On today’s show, I’m joined by veterinarian, multiple practice owner and digital storyteller, Dr. Cody Creelman. Join us as we talk about Dr. Cody’s exciting journey in and out of veterinary practice, culminating in his new practice FenVet, an ultramodern clinic looking to reimagine veterinary care.

Dr. Cody began his veterinary career with a focus on large animal practice, where he quickly became a respected figure, known for his dedication and expertise. Amongst being a veterinarian, multiple practice owner, Cody is also a digital storyteller—sharing his story and daily adventures in entertaining and educational ways that have garnered over 20 million views, followed by loyal cohorts of ranchers, veterinary professionals and the public alike.

From working a construction job seven days a week to pay for university, to veterinary graduate, to partner, to multiple practice owner — Cody didn’t catch his breath. However, in 2019, a series of unexpected events led him to pivot dramatically, leaving behind his established career to explore new horizons. Cody loaded up his family and set off into the unknown. After swimming in America’s tidal pools, hiking Redwood’s National Park amongst the oldest trees in the world and sleeping out under the stars, a new challenge started to emerge for Cody.

Driven by a desire to innovate and improve the veterinary experience for both clients and practitioners. He opened FenVet in Airdrie, Alberta in May 2021. A new ultramodern clinic, mostly working with dogs and cats. FenVet's mission was clear from the start: to reimagine the veterinary care experience for the betterment of patients, clients, and the FenVet team. Born from Cody’s appetite for innovation, the clinic focuses on continually challenging traditional animal care paradigms with the ultimate aim of extraordinary experience and extraordinary innovation.

So sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy my conversation with the one-and-only Dr. Cody Creelman.

Links

FenVet: https://fenvet.com/

FenVet's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenvetclinic/

Follow Dr Cody on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codycreelman/

Connect with Dr. Cody: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cody-creelman-46b78156

Episode Outline

00:03:41 - Cody's Early Career and Achievements

00:05:30 - Career Pivot and Personal Reflection

00:11:21 - Finding Purpose Through Change

00:13:21 - Embracing Entrepreneurship

00:18:10 - Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Vulnerability

00:26:22 - The Concept of Mortality in Career Choices

00:29:18 - The Genesis of Finn Vet

00:35:02 - The Blue Ocean Strategy in Veterinary Medicine

00:43:57 - Creating a Seven-Star Customer Experience

00:51:03 - Building an Empowered and Motivated Team

00:59:15 - Hiring and Cultivating the Right Culture

01:03:40 - Expanding with a Sourdough Starter Culture

01:08:12 - Navigating Economic Challenges in Veterinary Medicine

01:14:00 - Conclusion

On today’s show, I’m joined by veterinary surgeon turned King of online veterinary education, founder and CEO of The Webinar Vet, musician, environmentalist and Liverpool FC fan, Anthony Chadwick.

Anthony Chadwick knew from the age of 8 that he wanted to be a veterinarian. After graduating from his home university in Liverpool, he worked as a small animal veterinarian for over 20 years.

After attending a webinar conference in 2010, Anthony saw an opportunity. Looking to make veterinary education easier, more accessible and affordable for vet professionals with very busy lives, Anthony carved out and pioneered the first online space for veterinary education through his founding of The Webinar Vet in 2010.

The Webinar Vet has now been online for over 13 years, with over 3,000+ hours of video education and vets and nurses from well over 100 countries having benefited from its broad video encyclopaedia.

Anthony’s itch for pioneering and innovation doesn't stop there, as he continues to spread the word for circularity and sustainability in the veterinary business and beyond.

He has recently completed a Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies course at the University of Cambridge, and is hosting the third annual Veterinary Green Discussion Forum in June of this year. With a principal focus on leaving the planet in the same way we found it, Anthony’s personal life and businesses are built on the foundation of circularity and sustainability. The Webinar Vet is Carbon Negative, having planted over 7,000 trees so far and has cultivated wildflower meadows near its office.

