Dr. Sheila Newenham owned a small animal practice for twenty years before selling it and easing into relief work, first picking up a shift here and there, then leaving her part time job behind entirely. She also spent five years as a volunteer veterinarian at a wildlife rehab facility outside Chicago, alongside side work as a nature and wildlife photographer. Relief practice now lets her split her time between HQHVSN spay neuter clinics and general practice, chasing the variety, appreciation, and travel she says she was missing before. This profile first ran on Relief Rover, the relief-vet community platform that joined Hound in 2023.

In Her Own Words

What is your niche, and do you work in general practice, ER, or shelter medicine?

"HQHVSN and small animal GP."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What inspired you to become a veterinarian?

"Inspired by a love of animals, I'm one of those who has wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

You've made the switch to relief practice. Why?

"I worked full time and owned a practice for 20 years. It was like having two full time jobs. When I sold the practice, I started working part time, which did wonders for my mental health. People started asking if I could cover days here and there. Over time, I left the part time job and now do relief exclusively."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

How do you feel that relief practice supports the veterinary profession as a whole?

"In such a high pressure profession, it helps to relieve some stress by giving veterinarians a break, freeing up some of their time for other tasks, or just lightening the load."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

Outside of the veterinary realm, what types of positions or professions have you been involved in?

"I am a nature and wildlife photographer and blogger. I have had roles in writing and editing, and in my younger days, I had jobs in laboratories and retail."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What roles have you had within the veterinary profession?

"I have been a kennel attendant, a veterinary assistant, an associate veterinarian, a practice owner, a chief of staff, and a HQHVSN surgeon. I also spent five years as a volunteer vet at a wildlife rehab facility in suburban Chicago."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

Keeping it PG, what is your most memorable relief job?

"I worked relief at a great place in Anchorage during curbside. A client sent in her blind, old dachshund with a list of 10 numbered concerns. Number 6: Rammed by goat. As you can see, there were five more pressing issues, including, of course, number 3: Nails too long. I'd not had experience with a goat attack on a dog before."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What are your favorite things about being a relief vet?

"I love the variety, the control of my own schedule, the appreciation of my clients, and the travel opportunities."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

Have you picked up any unique practice tips while being a relief vet?

"There are always little tips and tricks I learn and incorporate into my practice, but none immediately come to mind."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What are your least favorite things about being a relief vet?

"Lack of a home base for care of my own pets."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming a relief vet?

"Be flexible about practice styles but be true to yourself. There are many different ways to do things that are equally valid. Recognize when something is a personal preference versus a breach of your standard of care."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What do you look for in a practice when deciding to cover shifts for them?

"Location and schedule are first. Then I look at the practice's website to get an idea of the practice personality. I ask questions about the support staff and appointment density. For HQHVSN, it's about the target number of surgeries per day."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

Pathologically prepared or minimalist, what supplies or equipment do you bring with you on the job?

"For HQHVSN, I bring my surgery cap, stethoscope, and CPR flow sheet. For GP, I bring my stethoscope, iPad (VIN, calculator, VetPDA app), and a few instruments, sharp bandage scissors, tiny suture scissors, and my favorite cat nail trimmers. And always coffee, cereal bars and snacks, and lunch."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

The world is reopening from the pandemic. How has this shift back towards normality affected your relief practice?

"My work has been steady over the last year or so. I'm back to flying. I'm vaccinated and wear a mask. Spending my time in the surgery room masked and gloved helps minimize risk."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What states are you licensed in, or working to obtain licensure in?

"I'm licensed in Illinois, Idaho, Washington, and Georgia. I'm planning a job in Texas, so I'm working on licensure there right now. I am willing to go anywhere that offers temporary licensure or reciprocity."
Dr. Sheila Newenham

Aside from English, what languages do you speak?

"Cat?"
Dr. Sheila Newenham

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

"Travel. Photography. Writing. Hiking. Gardening with native plants. Agility with my chunky Labrador. Exploring Nature Photography, www.exploringnaturephotos.com."
Dr. Sheila Newenham