What is your field/job?
I am a veterinarian.
What lead you to that field/job?
When I first started college I thought I would become a human doctor. There are many doctors and nurses in my family and though it was never overtly discussed, I felt like becoming a doctor was expected of me. But the advanced science classes in college intimidated me, and other fields of study interested me so much more. I was pulled away by history, art, economics, french, sociology- so many classes, so little time. I was fortunate to find an interdisciplinary major and minor in which I could take a variety of classes and study abroad in France. College was incredible, though when I graduated I still didn’t know “what to do with my life.” They now call it a Quarter-Life Crisis but at the time I was so overwhelmed with the possibilities of what I could do, I was paralyzed and couldn’t decide what I should do. I ended up participating in an Americorps program called the National Civilian Community Corps and, during that year, I decided I wanted to pursue either marine biology or veterinary medicine. I ultimately decided on veterinary medicine and had to go back to school to take the program prerequisites. I finally landed at Colorado State to pursue my veterinary degree.
What do you like about what you do? What is a good day/week/experience for you professionally?
There is a lot that I like about what I do. For me, the science and medicine is fascinating. I’m really a huge biology nerd. I also like most of my interactions with pet owners and the staff. I never find my work boring and there’s always something to learn. A good day involves seeing some of my regular clientele who genuinely care for their pets and with whom I have good rapport. I love getting to tell people how well their pet is doing and how their pets are obviously getting good care.
Can you identify any challenges or concerns currently in your field that are specific to you being a female?
One of the biggest challenges we face at the moment is a high suicide rate. Higher than the general public. Higher than male veterinarians. There is research currently being conducted on this, but like a lot of complicated issues, the reasons for it are multifactorial.
What do you do when you find yourself in a situation that feels sexist or threatening?
Fortunately, it is rare that I have found myself in a sexist or threatening situation at work. My coworkers are almost always women and I have the upper hand with the power differential I face with owners. There have been a few men over the years who have called me by my first name, even though I introduce myself as Dr. Krick. I interpret it as a way to make our interaction casual and perhaps an attempt to win the upper hand, but I prefer people call me as I introduce myself. The men are usually baby boomers, and more often than not pronounce my first name incorrectly. I usually stare at them for a few seconds and then tell them they don’t get to call me by my first name unless they pronounce it correctly. There is often a brief awkward moment as they recalibrate, but it helps me win back the power. Minor, but important.
Do you communicate with other women in your field?
There is a lot of open and honest communication among women in my field. We are definitely the majority now and how the profession has consequently changed sparks a lot of conversation in the field. It is rare that I hear about sexism or threatening professional interactions, but I am sure they exist. Perhaps we are relatively unique in that the power frame (we: doctor, you: owner/seeking knowledge from us) is already established before we walk into the exam room.
Do you have any advice for women entering your field now?
I have A LOT of advice for any women entering the field and it all starts with doing research, especially when it comes to financing a veterinary education. The debt:income ratio for veterinary students these days is astronomical and arguably becoming a vet is now cost prohibitive. Which is so sad since for so many vets it really is a calling and not just a “job.”
For more information regarding suicide rates and the field of veterinary medicine:
- https://www.americanveterinarian.com/news/suicide-risk-highest-among-small-animal-female-veterinarians
- https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/healthcare/female-veterinarians-committing-suicide-in-record-numbers
For more information regarding higher number female veterinarians:
- https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Statistics/Pages/Market-research-statistics-US-veterinarians.aspx
- https://www.avma.org/News/JAVMANews/Pages/100215g.aspx
Many veterinarians don’t recommend the profession:
Lady Words 