In this week's episode I am joined by Dr. Melissa Shapiro. As a small animal veterinarian who has created her niche within the profession as a veterinarian with her own practice providing at-home services, Melissa has many years of wisdom and experience she is keen to pass on to new veterinarians and vet students. She is also the loving pet parent to the internet's favorite Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy, Piglet. 

Through her practice she has the unique vantage point of seeing clients and pets in their own home for routine care and end-of-life scenarios. Today I chat with Melissa on the topic of euthanasia and approach it from the position as a new grad and all the questions I had and still have about becoming more comfortable in how I handle myself during euthanasias as a veterinarian. We attempt to answer the questions of "Can we teach veterinary students how to better manage their emotions during a euthanasia" and "what is the role of the veterinarian during a euthanasia" for caring for the patient and the clients. Melissa draws from her many years of experience of performing euthanasias to provide new grads and students with the guidance they need as they approach this difficult topic. 

*This episode does include descriptions of performing euthanasias and examples of scenarios that do not go to plan* and was recorded for the purpose of educating veterinary students and veterinarians.

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Follow Dr. Shapiro on social media at:

@melissashapirodvm

Follow Piglet and the pack @pinkpigletpuppy