Get to Know Dr. MAC

I qualified as a veterinarian in 1973 and have been in private practice ever since.  That’s a career spanning over 52 years, and during that time I have seen many changes in our profession.  I would like to enlighten you on some of these changes.

Veterinary Science is a science, but there is also an art to the profession.  In my early days, we subject the patient to a thorough physical examination, while listening to the owners’ reason for bringing their pet to me.  A good quality history is what is primarily needed to address the problem.  This is the golden consultation. 

In the early days, before a plethora of tests were available, such as extensive blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopic examination, and even MRI’s which are now available, the art of a physical examination remains paramount. 

I think from the above description, you can see that the veterinary profession can do almost all of what our human colleagues can do for their patients.  Notwithstanding, these advances in veterinary medicine are a huge bonus.  We now have colleagues who specialise in the various modalities, and the general practitioner has easy access to all these avenues of expertise beyond his competence.

In the early days of “James Herriot”, a lot of common sense and patience was needed.  I try and operate our practice along these lines, and I am now on the third generation of the same families.  Working in the welfare environment for over 50 years, you see and learn the best and the worst. 

We operate our practice with patience and understanding and a certain amount of empathy, not only for the patient but the owner who needs reassuring and compassion in difficult circumstances such the inevitable passing of their beloved pet.  This is one of the most important aspects of our job.  A paw print can be worth more than a eulogy to an owner. 

I encourage young learners who are interested in the profession to see the good and the bad, by exposing them to the welfare aspect of our work, which can be daunting. 

I run a family friendly practice which can put both the owners and their pets at ease.  We allow the children to interact with our practice cat, and allow visiting hours to hospitalised pets, so that they do not feel abandoned.   The emphasis on our treatment is diagnosis, no hospitalisation if possible, and to treat the pet on an out-patients basis in conjunction with being available seven days a week.  Being a small practice enables us to provide continuity with the same doctor on follow-up visits.  I feel that this aspect is so important for the owner, and the animal even feels that a bond that has been formed. 

Above all, the most important people in the practice are the staff who are the first to interact with the client and the patient.  Would I change my profession if offered a new start?  The answer is a resounding “NO”.