Anthony continues to facilitate regeneration into a more sustainable, environmentally friendly space by encouraging big and small companies to become more ambitious with their targets on climate, biodiversity and resource use to help keep our beautiful planet safe. And as a part of this mission, he is hosting the third annual Veterinary Green Discussion Forum at the London Wetland Centre on the 18th of June this year.

In this episode, Anthony discusses his personal journey from veterinary surgeon to starting The Webinar Vet, strategies for practices and business owners to improve their sustainability, global sustainability, pilgrimage and slowing down, and of course, the importance of Liverpool FC.

So sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy my conversation with the King of online education, Anthony Chadwick.

Links

To book your place at the annual Veterinary Green Discussion Forum, 18th & 19th June, contact Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonychadwick

The Webinar Vet: https://thewebinarvet.com/

Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonychadwick

Episode Outline

[00:02:29] Pioneer of online education.

[00:04:32] Football rivalry dynamics.

[00:12:08] Vocation and identity in veterinary medicine.

[00:16:19] The importance of pets.

[00:19:21] Gratitude and faith in life.

[00:25:06] Pilgrimage experiences on Camino.

[00:29:20] Type 2 Fun.

[00:32:00] Lifelong curiosity and learning.

[00:43:11] Circular concept of sustainability.

[00:54:17] Sustainability in life

[01:18:19] Sustainability in veterinary practices.

[01:22:28] Sustainable business practices

Dr. Jeremy Watson completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science with honours at the University of Melbourne in 1986. He established the Brimbank Vet Clinic in 1998, a small animal practice in suburban Melbourne. During 2011, the clinic was rebuilt incorporating the latest environmental design features, facilitating a pathway to make the practice carbon neutral.

In 2013, Dr. Watson achieved membership by examination to the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the discipline of small animal surgery.

Dr. Watson joined Vets for Climate Action in 2020 to help amplify the role that veterinary teams can play in motivating our community to take urgent action on climate change. Within this organisation, he has been working specifically on the Climate Care Program for Veterinary Practices.

Links

Brimbank Veterinary Practice: https://www.brimbankvet.com.au/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-watson-29243151

Sustainable Clinic AVA Article: https://www.ava.com.au/digest/from-around-the-ava/2021/november/2/jeremy-watson/

In this episode of Blunt Dissection, we dive deep into the quest for net zero carbon emissions in veterinary medicine, guided by Dr. Jeremy Watson, a pioneer in the field of veterinary sustainability. Dr. Watson brings to light the crucial role of integrating business culture and strategic planning in veterinary practices to foster a conducive environment for sustainability efforts. He underscores the necessity for management's commitment to spearhead this journey, through strategic fund allocation, visionary leadership, and setting a clear direction for the practice's future. The absence of such unified leadership and vision, he warns, could hamper efforts to curb carbon emissions, depriving them of the essential support needed for success.

Dr. Watson further explores the power of collective action, emphasizing the importance of engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders - from manufacturers and distributors to equipment makers, end-users, and disposal services. He illustrates how such collaborations can effectively tackle challenges and pave the way for adopting more sustainable practices across the board. For example, the adoption of sustainable anesthesia practices, such as low-flow anesthesia or total intravenous anesthesia, achieved through the concerted efforts of anesthesiologists, equipment manufacturers, and veterinary nurses.

Highlighting the difficult pathway to achieving net zero carbon emissions, Dr. Watson discusses the importance of setting clear, achievable targets. He references the science-based target initiative, advocating for the establishment of intermediate goals over the next 5 to 10 years, with the ultimate objective of reaching net zero by 2050. These targets, he argues, serve as critical milestones, guiding veterinary practices towards systematically reducing their carbon footprint.

In summary, this episode of Blunt Dissection underscores the indispensable role of strategic alignment among practice management, industry partners, and professional organizations in embedding sustainable practices within veterinary medicine. Through collective efforts and clear goal-setting, veterinary practices are well-positioned to make significant strides towards a sustainable, net zero...