Hannah Capon is joined by Dr. Sara Jackson to discuss contextual care in veterinary medicine and its role in managing chronic pain and osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. They explore how communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence impact both caregivers and veterinary professionals. Sara shares her journey in the veterinary field, from overcoming self-doubt to becoming a leader in vet education, culture, and well-being. The conversation highlights barriers to effective care, such as team dynamics, caregiver fears, and the need for self-reflection. They also discuss how vets can better manage challenging conversations, support pet owners, and build a healthier workplace culture.

Brief Bio: Dr. Sara Jackson

Dr. Sara Jackson is a veterinary surgeon with a background in emergency and critical care (ECC), leadership training, and vet well-being advocacy. After earning a PhD in canine behavior and air-scenting, she pursued veterinary medicine at Cambridge and later became an advocate for compassionate leadership and contextualized care in veterinary practice. Sara works with VetLed, BVA Great Vet Workplaces, and VetLife while continuing to educate and mentor professionals on creating supportive, empathetic work environments.

Key Takeaways

1. Contextual care is about adaptability – every case is unique, requiring an individualized approach based on the pet’s condition, caregiver situation, and veterinary team dynamics.
2. Veterinary leadership culture matters – supportive leadership helps professionals thrive, reducing stress and improving patient outcomes.
3. Communication is a clinical skill – non-verbal cues, tone, and engagement play a huge role in building trust with pet owners.
4. Reflection improves decision-making – taking time to assess past interactions helps professionals refine their approach to patient care.
5. Self-compassion is crucial – veterinary professionals need to recognize emotional fatigue, set boundaries, and seek support when needed.

Learn more about CAM: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canine_arthritis
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CanineArthritisManagement
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canine-arthritis-management-ltd

Have questions send them to: [email protected]

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.