The Good Kind of DRAMMA: Six Specific Ways to Thrive in Vet Med

In this episode of The Veterinary Culture Lab, Josh and Andi explore a surprising twist on workplace drama—one that could actually improve veterinary wellbeing. Spoiler: it is not the gossip-filled kind of drama, but the science-backed DRAMMA model, a powerful framework built on six core psychological needs that support human flourishing at work.

Grounded in recovery science and positive psychology, this conversation unpacks how detachment, relaxation, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation can transform your team’s culture from overwhelmed and burnt out to energized and engaged.

You’ll hear:

• Why the DRAMMA model offers a practical path to better wellbeing at work
• How small changes—like five-minute mental breaks—can reduce stress and improve team dynamics
•  What “mastery” looks like in a veterinary setting (spoiler: it involves #RollieAF veins)
• A real-world example of how brushing a horse’s tail became a built-in moment of detachment 

Whether you're leading culture renovation or just trying to recharge between shifts, this episode delivers science-backed strategies to help your veterinary team thrive—one need at a time.

Resource Links:

Episode Article

Title: Need Satisfaction and Optimal Functioning at Leisure and Work: A Longitudinal Validation Study of the DRAMMA Model

Authors: Miika Kujanpää, Christine Syrek, Dirk Lehr, Ulla Kinnunen, Jo Annika Reins, Jessica de Bloom (2020) 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00247-3

Mihály Csíkszentmihályi on Flow
Florida Man This Week - Boat Fiasco

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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. 

 Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Workplace Drama
 00:48 – A Strange Celery Stalker
 01:48 – Defining Drama in Vet Med
 02:19 – Exploring Psychological Needs
 03:55 – Loving the Job at Flourish
 06:21 – The DRAMMA Model Explained
 09:20 – Applying the DRAMMA Model to Vet Med
 10:07 – Detachment and Relaxation
 10:44 – Personal Detachment Strategies
 16:15 – Mastery and Skill Development
 17:07 – Understanding Flow States
 17:49 – Applying Flow States in Veterinary Practice
 18:07 – The Importance of Mentorship
 18:36 – Stretch Skills in Veterinary Practice
 22:03 – Autonomy and Control in the Workplace
 23:31 – Meaning and Affiliation at Work
 24:34 – Implementing Culture Renovation
 25:03 – Micro Breaks and Human Connection
 28:55 – Ask Me Anything Sessions
 32:43 – Florida Man Story
 34:21 – Conclusion and Farewell