019: Curiosity in Vet Med: Are You Asking the Right Questions?

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Andi and Josh explore the role of interpersonal curiosity—and why it might be one of the most underrated skills in veterinary medicine today.Grounded in research on resilience in veterinary students, this conversation unpacks how curiosity shows up in the way we interpret stress, respond to challenges, and connect with the people around us. Because it turns out—resilience is not just about “bouncing back”…it is about how we make sense of what is happening in the first place.From initial skepticism around wellbeing strategies to meaningful mindset shifts, this episode highlights how perspective-taking, support systems, and self-awareness are not just personal tools—they are cultural ones. And when curiosity is present, everything from communication to coping starts to change. You’ll hear: Why curiosity plays a critical role in how we experience stress and resilienceWhat veterinary students revealed about how resilience actually developsHow simple perspective shifts can change the way we respond to challengesWhy support systems and connection are essential to thriving—not optionalWhat this means for teams trying to build healthier, more sustainable culturesWhether you are navigating a tough case, a tense conversation, or just trying to make it through a busy day, this episode will challenge you to pause, get curious, and consider what might be possible if we replaced assumption with understanding.Resource Links: Episode Article:Title: Interpersonal curiosity as a tool to foster safe relational spaces: a narrative literature reviewAuthors:Melanie Letendre Jauniaux & Heather L. LawfordDOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1379330Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication Florida Man This Week - Time Travel What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at [email protected] Your Hosts: Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth. Timestamps: 00:00 Curiosity Sets the Stage00:42 Names and Nicknames02:01 Colorado Weather Whiplash06:15 Hospital Story Sideways Curiosity09:57 Vet Clinic Assumptions Lesson13:16 Courage to Ask Deeper15:31 Paper Intro Interpersonal Curiosity18:17 Overt vs Covert Curiosity21:09 Relational Safety vs Psychological Safety22:28 Curiosity Builds Trust23:09 Curiosity As Culture25:00 Covert Coaching After Error28:39 Affiliative Intent First32:17 Overt Versus Covert37:28 Repetition Builds Muscles38:51 Vet Team Ideas In Action46:21 Wrap Up And Thanks