The Perils of Perfectionism (in Practice)

Presentation Description / Summary: According to the American Psychological Association (APA), perfectionism is defined as "the tendency to demand of others or of oneself an extremely high or even flawless level of performance, in excess of what is required by the situation." While perfectionism in moderation may serve as a motivator, it can also produce harmful effects such as stress, negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations. This session will explore the topics of perfectionism and the fear of failure in veterinary medicine. In addition, the presenters will share their experiences with perfectionism as veterinary professionals.