Part 3: Scheduling for Sustainability – Protecting Your Time and Mental Health

Blog Series: Choosing Your First Practice – A Guide for New Veterinary Graduates
Part 3: Scheduling for Sustainability – Protecting Your Time and Mental Health
By Noel Salazar, CVPM, NOMV Education Volunteer 

Your Schedule

Before reading further, consider the following equation in the context of this article:

S = P – C, where “S” represents Stress, “P” represents Pressure, and “C” represents Capacity.

In short, your stress levels (and overall mental health) are directly related to the pressure you experience compared to your ability to handle your workload. The key to reducing stress (lowering “S” in the equation) is to increase your capacity or manage the pressure you face. A well-structured schedule is essential for achieving this goal.

What to Look for in Your Schedule

Having the flexibility to arrange your schedule according to your developing skill set is highly beneficial.

Seek a daily schedule that includes blocks of time dedicated to tasks unrelated to patient care.

An example of a well-structured schedule might look like this:

8:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Receive appointments 
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Administrative block 
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch 
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Receive appointments
 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Administrative block

One of the key reasons for customizing your schedule is to ensure you leave work on time.

In addition to reviewing your appointment schedule, take a close look at your clinic’s overall operational schedule.

The type of practice you work in will also influence your schedule.

Conclusion

We have all likely heard the saying, “Put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others.” This is the essential takeaway from this article. You cannot effectively manage the needs of your patients, clients, employers, and colleagues unless you prioritize your own well-being first.

In the early stages of your career, many factors can be distracting. Employment contracts, student debt, ongoing professional development, and other concerns significantly influence your decisions. It’s essential to give equal attention to these four topics.

When selecting a clinic, consider additional needs beyond the more obvious factors. The small details can make a significant difference. By giving these aspects equal consideration, you move closer to ensuring your success—not just in your career, but also in your mental and emotional well-being.

Sources:

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2022). Chart of the month: New veterinarians prioritize mentorship. https://www.avma.org/blog/chart-month-new-veterinarians-prioritize-mentorship

Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. (2024). Insider insights: Management trends (July 2024, p. 1). VHMA.
(Use this format since it’s a PDF report without individual authors.)

Firestone, P. (2019). The stress equation: Only two ways to manage stress. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-matters-most/201906/the-stress-equation-only-two-ways-manage-stress