Dr. Andy Roark and Maria Pirita respond to a mailbag from a “soul tired” veterinary medical director who has spent a year writing SOPs, mentoring early-career vets, and trying to fix culture, only to feel ignored, unsupported by upper management, and financially penalized because leadership time pulls her out of the exam room. They unpack the resentment and burnout risk, emphasize acceptance of “what is” versus “what should be,” and warn that “your job will never love you back,” so boundaries and realistic success metrics matter. Action steps focus on solving the collective action problem by recruiting champions, connecting changes to purpose and team values, starting small to build momentum, and using habit-building principles to make protocols obvious, easy, attractive, and satisfying. Mentioned resources include prior episodes on awful leaders, training initiative, and resentment, plus the contact email [email protected]

Maria Pirita is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional and former hospital administrator. In her work with Uncharted Veterinary Conference and beyond, Maria has presented to veterinarians and teams across the US and Canada on topics including veterinary marketing, feedback, team building, and positive work culture. With over 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine and over 20 years in leadership, she's passionate helping leaders develop their skills. Maria loves any activity that involves creativity or learning something new. This leads to an abundance of hobbies including crafting, traveling, cooking and aviation.

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