The Whole Veterinarian

Stacey Cordivano, DVM
  • 5.0 (36)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Is it impossible for veterinarians to aim for more balance? The Whole Veterinarian podcast helps to share experiences and start a dialogue about how we can grow as people and professionals. As a female equine solo practitioner, mother and business owner, I've seen the challenges that face us. I want veterinarians to learn to be happier, healthier, wealthier and more grateful for the lives that they've created. Together, let’s learn how to develop a life we love.

  1. VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Balancing Veterinary Compensation: When Culture and Financials Collide

    NOV 6

    VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Balancing Veterinary Compensation: When Culture and Financials Collide

    Communication and transparency are key when heading into a salary negotiation. We sat down to map the real landscape of equine veterinary compensation—what each pay model actually means, how the math works, and where the friction hides. From straight salary to ProSal to base plus production, we break down risk, reward, and the psychology that drives your choices. You’ll hear the practical benchmarks owners use to keep a practice healthy—like total compensation packages landing around 25–35% of an associate’s billed revenue—and why your production percentage only matters if you know what’s included. We push hard on negative accrual and explain why tying base stability to short-term production shortfalls is a morale and retention killer. We try our best to address the “true paid time off” concept by clarifying what you are paid (your base and benefits) versus what changes (bonus opportunity), and why prorating thresholds effectively shifts risk back to the practice. Then we turn to benefits and culture: why a capable technician is an efficiency engine, how pre-tax benefits stretch dollars farther than payroll, and which creative perks actually improve your day-to-day—AI transcription, on-the-road meals, student loan stipends, even rural med-evac memberships. If you’re negotiating a new role or a renewal, you’ll walk away with the right questions: What revenue is realistic in year one and year three? What’s counted in production? Is this role replacing demand or creating it? How will the practice fill my book? And if you’re already near the top of the compensation-to-production range, consider schedule design, support staff, and pricing before chasing another point of percentage. Let’s make compensation clearer, fairer, and more sustainable—for associates and practices. If this helped, share it with a colleague, and then tell us: what part of all of this still feels confusing to you? What perspective or ideas did we miss? RESOURCES: -Understanding Associate Compensation Webinar -Some other great compensation podcast episodes from Veterinary Financial Podcast -AAEP Compensation Resources (Compensation Study, Fee Survey, Benefits Calculator) -The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel -AAEP Practice Culture Resources (Benefits survey, Reward and Recognition Survey) -"How Much Practice Financial Information Should I Share With My Team?" from Care Credit and Dr. Andy Cameron Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    1h 33m
  2. VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Building Community in Equine Practice

    SEP 3

    VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Building Community in Equine Practice

    Feeling isolated as an equine veterinarian? You're not alone. With over 63% of equine practitioners working solo, the struggle to maintain work-life balance while providing excellent care can feel overwhelming. But what if there's a better way? In this candid conversation, three experienced equine veterinarians share how intentional collaboration transformed their practices from isolated endeavors into sustainable, community-supported businesses. Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian reveals how a sudden transition to solo practice led to an innovative partnership with another local veterinarian - sharing equipment, knowledge, and weekend on-call duties that made independent practice feasible. Dr. Stacey Cordivano describes how meeting another solo practitioner at yoga class evolved into jointly purchasing equipment, sharing staff, and covering emergencies, admitting "if we hadn't had each other, there's no way we'd still be equine vets." Dr. Misty Gray tackles common fears about collaboration head-on: Will clients switch loyalties? What about different practice styles or pricing structures? Kelly, Misty and Stacey's experiences show that these concerns rarely materialize. Instead, they've discovered that clients appreciate the support system and continuity of care that collaborative relationships provide. For introverts who find networking intimidating, the episode offers practical strategies for building professional relationships: attending local CE events, making intentional introductions at barns, or simply sending an email to colleagues in your area. The hosts emphasize that established practitioners have a responsibility to welcome newcomers, while newer veterinarians should push past discomfort to initiate connections. Whether you're a solo practitioner looking for sustainability, a practice owner wanting to improve culture, or an associate seeking community, this episode provides actionable insights for building the collaborative relationships that make equine practice not just survivable, but truly rewarding.  Join us at AAEP Convention for more discussion on practice culture, or explore programs like Decade One for structured community-building opportunities. Resources: 2023 AAEP Fee SurveyPractice Culture resources from AAEPSend a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    48 min
  3. VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: What Does Growth Really Mean For Your Veterinary Practice?

