SOAP Notes Irreverent Confessions of a Veterinary Technician

This book is wonderfully written and absolutely captivating. Reading it was like hanging out and having drinks with a good friend, while she tells you about her day. One of those people who you talk with for hours, then you check the clock and realize how much time has passed… wishing the visit didn’t have to end. This is a book written by one of those people who has interesting anecdotes, some funny, some sad, presented in such a way that you can’t get enough. It is full of wit, wisdom, sarcasm, and even a few puns, with a touch of education, or better said information. You feel like you know Frannie O’Callaghan. Her personality, honesty, moral character, humor, and realness, all pour from the pages, as she tells you about the life of a veterinary technician. And, yes, some of it is “irreverent” as clearly stated in the subtitle. It is kind of a behind the scenes look at the industry, and a window into the experiences and thoughts (confessions) of someone with years of experience. It might seem like a great book for anyone in the veterinary field, and it is. I think it should be required reading for first year students for sure. However, it is so much more than that. Any professional, in any job, could take notes from Soap Notes, apply it to their own job, and be better for it. For that matter, there is a lot of wisdom that people could (and should) apply to their personal lives. This book is not what I expected, and I absolutely loved it. Read more

Frannie O’Callaghan’s humorous and at times irreverent memoir about life as a veterinary technician will no doubt appeal to fellow vet techs who have experienced many of the same joys and mishaps in their careers. Pet owners who have not experienced veterinary medicine from the other side of the table may see themselves in the sometimes less-than-flattering depictions of veterinary practice patrons (guilty!), but those of us without a vet tech background can benefit from the educational content in this book. The author states, in the Epilogue, that she realizes she wrote this memoir “as a dedication to my fellow veterinary crew, wherever they may practice.” While I agree vet professionals are likely the most obvious audience for this book, all animal lovers will enjoy a few laughs and hopefully learn a few things to improve their knowledge of pet ownership. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Read more

I can tell you that you don't need to know anything about vet life to enjoy this book. The author is a witty, clever, storyteller with just the right amount of snark. I love the hilarious anecdotes and heartwarming tales. I have already purchased this book for my boss who works in the medical field, (I know he will enjoy it) as well as my best friend and my vet clinic to pass around. It's a great purchase and a really fun read. There are moments that will make you laugh out loud on the plane like some kinda psycho as well as times you'll shed some tears, some of joy and some sad moments too. If you love animals, medicine, or super witty authors, check this one out for sure. Read more

Even though I have never worked as a Vet Tech or Vet Assistant I was able to relate to much in this book! I have medical experience and its amazing how much overlap there is. Well written, easy to follow and eye opening. I laughed, teared a little and nodded my head in agreement A LOT. Totally worth checking out. I plan on making this a Christmas gift for my Veterinarian friend. She will love it . Don't sleep on this book. Start reading it today! Read more