mean no one sets out and is like 'I know, I want to be a Wall Street big banker type fellow because I want to earn lots of money'. I know there are people that do but likely its someone that likes business and money already anyway so they can pour their passion into it and thus make plenty of money. Unfortunately, with some exceptions, you can pour all the passion you want into veterinary medicine and for the most part, you're not going to be rich. Especially when you're three years out of school and in general practice. And there's of course the huge discrepency between MDs and DVMs for very similar training and debt.
For instance, the average debt for a medical student is $161,290. The average debt for a veterinary student is $142,613. (These numbers may be a little old and maybe not from the same years but the point still will be made.) The average salary for a general physician is about $134,500. And for a comparable general practitioner in the veterinary field? $76,400. Starting salaries? $146,500 vs $47,000! It doesn't end there! Human orthopedic surgeon? $450,000 Veterinary orthopedic surgeon? (working in a teaching hospital) $140,000. Yep, we're in it for the money. Now I'll give you that MDs have to do internships and residencies while DVMs can start practicing right away. This is what I did. Are we better or worse for it? *shrugs shoulders*
Anyway, all of this is started after reading a blog article and unfortunately, also getting a lecture on proper receipt of payment from my boss.
Let me hit you with some facts:
1) I'm thirty years old and married. Combined, my husband and I are paying off three student loans. With student loans, other assorted loans, credit card debt, etc, we are greater than a quarter of a million dollars in debt.
2) I have two cars. I outright own one of them. Its a 1998 model. That's right, its 13 years old.
3) I rent my house and plans for the purchase of a house are at least a year away.
4) My husband works a crappy just above minimum wage job on the night shift making car parts for Japanese cars. I'm lucky if I get to see him about 2 hours a day. Two hours a day that we normally spend running past each other and grumpy at the other one.
5) Because I am now 30 and married, my biological clock is ticking. Should we have a kid right now? Can we afford a kid right now? The answer to both is probably no. That's not stopping us. But we're not going to receive any government handout for the successful use of my uterus. At least I don't think we are. I haven't looked into it but I'm pretty sure we're not eligible for food stamps.
6) Veterinary practices with some exceptions (read Banfields) are small businesses. They require payment of services and goods to continue operation. Rent has to be paid. Equipment and supplies purchased. Electricity, water, gas all need paid. Salaries of techs and receptionists and doctors. You get the point.
7) Did you know that Banfield's parent company is Mars, Inc? The same company that makes candy?!?
8) Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right. With privileges comes responsibilies. Responsibilities in this case are heavily reliant on money. You put gas in your car, food in your dog. You repair your car, you get the oil changed. Dogs need veterinary care too. Do mechanics work on credit? I'm not sure but apparently vets are supposed to because we love animals. I also love to eat. And have a warm bed. And have pets of my own that love to eat.
9) I have found two truths in doing emergencies in the capacity in which I do them. 1) that the severity of the emergency is proportional to the amount of people that bring in the animal (this is not always as true as #2) and 2) The amount of people bringing in the animal is inversely proportional to the amount of payment I will receive. More people=less money. Seriously, between the six of you, you couldn't come up with $90? The ideal number of people in almost all situations? TWO. One to help me hold whatever the beast is and one to hand me things if I need them. I'm willing to take a third if the animal is large, unruly and as long as the combined weight of everyone and pet in the room is less than a compact car. This is not always the case.
10) I tend to over discount my services so don't feel like you're getting over charged. I clipped and cleaned your cat's wound for free because she was a cute cat. That took supplies and time. I spent an extra 20 minutes discussing deworming with you for your horses because you were nice to me. That's 20 minutes that I should have charged you $1.50 a minute for. I called to check up on your pet taking time from my lunch and ended up giving you 'free advice'. I don't mind but I do mind when you think you're being overcharged for my generosity.
After the incident where I received a mild scolding about getting payment (which will be repeated tomorrow), I thought about it. We're sending the people a letter requesting payment. Would a letter be better received if it came from the vet that saw the problem originally? Essentially, it would be a letter shaming them into payment. Something like, 'hi, remember me, I'm the vet that came in at night and took care of your dog. Sorry things didn't work out for your pup but I still need paid. You told me you could pay me and now you haven't.'
But people are trash and think everything is entitled to them.
There's no medicare for pets.
I see little old ladies on fixed incomes that will sacrifice lots of things to have their pets cared for but then there are other people that can't go without for their pet. Or people that can't face reality. Tell me you have no money. I'm less likely to judge me if you start out with 'Doc, I'm sorry but I have X number of dollars today' than if you stick me with a bill of any sort. I like people that set me my limitations up front. I can work with that. Also people are liars. House told me that. Sure you'll bring me the money on the 1st. WHERE ARE YOU?! Its the 13th. Granted, you left me that debt card number which unfortunately doesn't work and neither does that phone number. Hmmm...what are the odds that the letter sent to you will be returned? You F-ed it up for everyone else that's well meaning regarding paying me. Some people really do need the extra time to get money together for something that's really an emergency. But now, I've been burned. I'm not cutting you a deal. Give me some money, then we'll talk.
So yeah, I guess I am in it for the money. And maybe a little respect. I'm a DVM damnit, not a CPA. I'm not in charge of your financial woes. I've got enough of my own.
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
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