Vet Med Wellness + Leadership

Busy season in veterinary medicine can bring more than packed schedules and longer days. It can also heighten the negativity bias many veterinary professionals already carry into the workplace. In this episode, Senani Ratnayake joins me for a thoughtful conversation about how negativity, perfectionism, and emotional overwhelm quietly shape team culture and individual wellbeing, especially during high-stress seasons.Together, we explore the powerful relationship between negativity bias and confirmation bias and how quickly teams can spiral into patterns of dread, frustration, and emotional exhaustion when those patterns go unchecked. Senani shares why veterinary professionals are particularly vulnerable to focusing on what went wrong rather than recognizing the many moments of success, connection, and impact that happen throughout the day.The conversation introduces the concept of compassion satisfaction as a meaningful counterbalance to burnout, empathic distress, and compassion fatigue. Rather than dismissing the emotional weight of veterinary medicine, Senani explains how intentionally noticing moments of purpose, contribution, and teamwork can help restore emotional capacity and resilience. She outlines three practical ways veterinary teams can begin strengthening compassion satisfaction: sharing positive stories, resisting the urge to take meaningful moments for granted, and reframing daily responsibilities through the lens of what we “get” to do rather than what we “have” to do.We also discuss the deeper emotional realities of working in a helping profession, including perfectionism, self-criticism, and the challenge of carrying veterinary medicine home with us. Senani offers a refreshing perspective on work-life balance, encouraging listeners to think instead about creating a sustainable working balance that honors both professional passion and personal wellbeing.This episode is an invitation to pause, reframe, and reconnect with the meaning behind the work. Even during the busiest seasons, there are opportunities to cultivate more joy, gratitude, and emotional sustainability within veterinary medicine.What’s Inside:How negativity bias and confirmation bias shape veterinary team cultureWhy compassion satisfaction is a critical protective factor against burnoutThree practical ways to cultivate more positivity and emotional resilience at workA healthier perspective on work-life balance within veterinary medicine Mentioned in this Episode:Senani Ratnayake on LinkedInMotivatum Consulting WebsiteMotivatum Consulting Facebook PageKristin Neff Tedx Talk – The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self-CompassionProfessional Quality of Life ToolVet AllianceVet Med Wellness and Leadership PodcastFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Veterinary leaders are feeling the pressure when it comes to recruiting right now, and for many, it feels like no matter how much effort goes in, the right candidates just aren’t sticking. In this episode, Savanna Tracy joins me to explore what’s really happening in today’s hiring landscape and how practices can shift their approach to build stronger, more sustainable teams.Drawing on her experience in multi-site operations and leadership development, Savanna breaks down the current state of the industry and why the challenge hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply evolved. While staffing shortages may look different than they did a few years ago, the strain has moved upstream into how we recruit, engage, and retain our people. She explains why recruiting and retention are no longer separate conversations, but part of the same strategy that begins the moment a candidate first interacts with your practice.Savanna shares practical insights into what today’s candidates are actually looking for and how leaders can better meet those expectations. From speed and consistency in communication to transparency about the realities of the practice, she highlights the importance of building trust early. The conversation also explores how helping candidates envision their life within the practice, not just their role, can be a powerful differentiator in a competitive hiring market.We also dive into one of the most overlooked opportunities in leadership: onboarding. Savanna explains why the first 90 days are critical in shaping confidence, connection, and long-term retention. With thoughtful structure, clear expectations, and intentional support, onboarding can shift from a reactive process to a powerful retention strategy. She leaves listeners with a clear reminder that culture is not defined by intention, but by the experience a new hire has from day one.What’s Inside:Why recruiting and retention must be approached as one unified strategyHow transparency and communication build trust with today’s candidatesThe role of candidate experience in standing out in a competitive marketWhy structured onboarding is key to long-term retention Mentioned in this Episode:Veterinarians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2026 State of General Practice Veterinary Care OverviewInstinct Report 2024 The State of Emergency & Specialty Veterinary CareVet Med Wellness and Leadership PodcastFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Financial conversations can feel loaded in veterinary medicine. Many of us entered this profession to care for animals, not to analyze income statements. But avoiding the numbers does not protect your mission. In fact, it often increases anxiety, fuels burnout, and limits your ability to grow.In this episode, I speak with entrepreneur Martin Traub-Werner, founder of VetBooks, about why financial control is foundational to sustainable leadership. Martin shares how his work in veterinary data analytics revealed a major gap for independent practices: clear, accurate, and timely financials that truly reflect profitability.We explore the emotional side of money in vet med, including the common fear of being perceived as greedy. I offer the perspective that money is energy. When used intentionally, it becomes fuel for reinvestment, team development, better equipment, and expanded patient care. Profit is not a betrayal of purpose. It is what allows your purpose to endure.Martin also breaks down practical steps for gaining financial clarity, from committing to curiosity instead of fear to using the AAHA VMG Chart of Accounts. He emphasizes focusing on your top revenue and expense categories, where most of the meaningful change happens.If you have ever woken up at 3 a.m. worrying about payroll, rising costs, or sustainability, this conversation will remind you that your financials are not something to fear. They are a diagnostic tool. And when you understand them, you gain back control.What’s Inside:Why avoiding your numbers increases anxiety and uncertaintyHow profit can fuel your mission instead of competing with itPractical first steps to gaining financial control in your practiceWhy focusing on your top revenue and expense categories drives sustainable growMentioned in this Episode:VetbooksMartin Traub-Werner on LinkedInVet Med Wellness and Leadership PodcastFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation I had with Dr. Kathryn Miller, a rural mixed animal veterinarian in Kansas who believes wholeheartedly that veterinary medicine is not lost. Instead of accepting burnout and poor wellbeing as inevitable, Kathryn shares how coaching, culture, and mindset shifts can change the trajectory of an entire career.Kathryn opens up about her own turning point with burnout after becoming a mother. What once felt manageable quickly became overwhelming, and without support, she is clear she might have left the profession altogether. Through professional coaching, she experienced a powerful mindset shift that allowed her to see she did not have to choose between being a great veterinarian and a great mom. That realization changed everything.We explore the most common traps early career veterinarians fall into, from harsh inner critics and black and white thinking to identity loss after vet school. Kathryn shares how tools like the Enneagram and structured coaching conversations help young practitioners reframe mistakes, navigate team dynamics, and build resilience instead of self-doubt. She also offers practical guidance on evaluating job opportunities, identifying red and green flags in practice culture, and learning to feel safe asking questions in those critical first years.This conversation is both honest and hopeful. Yes, veterinary medicine is hard. Yes, burnout is real. But with the right tools, support, and mindset, it does not have to define your career. Kathryn reminds us that growth requires discomfort, culture requires tending, and coaching can be a powerful catalyst for long-term wellbeing and leadership.What’s Inside:Kathryn’s personal burnout story and the mindset shift that kept her in veterinary medicineCommon early career traps including perfectionism, identity loss, and black and white thinkingHow coaching and the Enneagram create self-awareness, compassion, and stronger team communicationRed and green flags to watch for when choosing a practice and building a sustainable careerMentioned in this Episode:RKM Clinic WebsiteRKMM WebsiteDr. Kathryn Miller on InstagramRocking KM Vet on InstagramRocking KM Vet - Potwin on InstagramCanvasRebel FeatureVet Med Wellness and Leadership PodcastFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

