In today’s world, endless scrolling has become the new normal. Many adults now spend six, seven, even nine hours a day glued to their screens. But there’s a quiet revolution happening—people are trading smartphones for minimalist “dumbphones” that only allow calls, texts, and alarms. By cutting out distractions, they’ve slashed screen time to as little as 20 minutes a day.
For them, it’s not about nostalgia. It’s about reclaiming focus, reducing stress, and being present in the moment.
The Vet’s Parallel
In veterinary practice, we often feel the same pressure. Our clinics are flooded with noise—notifications, emergencies, endless to-do lists, client expectations, financial worries, even social media comparisons with other vets. It’s easy to drown in the chaos and lose sight of why we became veterinarians in the first place.
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Like those who switch to dumbphones, vets need moments of intentional simplicity. Cutting out the mental “apps” that don’t serve us: the pressure to always be online, the habit of comparing our clinic to others, or the compulsion to chase every trend.
The Power of Less
Sometimes, less truly is more. Fewer distractions mean deeper focus on each patient, better conversations with pet owners, and more energy left for ourselves and our families.
Think of it this way: A dumbphone isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about using the right tool for the right purpose. In the same way, vets don’t need to say yes to everything. We can choose what to focus on, and by doing so, find balance.
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The Challenge
Maybe we can all take a page from this “dumbphone” movement. What’s one thing in your veterinary life that you can switch off, simplify, or let go of?
Because sometimes, stepping back from the noise is the only way to hear what truly matters—our calling, our patients, and the quiet joy of living fully in the present.
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Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
