NVA Pet Peeves

In this episode we explore one of the most persistent challenges in veterinary medicine: balancing consistency with flexibility. NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh shares how medical excellence requires both clear standards and the ability to bend for real-world client needs. Then, Co-MDVM of Portland Veterinary Wellness Center, Dr. Torrey Schwartz, joins the conversation to discuss the tough choices leaders face, from extending hospital hours to supporting new grads through confidence-shaking decisions. Together, they unpack the tension between what’s best for the patient, doable for the client, and sustainable for the team, and how thoughtful frameworks help navigate the daily cost of choice.

In this episode of Pet Peeves, “All or Nothing Medicine,” NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, discusses how embracing a spectrum of care helps veterinarians deliver excellent medicine while meeting clients where they are. Managing Doctor and Field Medical Partner, Dr. Sarah Longfield, shares how she defines gold standard care in real world practice, maximizing recovery, minimizing deterioration, and partnering with pet parents to find the best possible plan for each patient. This conversation reminds us that great medicine is not about doing everything but about doing what matters most.

In veterinary medicine, even the smallest communication lapse can have major consequences. In this episode of Pet Peeves, Dr. Sandra Faeh, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Cathy Gallahorn, Medical Director at Animal Medical Care Center in Yorktown, Virginia, discuss what happens when words go missing inside the hospital. They share real-world examples of how missteps affect patient care and pet parent trust. They highlight practical strategies, like closed-loop communication, daily rounds, checklists, and visual tools, that keep information clear, consistent, and actionable for the whole team.

What happens when the culture inside a veterinary hospital breaks down? Inconsistency, toxic behaviors, and shifting priorities can leave teams disengaged and patients at risk. In this episode of NVA Pet Peeves, we explore the realities of “culture shock” in veterinary medicine and the strategies leaders can use to build healthier, more consistent workplaces.

NVA's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh shares why inconsistency is the most persistent cultural challenge across hospitals, and why training future veterinarians in leadership and culture from the very start is critical. Then, a Managing Veterinarian offers practical, boots-on-the-ground tactics for handling challenging employees, encouraging teams to “vent up” instead of laterally, and modeling uncompromising values like patient-first care.

Hospital events do more than fill a calendar. They create meaningful connections with the community, helping them stand out beyond clinical care. In this episode of Pet Peeves, Dr. Sandra Faeh, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, shares creative examples like puppy yoga and holiday celebrations, while hospital leaders Gabby Franz, Ricardo Guzman, and Erin Gomez highlight real-world wins with vendor-supported pop-ups, adoption events, and local partnerships.

They offer simple advice for hesitant teams: start small, involve your staff, and make it fun. These events build trust, educate pet owners, and connect practices with their communities in meaningful ways. Don't miss these important moments to turn normal days into lasting experiences for your team, your clients, and your community.

Strong mentorship relationships are transforming careers in veterinary medicine. Dr. Beth Neuman, NVA's Senior Director of Mentorship, shares practical solutions for building successful mentor-mentee connections. Dr. Brennen Tobias from Southlake Crossing Animal Clinic and Dr. Desiree Jones from Pet Street Veterinary Care Center discuss how mentorship influenced their career decisions and helped them navigate challenging cases.

When business goals and patient care collide, which comes first? In this episode, NVA's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and Belmont Shore Veterinary Hospital's Managing Doctor, Elyse Frank, dive into the tension between financial performance and medical excellence in veterinary practice. Join us as we explore real-world dilemmas, challenge assumptions, and ask the tough questions: Can you prioritize both—and if so, how?

In this episode of NVA Pet Peeves, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and Managing Director of Eagle Animal Hospital in Kansas City, Dr. Matthew Silvius dig into why investing in your team's growth isn't just a nice-to-have, it's critical for a thriving, sustainable practice. From building confidence and improving patient care to boosting retention and creating future leaders, staff development touches every part of a hospital's success. 

Invest in your people and reap the rewards. 

In this episode, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and UC Davis Associate Professor of Clinical Small Animal Critical Care and RECOVER Co-Chair, Dr. Jamie Burkitt dive into the critical world of veterinary CPR training and the RECOVER initiative. We explore how standardized CPR guidelines are transforming emergency care, the importance of hands-on training, and why every veterinary professional should stay up to date with these lifesaving skills. Whether you're a seasoned clinician or new to the field, this conversation will reinforce the value of preparedness when every second counts. When emergencies happen, preparation and practice make all the difference.

The veterinary field thrives on collaboration, but true progress happens when we actively support one another. In this episode, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and Kristin Salerno and Jessica Fay, explore how ally groups create safe spaces, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change in the industry. From fostering inclusivity to tackling burnout, these communities play a crucial role in shaping a stronger, more resilient profession. Tune in as we discuss why allyship matters—and how you can be part of the movement.