This week, I’m stepping into the guest seat on the Pawsitive Leadership Podcast with Andrea Crabtree and David Liss, and we’re going deep into something that matters to me with my whole heart: caring for the people who care for everyone else. If you’ve ever felt the weight of veterinary medicine in your bones, the kind of exhaustion that comes from showing up day after day with your whole soul, this conversation is for you.I share my full circle story, from being the kid who only ever wanted to be a veterinarian to burning out hard as an overnight ER tech to leaving vet med entirely because I thought I “didn’t have what it takes.” That pivot led me into psychotherapy, where I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and learned the tools that brought me back to life. And eventually, those same tools led me right back into veterinary medicine after I was invited into a hospital that had just lost a veterinarian to suicide. That moment changed everything, and it clarified why this work is so urgently needed.We talk about why wellness is not fluff. It’s operational. Healthy, happy people make healthy profits, and when hospitals ignore that, the cost shows up everywhere: turnover, productivity, and the emotional toll carried by the team. I explain why burnout isn’t random. It’s often the predictable result of leadership structures that don’t support humans, especially when people are promoted without training and then expected to carry impossible expectations. We also get practical. I share one of the most powerful tools I use with teams and leaders: pause, notice, and choose. It sounds simple, but it is life-changing. That moment of awareness interrupts autopilot and brings you back into alignment, so you can lead from intention instead of survival mode. Because the truth is, you cannot build a thriving hospital culture from a depleted nervous system.What’s Inside:How my full-circle journey took me from vet tech burnout to psychotherapy and back into veterinary medicineWhy wellness is a retention strategy and a profitability strategy, not an optional perkTwo leadership mistakes that quietly sabotage hospitals: promoting without training and misaligned expectationsA simple tool to reduce stress and regain control in real time: pause, notice, and chooseMentioned:Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklVet Med Wellness and Leadership PodcastPawsitive Leadership PodcastFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Veterinary leaders often rise through the ranks without ever receiving formal training in how to define a vision, build culture, or guide a team with clarity. Dr. George Cuellar joins me to explore how aspiring entrepreneurs can step into leadership with purpose by working through three essential phases: defining the vision, sharing it effectively, and engaging the team in bringing it to life. Drawing on decades as a corporate executive, practice owner, and state veterinary leader, George explains how he discovered that true leadership is not about directing people; it’s about creating a shared sense of purpose that others want to be part of.George shares how his own hospital’s transformation began with articulating a clear, compelling vision and pairing it with a set of values that guided every decision. He describes how leaders can evolve from simply “telling” their vision to collaborating on it by testing ideas, inviting dialogue, and using regular meetings to cultivate ownership across the team. As the culture strengthens, leaders move into phase three: engaging individual team members through development plans, outcome-based goals, and accountability structures that empower them to grow rather than depend on the leader.The conversation also explores why leaders must resist the urge to overhelp and allow team members to struggle, fail, and ultimately succeed on their own terms. George explains how celebrating wins, learning from missteps, and trusting the team helps shift the culture from leader-dependent to self-sustaining. He leaves listeners with core reminders: everything you need to lead is already within you, growth requires compassion and grit, and no leader should go it alone. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to seek mentorship and support as they develop leadership cultures that are built to last.What’s Inside:How Dr. Cuellar went from corporate leadership to building a vision-driven veterinary hospitalWhy defining a clear vision and set of values is the foundation for effective leadershipThe five stages of sharing a vision, from telling to true co-creation with your teamHow to engage staff through individualized growth plans, accountability, and meaningful consequencesWhy leaders must resist overhelping and allow room for struggle, learning, and celebrationPractical steps to build a self-sustaining culture where aligned, motivated team members thriveMentioned:Dr. George Cuellar on LinkedInReady, Vet, GoFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Veterinary professionals are often trained to care for everyone except themselves. But what if they had the tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges within their own teams? Dr. Sonja Olson, DVM, C-MMT, and Susan Swendsen, MSSW, LCSW, VSW from Full Circle Lab join Crystal to explore how Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is reshaping the conversation around well-being in veterinary medicine.Susan shares how MHFA began in Australia in 2000 with founders Betty Kitchener and Anthony Jorm, grew to 29 countries, and aims to train one in every fifteen people worldwide. Introduced in the U.S. in 2008, the program equips everyday people with the confidence to recognize early signs of mental distress and connect others to the help they need before a crisis occurs.The group talks about how MHFA differs from therapy. It’s a peer-support model designed to help colleagues feel prepared to respond when someone is struggling. Sonja breaks down the ALGEE action plan: Assess for risk of suicide or harm, Listen non-judgmentally, Give reassurance and information, Encourage appropriate professional help, and Encourage self-help. She explains how this structured, step-by-step approach resonates with the way veterinary professionals think and problem-solve.The conversation highlights the power of early intervention, the importance of reducing stigma, and how empathy can protect against secondary traumatic stress. The team also shares practical ways for veterinary clinics to bring MHFA training into their workplaces through the National Council for Behavioral Health and how learning these skills together can strengthen connection, compassion, and care across the profession.What’s Inside:How Mental Health First Aid started in Australia and went globalWhy MHFA is different from therapy but just as powerful in veterinary careStep-by-step guide to the ALGEE action plan for real-life crisesSimple ways to break stigma and start honest conversations about mental healthEarly intervention tips to prevent burnout and secondary traumaHow to get certified and bring MHFA training to your clinicBuilding stronger, more connected veterinary teams through peer supportMentioned:Mental Health First Aid LinkedInFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Amy Grimm, founder of Daring DVM Coaching, joins the show to talk about burnout—something all too familiar in the veterinary world. She shares her path from vet med to coaching and how her own experiences shaped the work she does today.Dr. Amy explains why burnout is so common among veterinarians: high achievers, constant competition, and nonstop pressure. Along the way, she learned that handling hard conversations, emotional fatigue, and tension are skills you can actually develop.She uses the simple image of a phone on low battery to describe what burnout really feels like—your system keeps pushing until it finally shuts down. That “wired but tired” feeling, when rest doesn’t restore you, becomes the norm.Dr. Amy breaks down how to spot the signs before you crash and how to rebuild through three core areas: your nervous system, your mindset, and your boundaries. You don’t need more hours in the day—you need compassion for yourself, moments to reset, and routines that bring you back to center.Learn more about her coaching and group programs at Daring DVM Coaching.What’s Inside:Recognizing the early signs of burnout before you hit overdrive.Practical tools to reset and recharge your nervous system.What coaching really is and how it supports veterinarians.Building awareness, balance, and self-compassion in vet med.Mentioned In This Episode:Daring DVM CoachingThe Burnout [email protected] Dr. Amy Grimm on InstagramAmy Grimm on LinkedInFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and in this episode, we’re honored to welcome Gigi Tsontos, Executive Director of NOMV (Not One More Vet). NOMV is a nonprofit dedicated to improving mental health and overall well-being within the veterinary profession—creating resources and community support to help veterinary professionals not just survive, but truly thrive.The organization was born out of tragedy following the 2014 loss of Dr. Sophia Yin to suicide. What began as a forum for open discussion has grown into a thriving network of more than 40,000 members as of 2025.NOMV’s impact includes:Education: Raising awareness and providing access to mental health resources, including the CLEAR Blueprint.Resources: Offering grants for individuals and clinics in crisis.Peer Support: Hosting forums and programs such as Lifeboat and Veterinary Mental Health Support.NOMV’s website is an easy-to-navigate hub for these tools and more. You can support their mission through donations, volunteering, or even by simply spreading their message on social media.If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, dial 988 in the U.S. or Canada for immediate support.What’s Inside:The mission behind Not One More Vet.Creating a space for well-being in the vet med industry.How you can help NOMV.Suicide Hotline: 988Mentioned In This Episode:NOMV Full Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Returning guest Natalie Fayman joins us to share her journey from burnout to resilience through the Positive Intelligence (PQ) program. Initially skeptical, Natalie discovered the program’s strong scientific backing—studies show that after just seven weeks of training, 83–97% of participants report reduced stress, increased happiness, and improved self-confidence.PQ works at the root level of brain function, shifting the balance of power from our inner Saboteurs—the voices of self-doubt and negativity—to our inner Sage, our positive, resilient self. For Natalie, that means going from needing days to recover after an emotionally draining ER shift to bouncing back in just 30 minutes.This isn’t therapy, though it pairs well with it. It’s about building mental fitness, being more mindful of your emotions, and improving how you show up for yourself and others. Whether you work through PQ on your own or join a cohort for added accountability and insight, the tools are transformative.Listen in to learn how you can build resilience, reclaim your passion, and thrive in veterinary medicine.What’s Inside:What is Positive Intelligence (PQ)?The science behind the program.A tool for reducing emotional recovery timeA variety of options: Completing the Positive Intelligence Program for individuals or in a group setting. Mentioned In This Episode:Find out more about the PQ for RACE-CE credit courseSchedule a free consultation with Natalie FaymanTake the Saboteur assessment from Positive IntelligenceFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Katrina Busselle is a get-it-done kind of woman who knows that conflict isn’t always a bad thing. It’s often necessary to make real progress, especially at work. In this episode, Katrina shares key concepts of mediation and how her Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution helps her navigate tough conversations.We talk about the natural flow of mediation. You don’t jump to a solution. You move through the process, climbing the mountain of conflict and coming down the other side with resolution. Katrina explains how mediators guide this journey without influencing the outcome.She shares the tools that matter most: deep listening, restating, and reframing. The goal is to uncover shared understanding and shape a written agreement that can move forward outside the session.We also explore how to know if mediation is right for a situation, how to set the container for safe dialogue, and what the metaphorical mountain climb looks like in action. We work through real-world examples and even do a little role play in the vet med industry.Enjoy this conversation on the real, practical benefits of mediation at work and beyond.What’s Inside:How mediation can transform conflict resolution.Creating a container and safe space to work through the conflict mountain.Role play conversations diving deep into mediation in the vet med space.Mentioned In This Episode:Amazon.com: A Million Reasons Why You Can't: And Choosing to Do It Anyway eBookGetting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In Gawande, Atul. Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science. Metropolitan Books (Picador), 2002.Levinson, Roter, Mullooly, Dull, and Frankel (1997). Title: "Physician-patient communication: The relationship with malpractice claims among primary care physicians and surgeons."Journal: JAMA, 277(7), 553–559.DOI: 10.1001/jama.1997.03540310051034Full Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

