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 Partners
Full Circle Lab
Crystal 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:
mbingham@granitepeakcpa.com
Meghan S. Bingham, BA, CVPM - Veterinary Advisor - Granite Peak Associates | LinkedIn
Full Circle Lab
Crystal 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 Instagram
Jake McCormack on LinkedIn
Full Circle Lab
Crystal Stokes on LinkedIn