Alternate Title

Ethnographic exploration of the medical practice of euthanasia

Advisor(s)

Arnold Arluke

Contributor(s)

Clinton Sanders, Thomas Koenig, Silvia Dominguez

Date of Award

2009

Date Accepted

6-2009

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department or Academic Unit

Graduate School of Arts and Science. Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

Keywords

death work, emotion work, euthanasia, human-animal studies, veterinarians, work-related stress

Subject Categories

Euthanasia of animals--Social aspects

Disciplines

Anthropology | Other Veterinary Medicine | Sociology

Abstract

This dissertation details the work of veterinarians in the context of euthanasia situations. Data consists of interviews with over 40 veterinarians and fieldnotes from 18 months of observation in veterinary hospitals. Participants include skilled, experienced veterinary specialists as well as novice interns fresh out of veterinary school. Unlike most veterinary procedures typically done outside the public eye, owner-witnessed euthanasia requires both technical as well as social skills. In the beginning of their careers, veterinarians felt unprepared to negotiate the decision to euthanize, discuss financial issues, manage the impression of a "good" death for owners, and deal with subsequent client emotions. This dissertation project details the ways in which veterinarians either overcome or learn to cope with these challenges, including how they negotiate with owners over what constitutes "legitimate" reasons for euthanasia. It also examines how veterinarians create "good" deaths for animal patients and handle the emotions of their clients. Veterinarians themselves tend to have ambiguous feelings about this aspect of their work. On one hand, they readily discuss situations fraught with dilemmas and frustrations while itemizing the strategies they develop to respond to this "dirty" aspect of their job. Yet, on the other hand, they also describe euthanasia experiences as professionally rewarding and personally gratifying. In fact, for many, being "good" at euthanasia and helping pet owners through the grieving process is an important part of their identity as veterinarians.

Document Type

Dissertation

Rights Holder

Patricia Morris


View Full Text

Click button above to open, or right-click to save.

Share

COinS