What happens when 20+ years of vet med experience meets a passion for learning design and technology? You get Kara Herrmann, a trailblazer reimagining how veterinary teams train, communicate, and operate more efficiently.Kara is currently completing her master’s in Education with a focus on Learning Design and Technology, and she brings a fresh lens to what really makes a veterinary workplace thrive. She explains why education alone doesn’t guarantee success and how clarity in roles, effective delegation, and confident leadership can dramatically improve team performance.We explore why many managers shy away from assigning duties and how having someone to direct the workflow can make all the difference. With 92% of employees saying training impacts their job positively and 97% less likely to quit when given development opportunities, Kara pushes us to rethink how we train and grow new veterinarians.It’s not always about more training—sometimes it’s about improving the system itself. Kara encourages leaders to step back, ask “why,” and observe the workflow to spot the real barriers to success.What’s Inside:Rethink Training for EfficiencyEmpower Through Clear RolesLead with Confident DelegationObserve, Question, Improve SystemsMentioned In This Episode:Kara Herrmann on LinkedInFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Have you ever been disrespected by a colleague in the workplace? Mistreated at an event or a conference? You may have experienced intellectual bullying. After attending a recent internal medicine conference, Dr. Emily Gould and Dr. Kate Aicher were inspired to study this type of interaction and come up with actionable solutions. In this episode, Emily and Kate role-play common scenarios of intellectual bullying in a hospital environment and provide tips for improving communication to move forward.Diving deep into the psychology of behavior and drawing from their own real-world experiences, Emily and Kate cover the causes of intellectual bullying and the impact it has on colleagues and clients. Doing our inner work is key in fostering healthy relationships. With commitment and practice, every person can develop the skills needed to stop bullying in its tracks.Bullying often happens when we expect perfection from others. When we remember that we’re all human, we can tap into more compassion and healthy connection.What’s Inside:Defining intellectual bullying in the medical field.Role-playing common bullying scenarios and alternative outcomes.Understanding the behavioral psychology behind intellectual bullying.Developing the skills needed to foster healthy relationships.Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected]@cvm.tamu.eduSystematic review of academic bullying in medical settings: dynamics and consequences - PubMedStudy: Fair pay, appreciation for work top factors in employee retention | American Veterinary Medical AssociationCulture: Building Happier, Healthier Teams and Practices in Veterinary Medicine - PubMedACVIM Forum 2024: Intellectual Bullying in Specialty Veterinary Medicine Notes DeckACVIM Forum 2024: Intellectual Bullying in Specialty Veterinary Medicine Proceedings Full Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Christa McKinley and Ranae Bart bring deep connections to the veterinary industry, which strengthens their role as financial advisors for those in the field. Injury? Illness? Job changes? Life happens—so how do you protect yourself? They stress the importance of understanding benefits, retirement planning, and making the most of every dollar.In today’s episode, they share real stories from clients facing a range of life’s challenges and how they helped guide them toward financial wellness.With firsthand insight into the struggles and stress points of veterinary life, this team helps create financial peace of mind. From life insurance and disability to long-term care, investments, and full practice benefit planning—Dr. Christa and Ranae cover it all.Often, the biggest hurdle is simply the fear of getting started.Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM). Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and trust services), a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. The products and services referenced are offered and sold only by appropriately appointed and licensed entities and financial advisors and representatives. Financial advisors, representatives and their staff might not represent all entities shown or provide all the products or services discussed. The case scenarios discussed contain information regarding Northwestern Mutual clients, their personal financial needs and how Northwestern Mutual met their needs. The personal financial needs and results of the clients shown may not be representative of the experience of other clients. Also, working with a Northwestern Mutual financial representative or any other financial services provider is not a guarantee as to future investment success.What’s Inside:Supporting financial wellness in the vet med industry.Understanding benefit packages as an employee and employer.Protecting yourself in the face of life's challenges.Maximizing the value of every hard-earned dollar. Mentioned In This Episode:Northwestern [email protected] on LinkedInRanae Bart on Northwestern [email protected] Stokes | LinkedInFull Circle Lab 

Dr. Jennifer Edwards, a veterinarian turned leadership coach, brings 25 years of experience to the conversation about workplace satisfaction and personal fulfillment. At the core of her philosophy is the role of values—our deeply held beliefs, which are thoughts tied to emotions. When our work aligns with our values, life flows more easily, and we feel a sense of fulfillment.However, challenges arise when our environment conflicts with our values. Consider a veterinarian who values thorough patient care but works for a corporation focused on mass scheduling. The dissatisfaction may stem not from the job itself but from a fundamental values misalignment. Dr. Edwards encourages individuals to reflect: Are you unhappy because your values aren’t being honored? Have your values changed, or has their expression evolved?To achieve a values-aligned life, start by identifying what’s most important to you. Make a list of areas that feel off, compare them to your values, and take small steps toward alignment. While making these changes can be difficult, Dr. Edwards reminds us that living a life disconnected from our values is even harder. “Choose your hard,” she says—because you deserve a life that truly aligns with who you are.What’s Inside:What are values?How to make changes to live a values-aligned life.How to tackle value challenges.Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Jennifer EdwardsFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Alexandra McLaughry has spent 20 years in veterinary medicine, experiencing firsthand the challenges vets face in client communication. When she noticed the outdated, inefficient software at her clinic lacked essential communication features, she and her husband, Stephen McLaughry, a software engineer and serial startup founder, set out to solve the problem.What began as a streamlined communication platform evolved into VetBadger, a complete veterinary management system designed to put relationships first. VetBadger enhances client communication, task management, and team autonomy with an integrated chat system, eliminating pain points that slow down veterinary teams. By breaking down communication barriers, VetBadger helps clinics create meaningful connections between staff and clients, empowering veterinarians to provide real-time support.You can enjoy veterinary medicine again! Sign up for a free 30-day trial of VetBadger with no risk, just better vet med.What’s Inside:What is VetBadger?What are the pain points with outdated vet software?How streamlined communication can impact client and team relationships. Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected] Full Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

WisCARES is more than a veterinary clinic—it’s a vital support system for families experiencing low income or homelessness in Wisconsin. Now in its 11th year, this unique program blends outreach medicine with education, offering a comprehensive approach to care.With a built-in social work component, WisCARES goes beyond veterinary services, connecting clients with food resources, fostering support, and other relevant resources. Fourth-year veterinary students participate in immersive two-week rotations, gaining hands-on experience in medical care while learning the nuances of financial conversations and the spectrum of care. This symbiotic relationship benefits both students and clients, fostering trust and education.WisCARES operates with strategic scheduling—balancing short-term appointments, surgery days, and outreach efforts—maximizing impact despite funding challenges, the clinic’s biggest obstacle. Yet, the purpose-driven work here bridges critical gaps in care, creating powerful moments of connection and healing. WisCARES stands as a model for compassionate, community-based veterinary medicine.If you’re interested in learning more or donating to WisCARES check out their website.What’s Inside:WisCARES Community Vet ClinicHow a vet clinic can support social resources for clientsA unique, comprehensive teaching program for vet students.The impact of outreach medicineMentioned In This Episode:WisCARESFull Circle LabCrystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Jennifer Ward’s journey to veterinary pathology was anything but traditional. As a child, she nurtured sick and injured animals, but her path veered toward creative writing and literature. It wasn’t until she faced significant health challenges with her own pet and encountered veterinary pathologists during a trip to Africa that she discovered the profession she had unknowingly dreamed of—a blend of science, problem-solving, and compassion. Veterinary pathologists specialize in understanding disease—its causes, development, and manifestations on both macro and microscopic levels. Dr. Ward founded Specialty VetPath, a high-touch lab owned and operated by veterinary pathologists. With a "your team is our team" philosophy, Specialty VetPath emphasizes timely, precise results while treating every sample as an extension of the patient. This approach fosters meaningful collaboration with veterinary hospitals, enhancing patient care. Specialty VetPath also offers an educational component, The Alliance, offers workshops, on-demand training, business support, and resident mentorship. Designed for accessibility, it provides affordable membership options, high-quality resources, and a supportive community for veterinary professionals. Dr. Ward’s passion for advancing veterinary pathology is palpable. Specialty VetPath is currently hiring lab techs and a lab manager, and they welcome new VetPath clients and members to The Alliance. Learn more about their services and opportunities on their website. What’s Inside:Discovering the diverse roles available in vet med.What is a Veterinary Pathologist?A high-touch lab owned and operated by vet pathologists.An educational opportunity for clinicians and pathologists in vet med.Mentioned In This Episode:Specialty Vetpath Full Circle LabCrystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Mansum Yau, a veterinarian with a passion for writing, discovered a unique niche by addressing a common challenge in clinics: cat carriers. From the struggle to get cats into carriers at home to the difficulty of handling scared felines at the vet, she noticed a persistent problem and set out to create a solution.Her book, The Ins and Outs of Cat Carriers: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Cat Carriers, is a fully researched and educational resource with a creative twist. Filled with illustrations, quizzes, puzzles, jokes, and comics, it’s designed to educate while keeping things fun. The book aims to reduce stress and improve safety for cats, their owners, and veterinary teams alike.For Dr. Yau, writing this book was more than just a professional endeavor—it became a creative escape and an opportunity to make an impact. She used it as a platform to explore new ideas and offer solutions to a real-world problem, bringing a fresh perspective to a topic many might overlook.Her next focus is on litter boxes and house soiling, as she seeks to bring new ideas and approaches to the veterinary field through education and innovation. Dr. Yau believes in noticing pain points and barriers in everyday work and using creativity to address them, inspiring change in the industry.She shares the wisdom that small, consistent efforts can build into something meaningful over time, encouraging others to take small steps toward their goals.What’s Inside:A unique approach to an education veterinary bookCreating a passion project over time.Thought Leadership: How to express your unique perspective and make an impact.Mentioned In This Episode:The Ins and Outs of Cat Carriers: A Veterinarian's Guide to Cat Carriers (The Ins and Outs of Cats)[email protected] Dr. Mansum Yau Dr. Mansum Yau on Instagram Dr. Mansum Yau on LinkedIn Full Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Alyssa Mages brings over 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine, with a significant focus on critical care. However, personal health challenges led her to rethink a physically demanding career. After much reflection and goal-setting, she founded Empowering Veterinary Teams (EVT) to address a vital need within the industry: creating better support systems and fostering growth for veterinary teams.Veterinarians and technicians dedicate their careers to being the voice for animals, yet their own needs and perspectives within the workplace often go unnoticed. While standardized education prepares individuals to enter the field, there is little guidance on how to continue evolving professionally once part of a practice. EVT aims to change this by shifting the focus from individuals to the processes and dynamics within a team, using a collaborative approach to revamp educational and operational systems.“We meet you where you are, with what you need,” Alyssa explains. Recognizing that no two clinics or hospitals operate the same way, EVT works closely with teams to identify their pain points and create tailored solutions that address their unique challenges.Through a combination of coaching, hands-on training, group workshops, and personalized guidance, EVT empowers veterinary practices to function more effectively and cohesively. Alyssa shares real success stories, highlighting the transformative impact EVT has had on teams nationwide.For more information about how EVT can help your practice, visit their website or connect with them on social media.What’s Inside:A look at a unique role making a difference in VetMed.What is EVT? Coaching, training, and personalized guidance for vets and their teams.Mentioned In This Episode:Empowering Veterinary Teams 🐾🩺 (@empvetteam) on InstagramEmpowering Veterinary Teams - EVT, LLCEmpowering Veterinary Teams on LinkedInFull Circle Lab

