In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m joined by Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, a litigator-turned-mediator specializing in veterinary medicine. Debra has dedicated her career to helping veterinary teams and pet owners navigate conflicts with compassion and clarity.

Let’s face it—difficult conversations are inevitable in veterinary practice. Whether it’s handling an upset client, resolving team disagreements, or addressing medical missteps, knowing how to defuse emotional “bombs” before they explode is an essential leadership skill.

In this episode, Debra shares her top strategies for handling high-stakes conversations, including the key phrases every veterinary professional should know to keep discussions constructive and to avoid escalation.

Episode Outline:

[00:00:00] –Why Conflict Resolution is a Must-Have Skill in Veterinary Medicine

[00:03:00] – The #1 Mistake Vets Make When Handling Upset Clients

[00:07:00] – Defusing the Bomb: The Art of Active Listening & De-escalation

[00:12:30] – Managing Expectations: How Transparency Prevents Future Conflicts

[00:18:45] – Top 5 Phrases Every Vet Should Use in Difficult Conversations

[00:24:15] – "Get It Right, Don’t Be Right" – The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

[00:28:30] – How to Train Your Team to Handle Conflict Effectively

Connect with Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton:

Visit Debra’s Website: Hamilton Law & Mediation

Listen to Debra’s Podcast: Why Do Pets Matter?

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: https://www.drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy 

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

Mentioned in this episode:

Mentioned in this episode:

Is managing conflict and stress within your team becoming a daily struggle?

Are strained relationships and unresolved tensions holding your veterinary practice back?

For many practice owners, navigating the complexities of team dynamics can be overwhelming. Without the right skills, stress and conflict can quickly escalate, affecting your practice’s culture and performance.

At the Veterinary Leadership Academy, we specialize in helping practice owners develop the skills to manage conflict and reduce stress. Our program will teach you effective communication strategies, how to handle difficult conversations, and ways to foster a positive, collaborative team environment.

With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll receive ongoing support to address these challenges head-on. The course is fully online, accredited, and open for applications now. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to apply today.

Don’t let conflict and stress undermine your practice. Equip yourself with the tools to lead a harmonious, high-performing team.

Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy now.