I want to be a star…well, not really…but sort of. I’d at least like to get on TV. Now, I don’t consider myself a shameless self-promoter or a wild exhibitionist, but I might admit to being a smidge more extroverted than the average vet. That’s why I signed up for VNN (Veterinary News Network) to help launch my middling career as a broadcast journalist.
VNN is a veterinary broadcast organization that seeks to organize vets in our quest for a more visible animal health presence in traditional media outlets. (Sounds lofty, don’t it?) The local news is the thing they prep us for: broadcasting classes, newsworthy videos on vet topics, weekly blotter, contacts, etc. It’s all part of giving vet medicine another shot at the general public so we can show off how much we know… or don’t know, as the case may be.
Still, it feels a tad artificial, maybe a bit too Paris Hilton for someone who’s more…um…I don’t know who…
Shameless, embarrassing sell-out that I am… That’s what I think as I practice my answers and get my face powdered(!) before one of my first interviews. But how different is this really from what I do every day on this blog? Shameless, embarrassing sell-out that I am…
After all, I’m a vet and I should just stick to my day job. And that makes some sense to this already too-busy, single-mom with a full-time job, miscellaneous writing gigs and livestock to feed.
But if I want to have more fun with my day job in unprofitably exhibitionist ways, who’s to say it’s a bad thing? [OK, so maybe my mother (who probably thinks it’s unseemly) or my nine year-old son (who thinks “being famous” means you’re a prime target for terrorists, which says a lot about our times, even for a kid who doesn’t have a TV in his home).]
“Being famous” aside (which sounds like the worst kind of fate if our current cast of celebrities is any measure), veterinary broadcasting is a necessary tool in reaching millions of people who refuse to read, much less get online…and read some more. And few vets take the leap…for obvious reasons.
I’ve found out the hard way—through my colleagues’ sniggers. Some suspect me of self-aggrandizing, promotional tactics designed to corner the market on small animal medicine in my locality. Others scrutinize my writing and reporting for signs of non-toe-the-linedom. (I’m sure to catch heat for my vaccine-associated sarcoma piece due out next week.) Most, thankfully, are supportive and excited about raising the profile of animal health issues in the area.
And that’s what I aspire to. Is it still embarrassing? OK, yes. But I guess I’ll concede it’s not entirely shameless.
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I think this is a great idea! Usually, when vets are interviewed by the local news - or are on for an educational piece - they're so uncomforable in front of the camera that it detracts from what they're saying.
BTW, I love your blog!!
Barb July 14th, 2007 11:51:00 AM
So, which came first, the blog or putting things into Veterinary Economics?
Thing One July 14th, 2007 12:21:00 PM
Never mind that last note-- I thought you had written a bunch of stuff for Advanstar, but it doesn't look like it. I must be thinking of someone else...
Thing One July 14th, 2007 12:25:00 PM
What's so embarrassing? If you enjoy it, do it! You are an excellent writer and a wonderful communicator. Your blog pieces are thoughtful, looking at the complexities of issues rather than reaching for the simplistic answers. (I'm a college writing teacher, so I do feel qualified to judge!)
Arlene July 14th, 2007 12:32:00 PM
Go for it. Good Luck
Sylvia July 14th, 2007 04:39:00 PM
You go girl! In this day and age, the printed word can only go so far. As another poster noted, your writings are thoughtful and articulate (how many drafts do you do for the blog?), so if you can sound as good as you write I think being mediagenic can only help your profession. I think animal behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell is fabulous, not only for her excellent prose, but also for her animated, sincere, and humorous presentations.
Mr Scruffy July 14th, 2007 11:25:00 PM
Thing One: I do write for Vet Economics and for Vet Practice News. They liked the blog and wanted a more "youthful perspective" for their publications. It wasn't so easy with The Bark or The Miami Herald, which I also write for. I had to break down their doors. But I looove The Bark--they are so worth it. And The Herald is my hometown paper (and they had no local columnist), so it seemed a great first foray into the potential for syndication. All I need is an agent...
btw, my boyfriend mentioned last night that he loves your intelligent perspective.
Dr. Patty Khuly July 15th, 2007 10:34:00 AM
I don't doubt that the first 15 mins will turn into many more.
Laura Bennett July 15th, 2007 05:42:00 PM
This is an excellent idea! I'm luckier than most in that part of my background was in a high-visibility position; I was a dolphin trainer at the Oklahoma City Zoo. With that job, I did TV fairly routinely, so being in front of a camera doesn't scare me. The trick is to develop a good TV presence without looking too polished--something politicians in particular struggle with.
Being the good Leo that I am, I'll need to look into this further. ;-)
Andy
Alton IL
AAbshier July 17th, 2007 07:06:00 PM
Well, we knew your boyfriend is a man of remarkable taste and discernment!
I think Veterinary Economics must expire back content... when I looked there was just one thing from you there.
Thing One July 17th, 2007 09:27:00 PM
Vet Econ has published two items of mine already and soon (October?) it'll be a regular column. Thanks for looking out for my career!
Dr. Patty Khuly July 20th, 2007 05:22:00 PM
Oh dear! I wish you'd explored VNN a bit more before signing up. They have a canned message. You're expected to carry the message and not deviate. They actually stated that "rogue" vets will have their accounts deleted. I ran across them during the pet food recall and have amassed some urls that tell their real story. AFAICS, they're media whores. Due to your plain speaking and not willing to put up with nonsense, I don't expect you to have an account for long..........and that's a compliment.
CathyA July 23rd, 2007 08:09:00 AM
CathyA: Sorry it took so long for me to respond to you on this (I hadn't seen your comment come up until now). I've been using VNN's "canned" content for a long time--and I've yet to be expelled as a rogue vet (though I'm sure some of what I write isn't exactly vet party line). Now that I've been working with them more directly for a few months now, my perspective on their work is even more informed, and I can tell you that they've been nothing but extremely helpful in my writing and my career in general. I think a lot of people feel that any news organization is likely to hinder an individual reporter/writer but I'm happy to say that's not been my experience with VNN.
Dr. Patty Khuly October 16th, 2007 09:02:00 AM
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