Liz Barton, founder of WellVet, has had the privilege of experiencing the full breadth of veterinary medicine throughout her career. This has not only enriched her professional journey but also given her a deep awareness of the challenges within the field.She has previously joined us as a guest to discuss her work with Well Vet, an initiative aimed at connecting mothers in the profession and creating a strong support network. Now, as she enters what she calls the "Twilight of Motherhood," Liz has become passionate about supporting women through menopause and perimenopause. Given that veterinary medicine is predominantly a female-driven profession, this issue has never been more urgent.Three out of four women will experience negative symptoms related to menopause, whether physical or psychological, which can impact both their relationships and overall health. For those who do not experience severe symptoms, the risk of increased health complications remains significant. Liz highlights these statistics and many other compelling reasons why women's health advocacy is crucial across all industries.To address this, Liz has created a comprehensive, FREE resource designed to offer support. This includes information and practical advice presented in accessible, bite-sized videos. The content is grounded in the pillars of lifestyle medicine, breathwork and yoga techniques, as well as the neuropsychology of hormones.Liz hopes to lead the way for the veterinary industry—and all industries—to take women's health seriously, providing the necessary education and support for every woman in the workplace.What’s Inside:A problem facing a majority of the veterinary workforce.What effects can women experiencing menopause and perimenopause have at work and in the world?What are women facing during menopause and perimenopause?Blazing the trail for advocacy in women’s health. Mentioned In This Episode:WellVetFull Circle LabCrystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Ruthanne Chun and Dr. Laura Garrett, both veterinary oncologists and professors, emphasize the transformative power of intentional communication in veterinary medicine. With years of experience training students and professionals, they’ve discovered that effective communication is as vital as medical skills.Unlike humans, animals can’t express their needs directly, so veterinarians must bridge that gap with pet owners. Drs. Chun and Garrett define intentional communication as the practice of engaging with a mindset of “What can I do to build this relationship?” This approach is personal, requires self-awareness, and helps even seasoned clinicians build trust and rapport.One common challenge is using closed-ended questions, which can feel like an interrogation. Instead, relationship-centered questions foster understanding and create bonds. Core skills include empathy, open-ended inquiry, reflective listening, and attention to nonverbal cues. Additional techniques—like pausing, chunking information, and signposting—help create a supportive environment where clients feel seen and heard.Dr. Garrett demonstrates these skills through a scenario with an upset client, showing how empathy, open-ended questions, and reflective listening can defuse tension and improve communication. Dr. Chun highlights how each technique contributes to building trust and making challenging situations manageable.Both emphasize that these skills can be learned gradually, one at a time. Even empathy, they note, can be developed through practice. For those interested in workshops, Drs. Chun and Garrett are available at [email protected] and [email protected]’s Inside:What is intentional communication?How can closed-ended questions cause communication difficulties?Is it possible to learn empathy?The core skills for relationship-centered communications.Tools and skills for enhancing client and patient care.Mentioned In This Episode:Teaching Cultural Humility and Implicit Bias to Veterinary Medical Students: A Review and Recommendation for Best PracticesExperiences of empathy training in healthcare: A systematic review of qualitative studiesDidactic and Experiential Training to Teach Communication Skills: The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine Collaborative ExperienceCommunication identity in veterinary medicine: a grounded theory approachCoaching and Feedback: Enhancing Communication Teaching and Learning in Veterinary Practice SettingsFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

When Greg Bishop, a veterinarian, writer, and cartoonist, first learned nonviolent communication in veterinary medicine, it transformed how he dealt with difficult clients. What once felt like a precarious challenge became an opportunity to turn clients from ferocious lions into purring kitties.Nonviolent communication is about staying aware of your own emotions during interactions. As Greg says, "Keep it Vertical." Acknowledge that "I have needs, you have needs—let’s work together to meet them." This mindset protects you from harmful comments, allowing you to stay focused on helping the client.Greg shares real-life stories, including one where he took over a case involving a critically ill puppy. The client’s first phone call started with a tirade of complaints. Instead of getting triggered, Greg paused and thought, What does she need? By coaching the client to stay calm, he helped the team deliver life-saving care.New to nonviolent communication? Greg suggests:Be patient and understandingBe as self-confident as possibleStay aware of your feelings and emotionsClear communication and emotional awareness are key. If you listen, your client will tell you what matters to them, creating a richer experience for both of you.You can follow Greg’s cartoons, blog, and more at his website, Sasquatch Paw.What’s Inside:What is nonviolent communication?Steps to get started with nonviolent communication techniques.How nonviolent communication can impact client cases.Being emotionally self-aware and listening can tell you all you need to know right away.Mentioned In This Episode:Sasquatch Paw Full Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Glenn Robinson is a clinical coach and consultant who supports veterinary leaders, especially with clinic finances. Often, leaders are hesitant to discuss money, but finances play a crucial role in supporting your staff. Whether you’re experiencing a downturn in clients, facing equipment expenses, or looking to give your team a raise, being open and candid about clinic financials can help leaders put a plan in place to use money as the TOOL that it is.Debunking Myths and Red Flags in Clinic Financials:Money is a dirty word: The biggest mistake is avoiding conversations about finances—especially about setting goals.Working harder = more money: Initially, yes, but over time it can lead to burnout and create other problems that may actually result in financial loss.Increasing prices, seeing more pets, and keeping costs low: These three common “levers” aren’t the real answer. Understanding clinic financials is more nuanced than that.Finances aren’t just a leadership issue. When you get everyone involved in the financial goals, you can motivate the team to buy in and take ownership of the clinic's success. Dr. Glenn shares excellent examples of how to provide thorough, thoughtful care while compensating for lost revenue. It’s a win for both the client and the clinic—better care almost always correlates with better financials.What’s Inside:How can clinic leaders get there team involved in clinic financials?How clinic finances impact your staff and clients.3 “Myths” about clinic financials.Why better care equals better financials.Mentioned In This Episode:Southwest Veterinary Solutions Dr. Glenn Robinson on LinkedInFull Circle LabCrystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Dr. Jennifer Edwards has lived what I call a full-circle life, combining her passions for conscious leadership and veterinary medicine. Before addressing how to "wake up" in your life, we explore the concept of living on autopilot—a condition affecting many. Jennifer describes the symptoms as dissatisfaction, feeling stuck, disempowerment, and a resignation to a “sucky life.” We dissect the disempowering phrase, “it is what it is.”But what if you reject that mindset? What if you connect with yourself, wake up to your life, and realize you have a conscious choice? This is the heart of our conversation: taking responsibility for your life and every choice you make. Jennifer highlights the obstacles that often prevent people from embracing this—energy blocks (limiting beliefs) and guilt (imagined consequences of our choices).Authenticity and responsibility are gifts, not only to yourself but to others. By seeking help, whether through a coach, therapy, or self-improvement books, you empower yourself to navigate challenges. Responsibility doesn’t just solve problems—it defines your life, placing your happiness firmly in your own hands instead of others'.What’s Inside:Taking accountability and responsibility for the choices in your life.Obstacles and barriers to making conscious choices.How taking responsibility for our lives can impact everyone around us.Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Jennifer EdwardsBook a Free Connection CallFree e-book "3 Keys to Rediscovering Joy and Happiness in Your Life and Career" Full Circle LabCrystal Stokes, MA, LMFT - Full Circle Lab | LinkedIn

