Walking Into Someone Else’s Practice: Lessons from Relief Work

What Relief Taught Me

What a Decade of Relief Work Has Taught Me About Veterinary Medicine There’s a unique perspective that comes with walking into a practice where you don’t work full time. You don’t know all the systems.You don’t know all the clients.You don’t know all the unwritten rules. And yet… you’re expected to step in, contribute, and…

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Intent vs. Impact: What We Mean vs. What People Experience in Veterinary Medicine

Intent Vs. Impact What We Mean Vs. What People Experience

Why understanding intent vs. impact can improve communication, leadership, and trust in veterinary practice There’s something I’ve been thinking about lately — and if I’m honest, something I’m still actively working on. The difference between what we intend… and what actually lands. Because in veterinary medicine, we are surrounded by good intentions. We want to…

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One Year Later: Still Focused on What Matters Most

One Year into the AVMA President Elect Campaign

One Year Later: Still Focused on What Matters Most It’s hard to believe—but it’s been over 12 months since I first began talking about this campaign for AVMA President-Elect. What started as a vision in June 2024 has become a full-blown journey of conversations, travel, and connection with veterinary professionals across the country. With just a…

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A Love ❤️ Letter to Veterinary Medicine 💙

Jen Quammen's Love Letter to Vet Med

Why I Love Vet Med – and Why It Still Inspires Me 🩺💙🐾 🎯🔥💡 Veterinary medicine isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. From the moment I stepped into my first clinic, I knew this profession would shape my life in ways I never imagined. It’s a blend of science and heart, resilience and teamwork, challenges…

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Lost & Found: How TSA Saved My Sentimental Treasure ✈️

Lost and Found

Traveling often comes with surprises, but recently, I had an experience that truly took me by surprise—and it ended with something I never imagined doing: hugging a TSA agent. Here’s what happened. The Timeline of a Travel Tale 🎧✈️❤️ 🎧 Pre-Flight: Enjoying tea and a podcast at the gate. 😱 The Realization: Something sentimental is…

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The Humor and Heart of Jen Quammen

National Geographic Calendar

The Humor and Heart of Jen Quammen   It’s flattering when people notice that you are more than “just a relief doctor” or “just a vet”. It would be easy for the practices I work with and the people I cross paths with to just go through the motions, offer polite platitudes and get the…

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Leeches, Lakes and Leadership: Dr. Jen Quammen’s Story

Loon on Lake Bemidji

Leeches, Lakes and Leadership: Dr. Jen Quammen’s Story   This is strange and awkward. Does anyone find that talking about themselves is fun or something they look forward to? I certainly don’t. And despite that discomfort, I’m leaning in. And I’m inviting you to join me.   I have been part of the veterinary profession…

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