When Words Go Missing

In veterinary medicine, even the smallest communication lapse can have major consequences. In this episode of Pet Peeves, Dr. Sandra Faeh, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Cathy Gallahorn, Medical Director at Animal Medical Care Center in Yorktown, Virginia, discuss what happens when words go missing inside the hospital. They share real-world examples of how missteps affect patient care and pet parent trust. They highlight practical strategies, like closed-loop communication, daily rounds, checklists, and visual tools, that keep information clear, consistent, and actionable for the whole team.