Unfiltered Vet Discussions Unfiltered Discussions
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Take a group of people who have kicked around the veterinary space for a few minutes, toss them in a ZOOM room and see what they have to say. The discussion can lead to interesting places of discovery. When we mean unfiltered it is deciding a topic 10 to 20 minutes before we push the record button, skip the editing and upload it online. These are our opinions on the topic at hand that we voted on as the focus of the conversation. We encourage you to listen with an open mind and join in the discussion with your comments on wherever it is posted.
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Episode 31: Courage in Vulnerability
In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," the hosts explore the importance of vulnerability in veterinary practice and leadership. Phil highlights a study showing how kindness from superiors can significantly improve medical students' performance. The hosts discuss the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability and the need to break these cycles for healthier, more connected teams. Personal stories underscore how embracing vulnerability can enhance psychological safety, job satisfaction, and effective communication in veterinary settings. The episode emphasizes that leadership rooted in openness and honesty fosters a supportive and productive work environment.
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Episode 30: International Veterinary Care
In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," the hosts explore veterinary care practices outside the United States. Peter shares insights from his recent trip to Australia, highlighting differences in costs and services, while Cody discusses veterinary practices in Canada. The conversation reveals that while the U.S. often considers itself a leader in veterinary care, other countries also provide high-quality services, sometimes at lower costs. This episode emphasizes the importance of learning from international practices to improve veterinary care globally, suggesting that innovative business models and a better understanding of cost management could benefit the industry.
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Episode 29: Feeling the Pinch
In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," the hosts discuss the financial pressures faced by clients of veterinary services. Peter highlights his recent observations of clients negotiating and declining services due to high costs, contrasting with past attitudes where clients were more willing to pay without question. The rest of the panelists share their experiences and concerns about the rising expenses in veterinary care, affecting even their top clients. They emphasize the need to rebuild trust, tailor services to different client needs, and potentially adopt new business models to ensure veterinary practices remain viable while meeting client expectations. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships and trust between veterinarians and pet owners amidst economic challenges.
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Episode 28: Taking Responsibility: The Trouble with “Sorry”
In the latest episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," Kelly hosts a conversation with Jenni, Phil, and David, focusing on the difficulty of saying "sorry" and taking responsibility. They explore the challenges of genuine apologies, referencing the children's book "Tumford the Terrible," where a cat struggles to apologize. Jenni recounts a work incident highlighting inadequate apologies and the importance of owning mistakes without excuses. Phil shares his experience in recovery, emphasizing the importance of making amends. The discussion underscores the value of vulnerability, self-forgiveness, and the impact of sincere apologies in building trust and psychological safety within relationships.
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Episode 27: Self Criticism
In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," hosts Kelly, Phil, David, and Jenni dive into the topic of self-criticism, highlighting its prevalence and impact in veterinary workplaces. Phil shares insights from a survey conducted with an Australian group on workplace well-being, revealing that self-criticism is a significant factor contributing to burnout among veterinary professionals. The discussion explores how perfectionism, societal expectations, and internal criticism drain energy and hinder performance. The hosts emphasize the importance of self-compassion, resilience, and redefining success to combat negative self-talk. They share personal anecdotes and strategies for overcoming self-criticism, encouraging listeners to practice self-kindness and continuous learning. The episode concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself and to see failures as opportunities for growth.
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Episode 26: Today is A DAY
In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," hosts Kelly, Phil, David, and Jenni explore the concept of having "a day"—one of those challenging days when everything seems to go wrong. They discuss common experiences in veterinary practice, such as staff shortages and unexpected emergencies, and the emotional toll these can take. Emphasizing the power of mindset, they talk about the importance of perception and the impact of expecting the worst. They suggest strategies like practicing gratitude, recognizing and managing negative thoughts, and using positive reinforcement to change the narrative of a bad day. They share personal stories and tips on fostering a supportive team environment, highlighting that how one responds to stressors can transform a difficult day into a manageable one. The episode concludes with a reminder that while challenging days are inevitable, a positive approach and strong teamwork can make all the difference.