187. Vets being referred to

E-MAIL TO DR SING
Sep 5, 2010

Hi Dr Sing,

Just a quick line to let you know that I have finally returned to Singapore and just started work at (Name given). I am returning to Perth from 16th to 19th for my graduation. If you want me to carry anything for (Name given), I will be glad to. The other reason for this email is Dr. (Name given) heard that (Name given) might have been badly injured in a car accident in Perth on Friday night/ Saturday... is this true? If so, I hope all is ok with her... we are concerned about her welfare.

E-MAIL FROM DR SING
Sep 6, 2010 4.15 am.

Thank you for email. (Name given) is actually my god-daughter. She passed away on Sep 3, 2010 due to an accident as the other driver of an on-coming car overtook a car and smashed into her car.

In your new job, I hope you will present a kindness towards "smaller practices" as I have had nasty experiences of three vets from your practice when cases were referred to them. I gave you 3 examples in the hope that you would be kinder now that you have had started practice with them.

1. One vet demanded over the phone that I should call him first but I told him that his receptionist said he was busy and it was my client who wanted the case to be sent to him. So I extended the courtesy to phone him.

2. Another vet said I should fill up a form if I wanted to refer any animal to him.

3. The 3rd vet refused to give the X-ray of the bladder stone to a small animal practice vet. I shall name him as Vet X. His practice had fed your new employer with numerous cases over the last 20 years. Vet X's receptionist had a dog with haematuria. The dog was referred to your employer for an X-ray.

Vet X's mother had asked me to mentor her son in surgery. This was his first case of urinary stone removal from the bladder. I asked him to get the X-ray. It would be good to have an X-ray but since the vet did not want to release it, he could do nothing.

I said it was OK since I could palpate the bladder stone and in fact X-rays are not necessary if one is confident of the diagnosis based on clinical signs and history. Vet X operated under my supervision and the dog is still much alive and well when I saw the receptionist recently.

Best wishes to your new career.

P.S As for me, if any vet wants to refer to me their cases, they are welcome.