    AUG 1

    VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: What Does Growth Really Mean For Your Veterinary Practice?

    What does growth really mean for your veterinary practice? In this honest conversation on Vet Truck Confidential, Dr. Stacey Cordivano joins equine veterinarians Dr. Misty Gray and Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian to challenge conventional wisdom about practice expansion. The veterinary profession often glorifies the hustle, celebrating packed schedules and constant growth. But is adding more clients always the answer? Our three experienced equine practitioners reveal a potentially surprising truth: a simple 1% price increase can boost profitability by 11% without seeing a single additional patient. This insight alone could transform how you approach your practice's financial health. We explore what growth means at different career stages - from the early years focused on building clientele to later phases where quality of care and work-life balance take precedence. Dr. Cordivano shares her personal journey from initial growth to strategic client selection, while Dr. Gray discusses the power of being content with your current practice size. Dr. Zeytoonian discusses the constant need to tweak what is the right amount of support for her team. For those looking to increase profitability, we offer practical alternatives to simply adding more appointments: proper product markup (minimum 65%), increasing services to existing clients, and investing in support staff to maximize billable hours. These strategies allow for growth without the burnout that often accompanies an expanding client base. Perhaps most importantly, we emphasize aligning practice decisions with your personal vision rather than fear or industry pressure. Whether you dream of a four-day work week or aim to pay off student loans rapidly, success should be defined on your terms. Ready to rethink what practice growth means for you? Listen now, and don't forget to do your homework: check your medication markups, evaluate your billable hours, and take time to reflect on whether your current path aligns with your long-term vision. Resources that we mentioned: AAEP FEE SURVEY Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    36 min
  4. VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Navigating the First Years of Equine Veterinary Practice Ownership

    JUL 22

    VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Navigating the First Years of Equine Veterinary Practice Ownership

    Another episode of Vet Truck Confidential with Doctors Kelly Zeytoonian, Misty Gray and Stacey Cordivano. These experienced equine veterinarians share their insights on essential equipment, financial planning, and smart investments when starting a practice, providing a practical roadmap for new and aspiring practice owners. • Starting a practice requires careful consideration of essential equipment versus nice-to-have items • Dental equipment provides excellent ROI with minimal maintenance requirements • Digital radiography immediately legitimizes a new practice, especially in competitive markets • Smaller investments like professional emails, websites, and software can significantly enhance client perception • Alternative ultrasound options can replace larger units for many applications • Gastroscopes often struggle to justify their investment unless you're in a specialty or racetrack practice • Financing options include manufacturer payment plans, distributor delayed billing programs, and personal loans • Total startup costs for a well-equipped mobile practice with modest salary: approximately $250k over three years • Collaboration with other veterinarians through equipment sharing can reduce initial investment needs • Professional software like G Suite and Canva offer cost-effective ways to appear established and organized If you're considering practice ownership and have questions, reach out to us directly or suggest topics for future episodes. We're happy to dive deeper into specific areas in upcoming installments. ***Article to check out: Seeding the Field to Grow Future Owners by Dr. Ciera Guardia on page 257 ---> AI made this summary, but it's a pretty good one! Thanks again for listening and we hope you are doing well. If you need anything at all, find out contact info at https://www.decadeonevet.com/about. Talk to you soon! -SC- Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    30 min
  5. VET TRUCK CONDIFENTIAL: How to Incorporate Your Personal Brand in Veterinary Practice

    MAR 3

    VET TRUCK CONDIFENTIAL: How to Incorporate Your Personal Brand in Veterinary Practice

