>I think irritated DVMs will be an ongoing problem for you and the other
>vets on this list.  Two vets have actually rolled their eyes at the
>suggestion that the internet can be a valuable source of information,
>and I tread pretty lightly (believe it or not).  You've got to be careful
>not to walk on egos.
 
I have heard this from a number of clients.  While I have had clients hand
me absolute bunk from the internet, I definitely use it as a resource.
This is considered an uncommon characteristic for a vet by many of my
clients, which saddens me.
 
>ok, hypothetical: you are my computer illiterate vet, and I return to your
>office (or call back) with printed websites and suggestions from online
>vets like those on the FHL.  How would you want to be presented with such,
>and how would you *not* want to be presented with such.  iow, how do we
>as clients best engage in neutral diagnostic discussion without becoming
>confrontational?  What are the dos and donts? There are plenty of tips on
>how a good ferret vet should behave, but few on how a good ferret-owning
>client should behave.  Why don't the *vets* speak up for a change?
 
Okay - don't call me on the phone, screaming that I'm trying to kill
your ferret by using western medicine, when I should be using XYZ
herbal/homeopathic remedy for ABC problem.
 
Don't complain to me because I won't give you a prescription for a problem
you've had diagnosed over the internet, when I haven't seen your ferret for
this particular problem (I get this one at least 2-3 times per week from
pet owners, ferret owners are actually less likely to do this).
 
Tact is a good thing.  I personally don't have alot, so I try to be
sensitive with others that have this problem.  However, screaming epithets,
verbal abuse and an unwillingness to listen are a problem, and not helpful
to any solutions.
 
The majority of my clients present me with additional information from the
internet in a matter of fact manner - "Here, doc, what do you think of
this?"  I've had clients drop off handouts for my review a few days before
an appointment, so I have time to absorb the info before discussing it at
the appointment.  This is a great way to introduce the concept, ask first.
Some vets are not open to this, but may be more willing if approached
privately (not in the waiting room) or by phone.
 
I have learned a tremendous amount from the internet, information that I
did not have time to find, brought to me by helpful clients.  I've also
debunked a number of internet rumors (Febreze in particular) for my
clients.  But, I've been at odds with other vets, particularly at academic
institutions, that will not work with me because I use the Internet, am
in private practice, or do not have enough letters after my name.  Tact
and patience are a must in any consultation situation, no matter how it
is initiated.
 
Hope this answers your question, at least from my perspective.  I look
forward to hearing other vets views on this.
 
Karen Purcell DVM
Author of Essentials of Ferrets: A Guide for Practitioners
[log in to unmask]
Uxbridge, MA
 -------
 
I have a lot of computer-literate clients and they often bring in questions
about information they've gotten from the net.  The best I've seen it
handled is for them to say "I found this on the net.  What do you think
about it?"  For me that allows me to either refute it (if I don't agree
with it), agree and discuss it further, or say something along the lines
of "I don't know, let me check into it."  The worst I've seen was a client
who came in and yelled at me for not following the treatment plan she'd
found on the web, which was actually for a different problem than the one
her dog had.  I *like* clients who know what I'm talking about, I like
clients who want to know more about their animals and the net is a great
tool.  Basically I think the best way is to approach it as a discussion,
rather than a confrontation.
 
Dr. Ruth
*****************************************
Save lives - spay or neuter your pet.
 -------
 
Well, not a vet, but I am someone who has had such contributions
appreciated.  I think one of the reasons is that I regularly pass on
interesting write-ups, not merely ones that would apply to our own ferrets,
so at times they have seen those cover subject matter before the journals
did, or found useful or interesting topics (brain candy) This way when I
show up with something that does relate to a disorder or disease which one
of our guys has they already know that reputable info is out there.  Hey,
they are pros and they are curious...
 
(We have also never complained about a bill, yelled, scolded, or
embarrassed them.)
[Posted in FML issue 3410]