Some Things Dull and Ugly

Some Things Dull and Ugly tells the story of Dr. Gary Balsamo's career in veterinary practice. The narrative examines the origin of this veterinarian's career choice, interactions with other veterinarians, challenges in veterinary school, struggles to initiate a practice, the pitfalls of practice, and his eventual escape. This is a personal journey through some twenty years of experiences, some positive, but many negative. The author's goal is to enlighten the general public and those who may be interested in a career in veterinary medicine, to the sometimes harsh realities of this noble profession.
This is a deeply personal account that includes the author's critical self evaluation. He points out his impatience in attaining financial goals, his heartbreak of missing interactions with his family, his lack of fulfillment in the daily actions of a small animal veterinary practitioner, and his deep despair at the behavior of some clients.
The author eventually harkens back to his favorite professors in veterinary school, who left him with a profound appreciation of a non-practice field within the profession. A field that, fostered by experiences in the Army Reserve, gave Dr. Balsamo a path towards fulfillment.