    It's likely that everyone could use a tune up on the idea of their personal brand. Listen in as Kelly, Misty and Stacey talk through their thoughts on personal and professional branding. It's an exercise that, honestly, none of us have done in awhile! We may be solid on our core values but clearly we still need some clarity in other areas ;) We discuss the crucial interplay between personal branding and veterinary practice, emphasizing authenticity and connection. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to integrate their unique traits into their professional identity. • Importance of personal branding in veterinary medicine  • Personal vs professional branding in practice  • Strategies to enhance client relationships through branding  • Adapting communication styles for varied client needs  • Using core values as a starting point for your personal brand  Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    31 min
  6. VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Pioneering Equine Veterinary Success by Connecting With a Personal Mission

    12/30/2024

    VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Pioneering Equine Veterinary Success by Connecting With a Personal Mission

    This episode centers around the evolution of equine veterinary careers and personal missions - highlighting how three colleagues redefined their paths with the support of community and programs like Decade One. Through candid conversations, Stacey, Kelly, and Misty explore the challenges of finding fulfillment in a demanding profession and the importance of collaboration, personal growth, and sustainability in veterinary practice.  • Discussion on personal career evolution from vet school dreams to current realities  • Introduction to Decade One and its role in fostering community among veterinarians  • Sharing journeys of career transformation and embracing flexibility  • Conversations about the challenges faced by recent graduates in equine practice  • Insights on the significance of mentorship and supportive networks  • The creation of Sustainability and Equine Practice Seminars as a response to industry needs  •  Plans for future collaborations through Decade One and the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar series  • Encouragement to pursue personal fulfillment and redefine veterinary paths Find out more! www.decadeonevet.com www.sepseminars.com AAEP Scholarship for Decade One Membership Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    34 min
  7. VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Cultivating Open and Honest Team Communication

    09/12/2024

    VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Cultivating Open and Honest Team Communication

    Is your veterinary team feeling overwhelmed and disconnected? Discover how a simple two-word check-in can transform your team meetings and create a supportive work environment. Inspired by Brene Brown, we share practical advice on gauging your team's headspace and offering them the support they need. ... See other episodes on running effective meetings featuring Dr. Kim Harmon. Episode 65 Part 1 Episode 66 Part 2 ... About the series! Join us on Vet Truck Confidential, a candid and engaging podcast series where we explore the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of equine veterinarians on the road. Each episode dives into the heart of veterinary practice with insightful conversations and stories from the field. Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, get ready for an inside look at the world of equine practice like never before. ... Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    13 min
  8. VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Can We Make Veterinary Medicine More Efficient?

    08/12/2024

    VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL: Can We Make Veterinary Medicine More Efficient?

    Can we improve efficiency in veterinary medicine? We'd like to think so! In this episode, we explore personal journeys and the innovative strategies that Kelly, Misty & Stacey have adopted to manage their careers while nurturing their personal lives. Here's what AI wrote :) Discover the power of delegation and the mantra "done is better than perfect," especially in medical record-keeping. Our guests also share practical tips, such as creating weekly dinner menus and grocery lists to reduce mental load and make room for what truly matters. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will help you find harmony between your professional and personal life. ... About the series! Join us on Vet Truck Confidential, a candid and engaging podcast series where we explore the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of equine veterinarians on the road. Each episode dives into the heart of veterinary practice with insightful conversations and stories from the field. Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, get ready for an inside look at the world of equine practice like never before. ... Join us for the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar in September! There is still time to get in on all the fun - check out www.sepseminars.com for more info. Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode! Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com! IG @thewholeveterinarian Listen on your favorite podcast player here Thank you for your time and support!

    21 min
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5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Is it impossible for veterinarians to aim for more balance? The Whole Veterinarian podcast helps to share experiences and start a dialogue about how we can grow as people and professionals. As a female equine solo practitioner, mother and business owner, I've seen the challenges that face us. I want veterinarians to learn to be happier, healthier, wealthier and more grateful for the lives that they've created. Together, let’s learn how to develop a life we love.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacey Cordivano, DVM
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Whole Veterinarian
  • Show Website
    The Whole Veterinarian

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