Are you entering a leadership position? Today, Dr. Sarah Gillings shares her leadership development journey and offers insights on how others stepping into leadership can make their desired impact.Dr. Sarah gets right into the basics. Before you become a leader, you really don’t know what you don’t know. She reminds us that people pay much more attention to you than you realize, and your influence is significant. What you model will be echoed throughout your team. Additionally, you need to set explicit expectations for “The Bar,” AKA the minimum effort you expect from your team.We discuss the importance of supporting your team in taking on more than just basic skills. By aiding in their advancement and not making assumptions about what they can handle, you can provide a sense of agency and growth in their careers—something critical to job satisfaction. Dr. Sarah provides a great example of training by scaffolding knowledge and expertise.Communication style is another important factor that Dr. Sarah discusses. As team members step into leadership roles, whether you're a hospital manager or a DVM, providing what we call a “Leader Operating Manual” for your team can be extremely valuable. While it does take work and requires setting aside your ego, letting your team know what makes you tick and what you expect can create a consistent and comfortable work environment.What’s Inside:What should you know as a new leader?How leaders influence their team.Communication matters when it comes to leading your team.Supporting your team with advancement and agency.Mentioned In This Episode:Sarah Gillings on LinkedInFull Circle Lab Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn

We are operating in a time where diverse generations like the Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials, and even some Gen Z, are working together in one clinic. These individuals come with varying backgrounds, lifestyles, and lived experiences that all impact the way they work. Dr. Craig Clifford joins me with his perspective as an overworking, burnout-prone Gen X. Dr. Clifford explains the mindset shift that has had to occur as younger generations bring in the value of self-care and quality of life over productivity and higher income. Older generations may be quick to point the finger and claim these younger generations “aren’t hard workers,” but with veterinary suicides at such a high rate, it poses the thought that maybe we all should be focusing on work-life balance a little more.So how can you bridge that gap in your practice?Create connections outside the clinic—get to know your peers and see them for more than just their position at work.Pair up—when it comes to CEs, get those diverse generations together to share their different views and work together.Workshops—sometimes it can be fun to get talking about the elephant in the room; be intentional about talking about the unique benefits your generation brings to the clinic.Dr. Clifford shares some of these tips and more insight on why every generation is important in the clinic and how even more powerful it is when we work together.What’s Inside:How can such diverse generations work together?The pros and cons of each generation?Tips to use in your practice to create cohesion in the age gap.Mentioned In This Episode:Craig Clifford on Facebook Craig Clifford on LinkedInCraig Clifford (@oncvet22) on InstagramThe Boy Who Wanted To be A Veterinarian: Conor's JourneyFull Circle LabCrystal Stokes on  LinkedIn

Today I am joined by Tedd Trabert and Dr. Bill Wagner of Associated Veterinary Partners. AVP is a veterinarian-founded and veterinarian-operated network of veterinary hospitals, managing 16 partner practice locations across 12 states in the U.S. Unlike many others, AVP is not controlled by private equity; all partner locations are co-owned by AVP and local practice leaders. This unique partnership model allows AVP to combine the strengths of both independent and corporate ownership, providing resources and support to partner practices while maintaining their local culture, values, and medical autonomy.‘Love What You Do Again, Join AVP’ is a slogan Tedd uses as a hallmark of the heart of AVP and what it's like to work with them. We discuss how they provide hope to the new generation of vets, putting ownership in their grasp. Working with AVP as a partner involves putting culture and relationships at the forefront of the practice while their team supports you in finding your voice as a leader. Dr. Wagner explains the autonomous process of working with AVP, along with having access to support and guidance as you grow your confidence. This is truly a new opportunity for all in the vet med industry.Those interested in learning more about AVP can visit yourvetpartner.com. AVP welcomes connections with current practice owners planning their practice transition, aspiring practice owners interested in co-ownership opportunities with AVP, and veterinary team members seeking roles at one of the partner practices or at the AVP Success Center.What’s Inside:What kind of partnership does AVP offer?A new option for veterinarians in practice leadership.Support AND autonomy in practice ownership. Keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive with the new generation of vets.Mentioned In This Episode:Associated Veterinary PartnersFull Circle LabCrystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Our guest today is Meghan Bingham, Vet Advisor at Granite Peak Associates. During our conversation, she emphasized the importance of realigning the team within a veterinary clinic to foster positive energy, professionalism, and psychological safety. Daily challenges such as cranky clients, the grief of euthanasia, and unfortunate medical mistakes can lead to negative attitudes, toxic behavior, and tension among team members. Recognizing signs like microaggression and pervasive negativity is crucial in identifying the need for a reset. Professionalism plays a pivotal role in this process, encompassing appropriate workplace conversations, a clean and neat appearance, and the use of professional language and correct medical terms. Meghan suggests using a “code word” as a gentle reminder for team members to maintain professional behavior without being overbearing.Effective onboarding and communication are essential to maintaining a positive team dynamic. Revamping the handbook language to be engaging and easy to consume, along with including key words that capture attention, can significantly enhance focus and retention. Validating feelings while encouraging the team to move forward helps maintain morale. Providing space for team members to acknowledge their grief, such as through art therapy, can also mitigate tension. An "if this, then that" mentality fosters structured problem-solving without placing blame, promoting a supportive and collaborative environment.During a team reset, it’s vital to collectively define professionalism and address the most significant issues. We recommend incorporating a professional and personal peak activity weekly or daily to keep the team’s energy positive. By implementing these strategies, clinics can create a more cohesive and positive work environment, ensuring both staff well-being and optimal patient care. You can find more from Meghan Bingham on her LinkedIn.What’s Inside:Recognizing when your team needs to realign.What causes negativity and attention in a clinic?Using onboarding to inform and lead the team.Collaborating within the clinic to solve problems and reset.Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected] S. Bingham, BA, CVPM - Veterinary Advisor - Granite Peak Associates | LinkedInFull Circle LabCrystal Stokes on LinkedIn

Jake McCormack is the Leadership Trainer at Veterinary Practice Partners, but he is also a Retired  Marine Corps Combat Veteran. This unlikely transition of careers is actually more connected than one might think. During our powerful and emotional conversation, Jake shares his experiences in the military with trauma, loss, and mental health struggles. These are some of the same difficulties at their core that members of the vet med space also experience. Including an epidemic in suicides. Why? What is lacking in support? That’s where Jakes expertise in resilience comes in. He shares the central elements of resilience that are critical to veterinarians and their teams. These must be built into permanent systems so that all vets have access. We also can’t forget our tribe, our teams, and those support people we lean on. This is a crucial piece of resilience; you don’t have to go through difficult times alone. Jake is such an inspiration and support to those in the field; if you’re in need of some extra support and a little hype, don’t be afraid to reach out!What’s Inside:Jake McCormack’s personal story of resilience.Drawing comparisons in the worlds of military and veterinary medicine.Creating resilience and support in the vet med space.Mentioned In This Episode:Jake McCormack (@jakefromvpp) on InstagramJake McCormack on LinkedIn Full Circle LabCrystal Stokes on LinkedIn

I am betting every veterinarian and pet owner has a story about how finances profoundly affected them when it came to veterinary care. I’ve shared my story about the weight I felt from frequent economic euthanasia. Money conversations are not just something that plague pet owners when they step up to the payment counter; there is depth on the other side of the exam table as well. In this episode, I talk with two women in the industry who are separately making great strides in the access and affordability of veterinary care. Suzanne Cannon is the co-founder of VetBilling. Many times, pet owners are faced with an emergent situation and extreme vet costs they simply cannot pay right away. Even insurance is a reimbursement model, and not many pet owners can pay thousands of dollars up front. Care credit has algorithms that can leave perfectly adequate clients unable to receive credit. VetBilling is a privately managed in house financing, where clinics set the policies and terms and they do the rest. Finally, allowing options and solutions for pet parents who desperately want to pay for care but may not be able to do so all at once.Rachel Lemcke, founder of Amwell Data Services, works on the other side of the door. She works with clinics and labs to find the optimal prices and efficiencies to keep care affordable while still being profitable. When vets carefully consider their costs, they can charge what they need to while allowing client affordability, and they can leave room for their hard work and care to be appreciated. Suzanne so beautifully puts her mission as “I want to unbreak hearts.”. As members of the vet med industry, we are all here first and foremost for the care of animals. The work discussed in today’s episode will hopefully increase access to care and make the difficult money conversations even a little bit easier.  What’s Inside:Veterinary Costs, the effect from the other side of the exam table.Creating a payment option that will increase access to care.A privately managed in house payment program.Optimizing costs, operational efficiencies, and lab vendor relationships.Improving the effect finances have on pets, pet parents, AND veterinary professionals.Mentioned In This Episode:Amwell Data Services LLC: Independent Veterinary Laboratory Consultingvetbilling | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Through our Linktree, visitors can access VetBilling's website, schedule a demo, check out our CE course, read the research on the efficacy of VetBilling's payment plans, and connect with our social media channels.Full Circle LabCrystal Stokes, MA, LMFT - Full Circle Lab | LinkedIn

