no-repeat;left top;;
auto
Dr Tajudeen has recently joined the WSAVA Professional Wellness Group(PWG)
h4
Could you introduce yourself to WSAVA members?
My name is Hameedunisha Tajudeen. I often joke that my name is more of a sentence than a name, so it’s easier to call me Nisha. I am originally from India but graduated from Malaysia. I have been in small animal practice for over four years and have fallen in love with neurology and with improving veterinary wellness in the profession.
You practice as a locum vet. What do you enjoy about this role? What are the opportunities and challenges it poses?
Since becoming a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London, I have realized that there are opportunities, as well as challenges, in being a locum. The greatest opportunities come from the wonderful people you meet in our profession, some of whom open doors to an array of possibilities. As for the challenges, I guess not knowing the local language is a huge disadvantage in attempting to connect with your clients and colleagues locally.
What sparked your interest in neurology?
During my first year as a newly graduated veterinarian, I was drawn to neurology cases. The case presentation, the excitement of trying to localize the lesion and confirm its position with tests and equipment add to my enjoyment of case work ups. I often feel neurology chose me and I naturally found it the easiest aspect of practice. Call me crazy, but my book to read before bedtime (to unwind) is a neurology textbook.
You’ve recently joined the WSAVA Professional Wellness Group. Why?
I witnessed the WSAVA Professional Wellness Group’s work when I attended World Congress 2018 in Singapore. This alerted me to the need to improve professional wellness in veterinary professionals. When I returned to India and was asked to deliver a lecture on wellness, I noticed what a difference it made to the working environment. I truly believe that improving professional wellness amongst vets will make us superheroes!
What is your take on the state of veterinary wellness currently – perhaps from your own experience or what you observe in your colleagues?
Now, more than ever, there is a need to improve professional wellness. This is because numbers of companion animals are growing, vets are working longer hours – and are focused on providing veterinary care of the highest standard. Amidst such challenges, we are seeing cases of burnout, depression, self-neglect, other mental/physical health issues and even suicide rise – and this must be stopped.
How do you hope to make a difference through your involvement with the PWG?
I want to dedicate my time and effort towards providing platforms and resources that will enhance the professional lives of veterinarians and extend a helping hand to any veterinary professional who is struggling with their mental or physical health, regardless of how big or small that struggle may seem. With the PWG team, I want to help identify the challenges that compromise wellness in the profession and work towards eliminating them.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us!
I love to dance! I dance salsa and I am now starting to learn the tango. I feel dancing frees the soul from the mundane everyday of life. As much as I love to travel, it’s the people and the stories behind their lives that interest me. Having said that, I do have an unusual habit of inviting random people out for a cup of coffee/ tea just to talk about themselves!