Recent years have seen an increase in the popularity of relief veterinary work, which involves a licensed DVM working as an independent contractor for a facility that would otherwise face a gap in staffing. They may fill in for an associate or an owner who is ill, on leave, on vacation, or while management searches for someone to hire permanently. Let’s take a look at why relief veterinary work is increasingly popular.
Having a say in the days and times when you are available to work is hugely beneficial, especially for veterinarians with families. The vet can schedule more or fewer shifts as circumstances permit, and a relief vet will never have a request for vacation time denied!
Relief work exposes the veterinarian to a breadth of culture, techniques and processes, and management styles unseen by most associates. It provides opportunities to network with potential future employers, with colleagues to whom you might refer cases and who may refer to you. It can introduce you to skills and specialties you might like to pursue and develop.
While some vets make a living doing relief work, others may pursue it as a supplemental income. A part-time associate can pick up extra work, on their off days, as their circumstances and inclination allow. Former associates and owners have turned to relief work in semi-retirement as a way to stay connected with the profession.
Even among the most professional individuals, the relationship between an owner and an associate can become complicated, and the interpersonal dynamics within a clinic can become strained. Working as a relief vet creates a professional distance that allows boundaries to be maintained with less emotional stress. Relief veterinarians are expected to set boundaries pertaining to time, skill level and case proprietorship, and the simplified nature of the relationship between owner and relief vet makes enforcing these boundaries much easier for the relief vet than is typically the case for an associate. As a simple example, a relief vet who stays late working on a case can bill for the extra time and feel they are providing a service, while a salaried associate may largely perceive the obligation to stay late as burdensome and unappreciated.
Do you or have you ever worked as a relief vet? What were your motivations? Have you thought of, but never tried it? What prevented you? If so, share your stories with us!
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Posted: April 5, 2023