This episode features an Interview I did with Tom Seeko, host of the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast. We start off our conversation with my origin story and my childhood desires to become a veterinarian, as well as my experience in college at NC State. Shocked by the frequency of economic euthanasia, I entered a quarter life crisis and found psychotherapy to be so helpful in transformative therapy during this transition in my life. Leading me to the eventual path that matched up my passion for both therapy and the vet med world. In 2019, I founded Full Circle Lab, where we work directly with veterinary practices and individual professionals to address the challenges that can lead to burnout and turnover. We aim to bring veterinary professionals full circle, back to their passion for improving the lives of animals while caring for their own lives too.Tom and I unpack how practices can make changes to their clinic and find solutions to increase veterinary retention using data, confidential team interviews, and implementing initiatives. There are many areas of a clinic, team, and leadership that can impact the team's experiences and, in turn, the retention rate, but together, there are many solutions to work toward.  What’s Inside:Crystal Stokes story from vet school to psychotherapy.Creating Full Circle Lab.Solutions for veterinary retention. An interview from the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast.Mentioned In This Episode:Full Circle LabCrystal Stokes, MA, LMFT - Full Circle Lab | LinkedInSmarter Vet Financial Podcast

PetSmart Charities, the nonprofit arm affiliated with PetSmart, is dedicated to increasing access to veterinary care for pets across the country. In this episode I had a great chat with Robyn James, the director of veterinary affairs, the organization is tackling significant challenges to support pets and their owners. Together we discuss the challenges that occur with access to care. Financial barriers are a major issue, with nearly half of all pets living in households earning $55,000 or less annually, often living paycheck to paycheck, Geographic barriers in rural locations, and an overall shortage of veterinary professionals. These strains mean many owners cannot access necessary veterinary care, leading to negative outcomes such as untreated illnesses and injuries, increased euthanasia rates, crowded shelters, and declining mental health for both pet owners and veterinarians.To address these challenges, PetSmart Charities operates as a separate entity with its own board, connecting pets and owners through various initiatives. One notable effort is allowing customers to donate on the pinpad at PetSmart stores, providing a simple way for the public to contribute. Acknowledging that there is no quick fix to the estimated $21 billion annual gap in veterinary care, PetSmart Charities advocates for innovative and multifaceted solutions. These include testing payment plans and programs to ease the financial burden on pet owners and partnering with food banks to distribute pet food to families in need. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of educating pet owners about diverse treatment standards and options, which may differ from traditional methods but still provide effective care.The organization calls for an "all hands on deck" approach, encouraging collective efforts from nonprofits, for profits, and even clinics to create sustainable and inclusive solutions. By changing how veterinary care is approached and supported, PetSmart Charities aims to improve the lives of pets, their families AND veterinarians, ensuring that more animals receive the care they need to thrive.What’s Inside:What is PetSmart Charities?What are the barriers in access to veterinary care?How can we come together across the industry to increase access to care?Petsmart initiatives to improve the lives of pets and their families.Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected] Jaynes - Director of Veterinary Affairs - PetSmart Charities | LinkedIn

Today I am joined by a  panel of guests: Elizabeth Chosa, Laurie Fonken, Ami VanDeventer, and Trish Oberdorf from Veterinary Hope Foundation. Together, they give a 360 view of VHF and how it is growing and evolving continuously.Plagued by the question, “Could anyone truly be happy in the field?” Founders and board members came together to create supportive solutions and prevent crises. VHF is all about action for positive difference, with a mission to create hope for a path forward as well as build a community for REAL connection and support.Within their support groups, VHF is inclusive of areas and groups and impacts all throughout vet med. As explained by today’s guests from varied perspectives, the support groups are a complete safe container to go deep into a magic mixture of confidentiality guidelines, generous listening, trust, and feeling seen. Every veterinarian needs to utilize the resources of VHF, especially within their first 6 weeks! You don't have to be hurting; you don't have to be in crisis, as one of the co-founders explains; we can all learn to have better boundaries, communicate better, resolve conflict, and live in accordance with our values. Sometimes you have to push yourself to do that hard thing, but you rarely regret it. What veternarians need more than anything? Hope. That's what Veterinary Hope Foundation is all about. What’s Inside:Veterinary Hope Foundation, finding happiness for the vet med industry.Inclusive support groups filled with trust and generous listening. Resources are vital for veterinarians at any point in their journey.An offer of hope and path forward.Mentioned In This Episode:Sign up for the Newsletter - Veterinary Hope FoundationVeterinary Hope FoundationVeterinary Hope Foundation (@veterinaryhope) on InstagramVeterinary Hope Foundation on LinkedIn

You are going to love this conversation with Get MotiVETed Founder, Renee Machel. Get MotiVETed offers comprehensive wellbeing solutions for veterinary professionals. Their programs enhance individual and organizational wellness through world-class systems and entertaining content. Services include a CVBP Program, podcasts, RACE-approved courses, and personalized initiatives. They also provide suicide prevention and postvention services.Get MotiVETed University [GMU] was born from the idea—what happens after the conference? With tools for support and empowerment, they offer self paced programs for a variety of content. Renee shares how the GMU team works to accept and input feedback and how valuable every single testimonial is. You can feel the passion from Renee as she discusses the work she does with Get MotiVETed and beyond. As we close out our conversation, she reminds listeners that there is hope. There are so many ways to get support; there is a person for you, a course for you, a book for you—there is something out there. You are not alone.You can find out more about Renee and Get MotiVETed at the provided links for their websites and LinkedIn.What’s Inside:What is Get MotiVETed University?Continuing education beyond the conference. How can members of the vetmed industry benefit from GMU?Finding support in the Vet Med industry.Mentioned In This Episode:Get MotiVETed - Dr. Hawley & Renee Machel - YouTube Renee Machel on LinkedInGet MotiVETed! Veterinary Wellbeing Solutions on LinkedIn Get MotiVETedGet MotiVETed (@get_motiveted) on Instagram 

In the demanding world of veterinary medicine, burnout is a pervasive challenge that can significantly impact professionals' well-being and job satisfaction. Steve Oehley, the founder of Next Step Vet, understands the complexities of this issue and offers valuable guidance to help veterinary professionals not just survive, but thrive in their careers. By recognizing the signs of burnout, such as overwork and emotional strain, individuals can take proactive steps to address these challenges and regain a sense of fulfillment in their work.Steve emphasizes the importance of aligning work with personal strengths and fostering genuine connections with colleagues and clients. By leveraging their strengths and cultivating meaningful relationships, veterinary professionals can create a more rewarding and sustainable work environment. This approach not only enhances job satisfaction but also contributes to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose in their professional lives.Through tools like journaling, strengths assessments, and networking strategies, Next Step Vet empowers veterinary professionals to navigate career challenges with confidence and resilience. By embracing a growth mindset and remaining open to new opportunities, individuals can continue to learn and evolve in their careers. With the support and guidance provided by Next Step Vet's coaching program, veterinary professionals can overcome burnout and chart a path toward a fulfilling and successful career in veterinary medicine, whether in the clinic or out. What’s Inside:Recognizing signs of burnout: overwork, emotional strain.Aligning work with personal strengths and fostering genuine connections.Utilizing tools like journaling, strengths assessments, and networking.Embracing a growth mindset, staying curious, and remaining open to new opportunitiesMentioned In This Episode:CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment | EN - GallupNext Step Vet is here!Steve Oehley on LinkedInSteve Oehley on Instagram

Handling dispute in animal industry can be frustrating, painful, and costly. Debra Hamilton, of Hamilton Law and Mediation, is dedicated to supporting individuals passionate about animal welfare and those working in the animal industry. Her focus is all about finding peaceful resolutions, recognizing that pets are more than just property—they're cherished members of the family.Hamilton offers mediation and conflict coaching services, providing a constructive space for sorting out disagreements related to animals. She believes in creating a safe and respectful environment where everyone can speak their mind without fear.She emphasizes the importance of moving away from knee-jerk reactions and toward working together to solve problems. Hamilton understands how conflicts can make you feel frustrated and ignored, so she focuses on building trust and empathy among all parties involved.Stop talking and listen, Drop the need to be right, and let what they’re saying Roll off your back because you’re not in their shoes. Liking raging conflict to a fire, her "Stop Drop and Roll" approach is all about taking a step back, letting go of the need to be right, and being open to different perspectives. By doing this, Hamilton believes conflicts can turn into opportunities for growth and understanding.If you are in need of conflict resolution, connect with Hamilton Law and Mediation.What’s Inside:What role does mediation play in vet related conflicts?How to resolve conflict for the benefit of the pet and the person. Approaching conflict with curiosity.Stop, Drop, and Roll… Debra’s policy for reducing conflict. Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected] Law and Mediation Debra Hamilton (@HLawMediation) / XDebra Vey Voda-Hamilton - Hamilton Law and Mediation on LinkedIn 

