373 - The Trouble With Friend Groups

What happens when friendships in your veterinary clinic start to blur the line between connection and cliques? In this episode of The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast, Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss dig into one of the most uncomfortable culture challenges in practice: favoritism. It often begins innocently, with a doctor and technician who click, who work smoothly together, and who spend time outside of work. Over time, that “we just work well together” energy can quietly turn into exclusion, frustration, and an uneven playing field that leaves the rest of the team feeling left out.

Andy and Stephanie explore how favoritism shows up, why it erodes trust and collaboration, and what leaders can do when personal bonds begin to affect professional dynamics. They share practical strategies to coach your team, set boundaries without being the “fun police,” and rebuild fairness and inclusivity across your clinic. Whether you are a practice manager, medical director, or lead technician, this episode offers a clear path to strengthen your culture and support a healthier team. Let's get into this episode!

You’ve spent another year juggling chaos, coaching your team between appointments, and wondering when leadership will finally feel easier. The truth is, you don’t need another lecture or cookie-cutter CE session. You need a space to recharge your leadership, sharpen your strategy, and connect with people who truly understand what you face every day.

Join us for the Uncharted Veterinary Conference 2026 on January 16 in Orlando, where we’ll tackle the real problems that keep veterinary professionals stuck. Learn how to rebuild trust after burnout, navigate tough conversations with confidence, and design systems that actually work for your practice.

This is not a sit-and-listen kind of CE. It’s a one-day, fully interactive event filled with workshops, honest discussions, and coaching sessions led by experts like Dr. Andy Roark, Ron Sosa, CVPM, Maria Pirita, CVPM and Tyler Grogan, CVT. You’ll leave with practical tools, a renewed sense of clarity, and a network of veterinary leaders who will help you stay accountable long after the day ends,

Seats are limited and open only to the Uncharted community. Stop repeating the same year and start creating the one you’ve been working toward. Register now: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/about-uncharted-veterinary-conference-2026

Upcoming events: https://learn.unchartedvet.com/pages/events

All Links: https://linktr.ee/UnchartedVet

Do you have something that you would love Andy and Stephanie to discuss on the podcast? If so, send us a message through the mailbag! Submit it here: unchartedvet.com/mailbag