Veterinary Leader Advises New Vets on Confidence and Basics

Dr. Anthony Coronado, vice president of emergency medicine at Thrive Pet Healthcare, says feeling overwhelmed is normal for new veterinarians. He advises graduates to trust their four years of intensive training and avoid straying from fundamental diagnostic workups.

Coronado shared his perspective on The Vet Blast Podcast with host Dr. Adam Christman. He entered emergency medicine for financial reasons, initially taking overnight shifts while working a daytime general practice. His monthly rent was $900 while his biweekly take-home pay was only $800.

Building Clinical Confidence

Imposter syndrome is common, according to Coronado. He tells new veterinarians they know more than the pet owner in front of them. The challenge is learning to access that knowledge quickly. He recommends a straightforward communication approach when uncertain.

I'm not entirely sure right now what's going on, but the good news is I know how to figure it out, so let's work on this together, Coronado suggests telling a client. He emphasizes using mentors, classmates, and organizational resources. The biggest mistake is being afraid to admit when you don't know.

Avoiding Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Coronado warns against skipping basic diagnostics in favor of newer, promoted tests. He says cutting corners leads to missed diagnoses. Many pets referred to specialists would not have needed referral if the primary vet had completed a thorough basic workup.

"The difference between a mediocre doctor and a good doctor is that adherence to the basics," Coronado stated. He advises against letting clinical bias force a diagnosis. Common things happen commonly, so vets should let the clinical picture lead to the diagnosis, not the other way around.

Communicating Care Options

Coronado and Christman discussed avoiding client bias, where a vet assumes a client cannot afford a certain treatment. They emphasized always offering the best care option. The veterinarian's responsibility is to present the ideal plan; the client's responsibility is to decide what they can afford.

This aligns with discussions about spectrum of care. You never know what a client is willing to do until you explain the value and reasoning behind a procedure. Open communication about all options is essential, even if some seem unlikely to be accepted.

The Path to Emergency Medicine

Coronado never planned to work in emergency medicine. He started in general practice and began moonlighting in emergency departments purely for financial reasons. He disliked the grueling schedule at first, working overnight shifts before returning to his daytime practice.

After five years, he transitioned to emergency medicine full-time. The change suited him as a self-described night owl. He found the rising medical standards and collaboration with specialists immensely rewarding, which led him into leadership roles. His career evolved from clinician to partner, shareholder, and eventually a national leadership position overseeing emergency services and doctor mentorship.