Teddy Doctors: A dream, a passion, unheard stories, unseen sides, and a bittersweet journey

by K.G. M.D.

>"Wow, you should write a book! I never knew anything about the world you mentioned.This is what several people have already told me. All those random stories from one individual in a group of passionate people who experience one of the highest suicide rates in a profession just sprang out of my fingertips. It's not the usual story after a long journey;it's a very fresh journey.
"We never learned how to confront pet owners.
"Oh, really? Veterinarians do such advanced medical things. They are not just teddy doctors?"
together we have laughed, cried and loved our pets.

82 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2023

Reviews

[Kim Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend, who recently started Veterinary Medicine at Queensland University, gave me this book. I was initially hesitant to read it since memoirs or biographies are not typically my preference. However, the author wrote with a sincere heart, making it easy to read. The book flowed well, sparking my curiosity. At times, I found it a bit slow, given my non-veterinary background, unlike my friend who didn't share the same experience. Despite this, I gleaned a lot of knowledge from it.

Apart from this one friend, I know very little about veterinarians. The author is correct; I used to think of vets as 'teddy doctors,' but now I know better.

What I appreciate is the author's journey as an immigrant, Asian, female from a middle-class family who pursued a career in veterinary medicine. She displays more courage than I do. I have newfound respect for individuals like her. My upbringing has been privileged, and I realize I am somewhat spoiled. I have no intention of studying veterinary medicine myself.

My friend mentioned that he also had to reflect on his choices, as he dislikes humans yet chose veterinary medicine. However, as the author rightly points out, one must be adept at dealing with humans in this profession.

I believe this book will be a valuable resource for aspiring veterinarians and current veterinary students. It has also made me more conscious of being responsible if I were to have pets in the future. I appreciate that the author shares her experiences as a young vet. Many biographies lose relevance as times change, but hers remains poignant.

Reading this book has made me even more grateful for my privileged upbringing. I realize now how easy I have had it while others around me have struggled. I wish to express, 'Dear author, I wish you a great journey ahead.'

[Russell Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and honest. A raw and unvarnished true account of one young aspiring veterinarian's journey across continents and cultures in her quest for excellence and the service of animals. At times harrowing, at other times life-affirming. KGMD takes on an astonishing ride through the formative years of her veterinary career. A must read for anyone interested in animals, the veterinary professions, or a career in this sector. Thank you KGMD!

[Cat Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, interesting and I Learned a lot. Very simple and raw writing. It's positive and also very sympathetic towards both sides of vets and owners. Surprised to know what happens in the daily lives of vets. The author should try to write more.