The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast

310 - Getting Team Buy - In To Change (A Pet HealthZone® Case Study) Oct 21, 2024

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Change can be scary to vet teams and getting their buy-in takes great skill. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark is joined by Dr. Jules Benson to discuss strategies for change management in veterinary practices. Dr. Benson brings over a decade of executive experience in the pet health insurance industry and a rich background in clinical practice and veterinary innovation. Together, they explore how veterinary teams can implement new tools to enhance communication with pet owners and improve the overall client experience. Dr. Benson shares his insights into using data and technology to transform veterinary practices, drawing from his expertise in strategic planning and leadership. The conversation focuses on gaining team buy-in, fostering trust, and motivating staff with purpose-driven initiatives. They emphasize the importance of patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement when leading change. Dr. Roark also reflects on his personal leadership evolution and the challenges of managing change in a way that resonates with veterinary teams. Throughout the discussion, they provide practical steps for setting clear expectations, tracking success, and creating a supportive culture. Let's get into this episode! This episode is brought to you ad-free by Nationwide Pet Insurance! LINKS

309 - Can RVTs And VPAs Coexist Oct 16, 2024

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Should veterinary medicine introduce a mid-level practitioner role? With the landscape of veterinary care changing, there's a proposal in Colorado to create a Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role, sitting between licensed technicians and veterinarians. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss discuss the potential impact of expanding technician responsibilities and how this could redefine roles in general practice. What does this mean for access to veterinary care, the utilization of support staff, and the future of our profession? They explore the nuances of this issue, touching on staffing shortages, licensing, and the evolving structure of veterinary practices. Whether you're a veterinarian, practice manager, technician, or a passionate veterinary professional, this conversation is a must-listen as we navigate the possibilities and challenges ahead. Let’s get into this episode!

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308 - Can They Do Homework On The Clock? Oct 09, 2024

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A medical director is having trouble navigating the balance between supporting paraprofessional staff in tech school and ensuring they have the necessary technical skills for their role. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Stephanie and Dr. Andy Roark discuss a specific scenario where a veterinary assistant, allowed to study on the clock, is struggling with skill development. The conversation turns into a thoughtful debate about trust, team expectations, and the challenges of leading a veterinary team with fairness and empathy. They explore how communication and adjusting expectations can prevent feeling like the "bad guy" while supporting staff in skill growth. Let's get into this episode!

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307 - Training On 'Emotional Intelligence' Is The WRONG Way To Fix Your Client Service Problem Oct 02, 2024

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A Practice Manager is struggling with younger team members' reactions to client disagreements. The leader is frustrated with the team’s hypersensitivity to client interactions, particularly around money and customer service, which is resulting in feedback that the practice feels cold and transactional. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Practice Management Super Nerd, Stephanie Goss and Dr. Andy Roark explore how to shift the team’s culture towards empathy and understanding, while also addressing issues of emotional intelligence, client interactions, and accountability. They emphasize the importance of avoiding generational stereotypes and focus on actionable strategies to create a supportive, client-centered environment. Let's get into this episode!

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306 - I Hate That The Team Bashes Clients! Sep 25, 2024

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In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss tackle a mailbag question from a technician struggling with negativity in their clinic, where team members have started complaining about clients after a recent workflow change. The hosts discuss how small behaviors like eye-rolling and client bashing can create a toxic work environment if left unchecked, especially when clients might overhear. They explore the importance of setting personal boundaries, leading by example, and addressing frustrations constructively to maintain a positive workplace culture. Tune in for practical strategies on how to approach tough conversations, support your team, and foster a respectful clinic atmosphere, all while protecting your own peace of mind.

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305 - Frustrated With Taking Breaks.. And Not Taking Breaks Sep 18, 2024

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A practice manager is frustrated by team members delaying lunches and taking disruptive trips to the breakroom, which leaves the afternoon understaffed and creates tension among the senior team. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Andi Davison tackle a challenging mailbag question: how to manage staff taking breaks, ordering food, and maintaining workflow. Dr. Roark and Andi break down how to approach this situation from a place of curiosity and empathy, exploring the reasons behind these behaviors while still maintaining boundaries and fairness. They share strategies on addressing break policies, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring everyone feels supported while keeping operations running smoothly. Andi Davison has been on the wild ride of veterinary medicine since 2001, having started as a vet tech and eventually becoming the veterinary care manager at the University of Florida's large animal hospital. Alongside her veterinarian husband, Dr. Mike Davison, she opened Davison Veterinary Medicine, serving mixed-animal clients for nine years. Now, as a Positive Change Agent with Flourish Veterinary Consulting, Andi is committed to helping veterinary professionals thrive, drawing on her extensive experience to promote positive change in the industry. Tune in to learn how you can create a healthier work environment by approaching conflicts with kindness and setting clear, manageable expectations for your team

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304 - How Do I Teach Accountability Sep 11, 2024

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A manager with fantastic team leads—dedicated, hardworking, and aligned with the clinic’s mission—struggles to help these leads transition from being top team members to effective leaders who can manage and hold their peers accountable. In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Andy and Stephanie break down the challenges of shifting from being "one of the team" to being the person responsible for enforcing standards and accountability. They explore why this transition can be so difficult and offer practical advice on how to empower your team leads, set clear expectations, and provide the right kind of support as they grow into their new roles. If you’ve ever promoted a team member to a leadership position and found they struggled with managing their former peers, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you and your team leads succeed. Let's get into this episode...

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303 - Schedule Freaks The Team Out Sep 04, 2024

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How do you manage staff anxiety about the upcoming schedule without turning away clients and compromising care? In this episode of the Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and practice management super star, Stephanie Goss dive into a mailbag question that resonates deeply with many veterinary teams. A concerned manager writes in about their team’s growing habit of preemptively freaking out when they see a busy day ahead, leading to requests for limiting appointments and turning pets away, even though most days end up going smoothly. Stephanie Goss, with her extensive experience in practice management, and Dr. Andy Roark tackle this issue head-on, discussing the delicate balance between preparing for a busy schedule and maintaining a calm, productive work environment. They explore the common cognitive biases like catastrophizing and negativity bias that can exacerbate these fears and share actionable strategies for addressing these challenges. Together, they walk you through action steps that you can implement in your clinic to avoid this chicken little mentality. Let's get into this episode....

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302 - Outdated Or Just Respectful Navigating Job - Hopping And Text Resignations Aug 28, 2024

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Are traditional expectations around resignations and job stability becoming outdated? A practice owner shares their concerns about the increasing trend of employees resigning via email or text and the prevalence of job-hopping on resumes. How can we navigate these changing norms without feeling out of touch? In this episode, Maria and Andy explore how to approach these issues with empathy and strategic thinking. They discuss practical steps for interviewing candidates with job-hopping histories, setting clear expectations during onboarding, and cultivating a workplace culture that encourages retention. Maria's deep understanding of leadership and her passion for helping others develop their skills make her the perfect guide for this conversation. Maria Pirita, a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional, and former hospital administrator, joins the conversation with her wealth of experience in veterinary medicine and leadership. Maria has spent over a decade in the field and over 20 years honing her leadership skills, making her an expert in helping veterinary leaders adapt to evolving workplace dynamics. Her background in veterinary marketing, team building, and positive work culture provides invaluable insights for addressing these modern challenges. For veterinary practice owners and managers facing the realities of today’s job market, this episode offers essential strategies for maintaining professionalism and respect while adapting to change. Join us as we tackle these critical issues with Maria’s expert guidance.

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