At our clinic, you may see a small poster with these words:
“NOTE TO SELF:
I will never promise outcomes.
I am responsible for due diligence, not guarantees.
I will do everything medically possible.”
This isn’t just a motivational reminder for our veterinary team.
It’s also something we hope our clients understand deeply.
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What It Really Means
Veterinary medicine, like human medicine, comes with limitations. No matter how advanced our tools are, or how skilled our hands may be, we cannot guarantee outcomes. Every patient is unique. Every disease responds differently. And not all battles—no matter how hard-fought—end in full recovery.
What we can promise is this:
- We will give your pet our full attention, skill, and care.
- We will exercise professional diligence in every step of the process.
- We will do everything that is medically sound, ethically humane, and truly possible.
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Why “Medically Possible” Matters
Sometimes, we are asked to “try everything” or to “never give up.”
We understand the love and desperation behind these words. But some treatments may cause more suffering than relief. Some options are no longer kind. In these moments, our duty is to weigh not just what can be done—but what should be done.
We are not gods. We are your partners—in hope, in healing, and sometimes, in letting go with dignity.
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Why This Poster Is Displayed
This note is posted to set realistic expectations. It is part of our effort to:
- Foster transparency between veterinarians and clients.
- Uphold ethical standards of care.
- Protect our team from undue blame when outcomes do not go as hoped.
- Emphasize that compassion is not the same as false hope.
Veterinary medicine is as much about empathy and honesty as it is about science and treatment. We share this note to remind everyone—including ourselves—that doing our best doesn’t mean achieving the impossible. It means staying grounded in what is right, real, and responsible.
Closing Message
With compassion,
Your Veterinary Team
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
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