5 Questions for a Veterinary Social Worker

5 Questions for a Specialist (5Q4) is a monthly micro-interview, where we ask five questions to a veterinary professional who has specialized in their field. The questions are the same each month, but the answers are always different and enlightening.  This month, we spoke with Augusta O’Reilly, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical veterinary social worker at Virginia Tech’s VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital. 

1. What made you choose to become a veterinary social worker?

I was working as a veterinary assistant and was deciding which career path would allow me to better support the treatment team, patients, and clients. Then the DVM I was working with mentioned how her college (University of Tennessee-Knoxville) had a veterinary social worker (VSW) and how amazing it was. I went home that night, found the program and the rest was history! This field allows me to use my background in psychology, my love of supporting the human-animal bond, and helping the vet med community.

2. What would you say to general practitioners considering hiring a veterinary social worker?

Do it! A veterinary social worker’s role can be very flexible, so you can have a team member that can support whatever population you need. Whether you want someone client-focused, staff-focused, community-focused, or focused on programing to help hospital culture–with the appropriate training, funding, and support, a veterinary social worker can do it all.

3. What is one thing that clients could do that would make your job more satisfying?

I always appreciate when an owner has a well thought out plan; from what steps they want to take during emergencies to how they would like their pet’s euthanasia experience to be. Planning—to any extent—for the expected and unexpected helps everyone.

4. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love working at a veterinary college where I can see so many different components of a patient’s care come together. The most rewarding is when myself, students, staff, faculty, and house officers come together, and we get to see the patient make a successful recovery and go home. I love seeing the team come together, use their skills and tackle a case–it’s always impressive.

5. What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a veterinary social worker?

Connect with those doing the job and ask questions! This profession is quick to share resources, insight, and support. If you are interested in working in a certain environment connect with someone doing the work to learn more. This job is often siloed and having the network goes a long way when you hit a roadblock or need support.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Augusta O’Reilly

Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.