Ariel Wickers BVMS, mRCVS, MS

What sparked your passion to focus on emergency medicine?

My passion to focus on emergency medicine actually came from several places. The impact that others have had on me when I have needed to seek emergency care for my own pets was a tremendous inspiration. It can mean so much to someone to have their concerns heard in a compassionate and thoughtful manner when they are having that sort of experience, and to feel confident in the person providing that care.

The other major source was actually the incredible critical care specialists and emergency doctors I met while I was here at VSC during my surgical internship. I learned so much from them and have always looked up to them to such an incredible degree. In turn, they always engaged me, got me involved in the management of critical cases, and taught me more about the ways in which I could enhance and become more nuanced in the care of my post-operative and other cases. They’ve definitely inspired and encouraged me to grow as an individual and professional, and to pursue emergency care more directly.  I can also credit my incredible surgical and anesthesia specialist mentors in that way, as they were an invaluable source of knowledge and support in rounding out my skillset – often helping me work through more complicated cases and directing me to different resources so that I could provide the best possible care for my patients.

What are some of your biggest challenges in emergency medicine?

As with all of veterinary medicine, one of the biggest challenges is simply that there is no way to know everything and few patients “read the textbook” with regard to their presentation. Patients often come in with complicated illnesses and comorbidities, which require investigation, careful examination, further research, collaboration, and active listening to their parents to really be able to provide them with the help they need. That being said, that’s also one of the best and most satisfying parts of emergency care – that you’re always learning something new!

Is there a particular case that has inspired you?

My first septic abdomen case was a massive inspiration. I met the patient fairly early on in my surgical internship, and as someone with less experience found it a bit intimidating at first. It made a big difference to be able to be involved in all parts of the patient’s care – from scrubbing into their surgery to post-operative pain management and care. As interns, we also were involved closely in owner communication, and obviously it is an immensely difficult, emotionally taxing experience to have your pet go through that type of experience. It was so satisfying to know that our team helped save that patient, as well as to get them back to their relieved owners in much better health!

What do you like to do outside work?

My favorite hobby is hiking with my Shar Pei, Mace! I also love to bake, and to travel internationally. My travels have also given me a love of learning different languages – I am fluent in Spanish and just signed up for an online course in Korean!