The Vet Med Circus: Why Collaboration Is the Star of the Show
In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore one of the most powerful—but often overlooked—drivers of high-functioning veterinary teams: positive communication that fuels real collaboration.
Grounded in a 2024 study on veterinary team communication, they break down 15 specific behaviors that can either build, or break, collaborative veterinary workplaces. These habits go beyond personality or work ethic and show how simple shifts in how we speak, listen, and respond can drive culture renovation.
You do not need a big budget or fancy retreat to improve your veterinary culture—just a few intentional moments of respect, empathy, and action-oriented communication can spark real change.
You’ll hear:
- What true collaboration in veterinary teams looks like—and what it is not
- Why communication often matters more than work ethic in vet med
- The 4 core categories of collaborative behaviors (with real-world examples)
- Why respect in veterinary teams is the top behavior linked to success
- How to turn empathy and curiosity into culture-building tools
- Action steps to boost trust, psychological safety, and team morale
Whether you are managing a clinic, working the treatment floor, or leading from the front desk, this episode offers practical tools to support thriving, high-functioning veterinary teams—one conversation at a time.
Resources:
Episode Article:
Title: Positive Communication Practices for Enhancing Collaboration
Author: Amy E. Mickel
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23294884241263552
Flourish Academy - Certificate in Cultivating Positive Team Communication
What Do You Think? Reach out to us and let us know at Info@flourish.vet
Your Hosts:
Andi Davison LVT, CAPP, APPC
Josh Vaisman MAPPCP, CCFP
At Flourish Veterinary Consulting we renovate veterinary cultures. We diagnose what’s working, blueprint what’s next, and train every team member - blending positive psychology with real-world experience - so thriving becomes the norm, not the myth.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Collaboration in Vet Med
00:40 Casual Chat: Smoothies and Pets
03:45 The Importance of Collaboration in Vet Med
06:20 A Real-Life Example of Effective Collaboration
09:58 Key Communication Practices for Collaboration
13:05 Respect and Empathy in Teamwork
22:05 Practical Steps to Enhance Collaboration
26:45 Florida Man: A Humorous Conclusion
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