Ryan Leech starts out this really intriguing conversation with a case for AI and why it is not to be feared. The bottom line is that AI tools like Chat GPT, Spotify DJ, and Digitails AI Tool: Tails are human prompted and meant to offload time consuming and often mundane tasks so that we can do the things we’re skilled at. Digitails has introduced AI into their PMS in the form of a cute little fox friend, Tails. Tails can help vet clinics with everything from online booking, patient intake, debriefing before appointments, note taking with passive listening, diagnostic recommendations, and even sending perfectly worded emails about the payments clients may have missed. These tasks that Tails takes on free up the veterinarian's brain to be more present in appointments, see more clients, and do other important things their brain may be too burnt out to get to.Like Ryan mentions at the beginning of the episode, AI is meant to be proofread. Everything Tails suggests is not an affirmative action; instead, it can be a secondary opinion, giving veterinarians the confidence to explore other options even if they decide to stick to their original plan. What a cool way to keep learning through day to day practice!Ryan explains how listeners can try Tails and, if you’re not yet a Digitails customer, what their onboarding process looks like. As he describes, changing PMS is not painless…but with Digitails, it's worth it. There is really so much opportunity on the horizon with technology like AI; Ryan’s advice is to just try it!What’s Inside:Should you be afraid of AI?How AI can help veterinarians day to day.How Tails, the AI system from Digitails works with and for veterinarians.Opportunities AI can create in the vet med industry.Mentioned In This Episode:Digitail

The reality of being a veterinarian is that you create relationships and bonds with the pets you work with over the years, and the longer your career, the more pets you see in full circle. The process of euthanasia for Dr. Pam Johnson’s childhood Doberman impacted her entire career. She knew she wanted to do better for the pets and clients she would encounter. 10 years into her career, she began to feel the heaviness of grief after losing so many pets she had cared for over the years.We have a powerful conversation about the needs of the client AND the vet during the process of euthanasia. This involves empathy, compassion, and support before, during, and after the act. It’s also important for vets to understand and respect differing opinions on the quality of life of a pet. Vets should be able to provide reassurance and peace alongside the unavoidable pain of pet loss. As a veterinarian, you likely experience euthanasia daily, which can take a huge mental toll. Especially with the ying yang of emotions of grieving a pet to turn around and enter a joyous puppy in the next exam room. Dr. Johnson addresses the lack of training and support for vets when it comes to such an emotional service as euthanasia. Dr. Johnson and her husband have started a new consulting and coaching business, Veterinary Mastermind. She uses her 30 years of experience in vet medicine to help vets advise clients with extraordinary pet health decisions.What’s Inside:Why euthanasia cannot be a transactional experience.Advising and supporting clients through euthanasia.The need for more support, coaching, and training when it comes to emotional services.Navigating euthanasia as a veterinarian.Grieving while supporting; The mental load of a veterinarian. Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected] Pam Johnson - Associate - Accelerated Performance solutions | LinkedIn 

Today’s guest, Sydney Wandix, speaks to one of my favorite topics: the varying opportunities that fit under the vet med umbrella. There are so many careers available in this field that you don’t have to be stuck; you can try new things and hopefully find just the right fit.Sydney has run the gamut of jobs in the veterinary industry and is a licensed veterinary technician. She works for UrgentVet as an Expansion Manager, traveling to her company’s new clinics to support and develop the clinic team. Monday through Friday, Sydney reaches new cities and states to work with a team, seeing new people and new clinics every month. She provides managerial support and assistance with new roles.During our conversation, Sydney shared some outstanding tips she feels younger Sydney could have benefited from, and hopefully newcomers to the field can now.Confidence is keyTalk less and listen moreDon't be afraid to have the “hard” conversationsNever assumeTake time for yourselfAnd if you take anything away from this episode, remember to get out there and try these opportunities within the vet med industry. If your current role isn't serving you, there ARE other options.What’s Inside:An interesting job in the vet med industry.Seeing the opportunities within the veterinary field.Tips for newcomers to the vet med field.Mentioned In This Episode:Connect with Sydney Wandix on LinkedIn 

We have another incredible full circle story for you on this episode. Dr. Natalie Fayman shares her journey beyond vetmed after 33 years of exhaustion and burnout led her to a point of no return. When a  life coach helped Dr. Fayman work through her emotional eating coping mechanism, she had a powerful breakthrough and a total epiphany through positive intelligence. Leading her to the passion of helping other veterinarians make the same mental transformation so they can stop dreading their jobs and find positivity at work again.Stress resilience is so important for veterinarians, who experience many stress triggers on a daily basis. Dr. Fayman goes over some of those triggers and how to manage them. We discuss unhappy clients, conflict resolution, micromanagement, and a big one… how to say no when you need to. An important factor in stress reduction is taking care of your body. Dr. Fayman places emphasis on proper nutrition, hydration, positive sleep habits, play time, and physical release of energy. These are all basic needs that can get swept under the rug when you’re stressed and overwhelmed at work, but they will make the biggest difference physically and mentally.Dr. Fayman reminds vets, Put the oxygen mask on yourself first! You deserve a happy and stress free life, and it’s possible to set boundaries while being successful in your career. You can find out more about Dr. Fayman and her coaching via her website and other links provided below. What’s Inside:What is stress resilience?What is positive intelligence?How to work through common stress triggers in vet med.Tips for taking care of yourself and reducing stress in the veterinary industry.Mentioned In This Episode:No Limits [email protected] a free meeting with NatalieLive Without Limits-Stress Resilience and Mental Fitness | FacebookNatalie Fayman - Positive Intelligence | LinkedIn

Does your veterinary job leave you depleted? Worn out? Reaching for chocolate and caffeine day after day after day? Kirbie Be had the same experience when she was an elementary school teacher. She shares with us her story of declining physical and mental health… all culminating in a big shift when she took a contract in the Caribbean at a prep school for the families of those at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. It was there in St. Kitts that Kirbie changed her life, and everyone noticed! She began building and learning a series of healthy habits that benefited her health (physically and mentally), and even though she was spending more time on herself, her energy was overflowing. This is where Vet Vive Wellness was born.From starting a yoga and fitness studio on the island to helping veterinarians at the university reach their health goals, Kirbie has created programs and spaces for veterinarians and veterinary students to recover, reduce stress, and build habits that not only impact their health but improve their performance at work and school.In a career with little to no margin for error, it's easy to develop an all or nothing mindset while striving for perfection. Kirbie’s biggest advice is to not give in to all or nothing. Choose your goals, list the skills needed to reach those goals, and break them down into actionable habits one small step at a time.If you want to learn more about Kirbie and Vet Vive Wellness, you can visit her website, socials, or send them an email. What’s Inside:The cost of prioritizing your career over your own healthHow healthy skills and habits can improve your job performanceHealthy habits and their link to mental healthTips for introducing new health habits with successMentioned In This Episode:Vet Vive [email protected] Vet Vive Wellness - LinkedInVet Vive Wellness on Facebook

A fun bunch joins me for this episode. I sat down with Dr. Chad Ely, Dr. Jessica Schultz, Dr. Lindsey Goeckner, and Dr. Mara Fehrenbacher from Effingham Vet Clinic. During our conversation, the glue that holds them together was no surprise. Humor. The team at Effingham has no shortage of jokes for each other when it comes to work. They find that taking a lighthearted laugh is the best cure for stress, even in intense situations. They describe their natural boundaries and capacity for poking fun (even at themselves) as a huge contribution to their happy atmosphere.They’re not wrong either, because when it comes to vet clinics, Effingham has a great retention rate. What’s the secret sauce? Alongside Dr. Ely, the colleagues chime in with what value they find in their practice: mentorship, trust, and understanding; personal and professional support; cohesive practice; people that make you want to stay; and a great mix of age and experience.They share some great stories throughout the episode about their appreciation for their clinic and how they’ve handled stressful emergencies. It’s always about their team. Every new hire is first and foremost added as a cohesive piece, so that the support, camaraderie, and family at Effingham Vet Clinic are ever-growing. It might be work, BUT it’s supposed to be fun.  What’s Inside:How does humor and happy people impact veterinary practice?The secret sauce for high retention.Creating a cohesive practice with trust and support.“It’s supposed to be fun”, something we may forget when it comes to work. Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Chad Ely on LinkedInEffingham Veterinary ClinicEffingham Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Neil Shaw is the founder of SignalPET, where he has worked to refine revolutionary AI technology to boost veterinary confidence and reduce stress with assisted diagnostics. When a pet comes in for care, there are a variety of scenarios that could take place, and many fall to a pivotal question: Do they need radiology? This question can lead to an out of office referral, long wait times, or even skipping radiology due to a lower confidence veterinarian or maybe a lack of funds from the client. This can mean lower care benefits for the patient and client. The technology behind SignalPET provides support that was once only available to a few—to millions. This AI works across the globe to read in house radiographs and deliver reliable, confident results while the patient is still in the exam room. Vets no longer need to stress about whether they should or should not recommend radiology because it’s more accurate and affordable. Leveling up care and lowering the barriers. When a technology such as this enters the space, it can be scary, especially for radiologists. But during my chat with Dr. Neil Shaw, I was assured that this is an asset to be used with confidence alongside your expertise, strengthening your trust with your clients. While also reducing time to read films, reach patients, and create care plan steps.  You can find out more about SignalPET by visiting their website or LinkedIn.What’s Inside:A danger to emphasis on specialties when it comes to general veterinary practice.A solution for immediate exam room support for GP Vets.How SignalPET, an AI company is transforming radiology for veterinarians.A revolutionary way to raise the level of care while lowering the barrier.Mentioned In This Episode:SignalPETSignalPET® | LinkedIn

As providers in the veterinary industry, we have compassionate hearts, always wanting to help pets and their people too. But palliative care can be hard to bear, especially when you’re having difficult conversations daily. Dr. Rachel Venable is the owner of Pet Cancer Care Consulting, where she offers teleconsulting. Telemedicine is growing in the vet industry and can be a great option for providers and clients when it comes to access, availability, cost barriers, and time value.  Dr. Venable shares some ‘need to know’ information when it comes to telemedicine and operating within your state's regulations. The reality of vet care, especially palliative care, is that you can’t always cure the pet. So how do you tell your clients bad news? Dr. Venable shares her tips on how to navigate these conversations so that you can be the most educational, supportive, and kind provider.Plan Your Conversation - What are you going to say? Consider what the goals of care might be and what you CAN offer to the clientRefine Communication and Nonverbal Cues - How do you communicate in general? Consider your language, tone, and body language. Utilize Silence - Silence is powerful. When you deliver bad news, let natural silence have its place; clients will cue you to continue speaking when they’re ready.Find a Safe Space to Vent - You don’t have to handle bad news alone. Vent and appropriately let out emotions to co-workers and trusted friends, so that you have emotional space to continue. When it comes to navigating these hard conversations and executing professional communication in vet care, Dr. Venable encourages providers to seek resources like continuing education courses as well as podcasts. If you’re interested in contacting Dr. Venable about her teleconsulting,  you can reach her via her website in the format that applies to your situation!What’s Inside:How to navigate difficult conversations like giving bad news.How your communication skills impact delivery of news to clients.The power of silence in difficult conversations. The benefit of telemedicine in the veterinary industry.Navigating laws and rules in telemedicine and teleconsulting.Mentioned In This Episode:Pet Cancer Care ConsultingPet Cancer Care Consulting on Facebook Pet Cancer Care Consulting (@petcancercareconsulting) on InstagramRachel Venable on LinkedIn

I met Daniel Valdes during a Celeritas Digital virtual peer group discussion (stay tuned till the end and check the links so you can get involved). Daniel is a dedicated project manager with Celeratis, a technology company with a heavy hand in animal health.Daniel has a personal connection to the vet industry and veterinary wellness, not only as a pet owner but also with his veterinarian sister. He has a strong passion for creating a better relationship and closing the gap with vet med and technology. In our discussion, he shares innovative ideas to ease the pain points for veterinarians by utilizing solutions from the industries around us. Like simple technology to make queues and wait time easier and more bearable on the vet med and client side.Most notably, Daniel has worked with NOMV [Not One More Vet] to create an app. This application, now makes NOMV’s incredible resources for veterinarians right into the pockets of people who need them.Daniel and Celeritas Digital are working to create surprising and needed opportunities for technology and the vet med industry. What’s Inside:Celeritas Digital, technology for animal health.Innovative solutions for veterinary pain points.Bettering the relationship of vet med and technology.A resourceful app for a critical Veterinary organization, NOMV.Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected] Daniel Valdes - LinkedInCeleritas Digital - We Design and Build Technology for Businesses Focused on Animal Health. | LinkedInCeleritas DigitalCeleritas Digital Webinars 

Early on in Dr. Corey Blake’s, owner of Oceanside Animal Hospital and founder of Sacred Leadership, career, she realized owning a practice is much more than being a good DVM. She became so invested in doing the best for her team, clients, and patients.  Burnout was surely following. This is when she discovered Embodiment and Embodied Leadership.Too often, we are chasing external validation and external circumstances and expecting internal happiness. In order to live and lead with joy, we have to first take care of ourselves internally.  She has built these ideas into her practice to support her team members: focusing on the idea of connecting to the why by acknowledging the difference you’re making, boosting your self-talk, bragging on team members, and intentionally accepting compliments. Disembodiment is a natural occurrence when you consider our society's values of intellectuality and external accomplishments. This constant search leads to a chronic fight or flight, depleting the nervous system and causing burnout. How can you stop this and get on the path to embodiment today? Dr. Blake shares these tips:Are you tense and anxious? Test your body by noticing how it feels to clench your arm and slowly release from shoulder to fist. Reframe your talk and thoughts to reflect positively.Get to know yourself. What do you truly like and dislike? Pay attention to your body's natural physical no and yes responses. Embodiment is a complex idea, but Dr. Blake does a beautiful job describing how this directly applies to the veterinary field. She leaves us with a great reminder that you cannot truly know if a career is causing your burnout until you change yourself and how you approach it. When you light yourself within, you will likely find joy right where you are!What’s Inside:What is embodied leadership in veterinary medicine?How leading and working from a disembodied state leads to burnout.Tips for building internal value practices into your clinic.Beginning your mind and body connect to become a better leader.Mentioned In This Episode:Oceanside Animal HospitalWild Sacred Self - Embodied [email protected] 

Before she founded BETTERinary Personal Coaching, Dr. Ashlee Bruewer experienced the benefits of coaching. From the age of 3, Dr. Bruewer remembers admiring her family veterinarian and wanting to be a small animal vet herself. Between then and now, she has reached her goal, but her career has taken many turns in between. Dr. Bruewer shares her personal story in which she felt pressure to meeting a “Gold Standard” impossible for her resources and environment, leading to feelings of not being good enough…burn out…and even suicidal ideations. She was able to connect with a coach who transformed her life, pulling her from rock bottom. Not only did Dr. Bruewer reconnect with her passion for Vet Med and finally end up in the small animal care she always dreamed of, but her appreciation for the coaching that helped her save her life motivated her to start her own coaching business.  With a mission to help veterinarians before they reach rock bottom, Dr. Bruewer shares 5 impactful strategies.Mind your mind and know your goalsAcknowledge the stress cycleSwap perfection for adaptive excellenceDeveloping a personal support teamSurprise yourselfDr. Ashlee Bruewer provides some great inspiration for the great humans that veterinarians are, so they can continue their love for animals and serve those who love their animals.What’s Inside:Dr. Bruewer’s personal story of burnout and struggle in veterinary medicine.How personal coaching helped Dr. Bruewer reconnect to VetMed.5 Strategies for veterinarians beginning to struggle in the field.Resources for suicidal ideations and other symptoms of burnout in veterinary medicine.Mentioned In This Episode:[email protected] Personal Coaching, LLC - FacebookAshlee Bruewer - [email protected]_ashleeb on InstagramNot One More Vet

Booster Pet is leading a revolution in the veterinary care industry. CEO of Booster Pet, Dr. Katie Cutter, joins me to explain their model and the wellness benefits that come along with it.The veterinary industry has experienced a lot of change over the years and a lot of struggles, and as Dr. Cutter points out, it needs to step back and build sustainable systems to support the industry. Those in vet care deserve wellness and quality of life, while doing a job they love. Booster Pet is just that!Dr. Cutter explains how they utilize clinic telemedicine to leverage their veterinarians, vet techs, and other hospital staff to create efficient, complete wellness exams. Every clinic offers these staffed telemed visits while having one boots on ground veterinarian with support for urgent care situations. These visits offer the flexibility of telehealth without limiting care; they are fully supported by highly trained techs with a full diagnostic scope featuring highly developed technology.With Booster Pet, veterinarians and vet techs see benefits like higher than industry standard wages, focused daily jobs, and more. While clients and patients have increased access to quality care.The sustainable systems built by Booster Pet are an answer to problems in the veterinary industry, and prove you can have profitable clinics AND happy staff, clients, and patients. What’s Inside:What is the Booster Pet model?Utilizing in clinic telemedicine for more efficient wellness visits?How the structure of Booster Pet benefits staff, clients, and patients.A veterinary model that is built on sustainable systems.Mentioned In This Episode:BoosterPet

Dr. Pamelar Hale has returned to the podcast, this time with her colleagues Dr. Keith True and Dr. George Melillo. Together, these veterinarians bring decades of experience and a shared passion for vet-owned clinics and veterinarian leadership in the field.The wealth in the industry is more often not going to veterinarians but instead to corporations, and while corporations have a place in the field, these three want vets to know it’s time to take control. It’s okay to prioritize wealth building. Often veterinarians ride the saying, “I didn’t get into it for the money”. That’s often true, but Dr. Melillo wants vets to know you can have it all. You can be kind, compassionate, and intelligent, AND build generational wealth that will impact your career, family, and community for the better. There are many paths to leadership opportunities depending on the desires and capacity of each veterinarian, whether it be full ownership, co-ownership, or even hybrid practices. Dr. True emphasizes the importance of taking control and being honest about what you want your career to look like. And Dr. Hale and Dr. Melillo remind vets that the pursuit of happiness is important, and money and building wealth are tools for that. These three veterinarians have a great perspective when it comes to veterinary leadership and building wealth to positively impact the industry. These conversations are so important for the field. What’s Inside:How can veterinarians build wealth?How can wealth impact communities and veterinarian families?How can veterinarians become leaders?Ownership, Co-ownership, and Hybrid Practice models. Mentioned In This Episode:Dr. Keith on LinkedInDr. George Melillo on LinkedInDr. Pamelar Hale on LinkedIn