The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the critical topic of organizational culture within veterinary medicine, particularly in veterinary hospitals, which frequently lack a supportive environment conducive to career growth. Fundamental elements of a healthy organizational culture include the establishment of clear policies and procedures, utilizing employee manuals, and conducting regular evaluations and feedback. 

The podcast emphasizes that individuals can effect positive change in culture by managing their emotional responses and reframing their perspectives on workplace challenges. Rather than perceiving themselves as victims of a negative culture, employees can choose to concentrate on their own actions and contributions.

The discussion also brings attention to the necessity of addressing workplace bullying and ensuring that there are clear policies for reporting such behavior. A well-managed organization should not exhibit cliques or divisions among staff, as these often indicate underlying issues with communication and expectations.

Key takeaways: 

1. The episode discusses the significance of organizational culture in veterinary medicine and leadership's role in shaping it.
2. Effective leadership is essential for establishing a positive culture through clear policies and procedures.
3. An employee handbook is necessary to clarify expectations, behaviors, and feedback processes.
4. Employees should not accept environments that conflict with their morals, ethics, or values.
5. Open communication with leadership about culture and policies is encouraged for improvement.

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the unpredictability of veterinary practice, the impact of human errors, and the unrealistic pursuit of perfection. It emphasizes the importance of accepting human fallibility, understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process, and fostering self-compassion. 

The principle of "first do no harm" is explored, highlighting the intention behind actions rather than the outcomes. The podcast also stresses the significance of building trust within oneself to establish strong relationships with clients. 

Veterinary professionals are reminded of their qualifications and encouraged to focus on the positive impacts they make, letting go of guilt and shame associated with past mistakes. The overarching message is to embrace veterinary medicine as a journey of growth, where doing one's best in each moment is what truly matters.

Key takeaways:

1. Challenges in Veterinary Practice: Veterinary professionals face unpredictability and emotional struggles, often dealing with outcomes that do not meet expectations and human errors that lead to guilt and shame.
2. Acceptance of Human Fallibility: The podcast emphasizes that veterinary medicine is a practice where mistakes are inevitable. It encourages acceptance of human fallibility and making decisions with the best available information and intentions at the time.
3. Critique of Perfectionism: Perfectionism is seen as detrimental to self-trust and team dynamics. The relentless pursuit of perfection can create a toxic work environment and hinder professional growth.
4. Principle of "First Do No Harm": This principle is about the intention to help rather than guaranteeing the absence of discomfort or suffering. Self-judgment based on future evaluations of past decisions can lead to guilt and shame.
5. Building Trusting Relationships: Trust within oneself is foundational to building trusting relationships with clients. Approaching client interactions with self-doubt and shame can hinder rapport, while focusing on the best interests of the patient and client can mitigate adverse outcomes.
6. Qualifications and Decision-Making: Veterinary professionals are reminded of their qualifications and the importance of making informed decisions based on available resources,

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise addresses the common scenario where acquaintances ask veterinary professionals for pet advice outside of a clinical setting, often leading to feelings of annoyance and frustration.

She emphasizes the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries, and explains that these requests often stem from trust and concern for pets, reflecting a level of comfort with the veterinary professional that may not exist with their regular providers. 

She encourages veterinary professionals to reconsider their initial reactions and understand the relational dynamics at play. She also discusses the broader implications of client interactions, noting that many veterinary professionals feel overwhelmed by client behavior, which can lead to burnout and stress.

She critiques the tendency to link personal wellbeing to client behavior and advocates for veterinary professionals to take ownership of their wellbeing. She highlights the importance of effective communication in veterinary practice, suggesting that many negative client experiences result from clients feeling unheard or judged. By engaging in high-value conversations and approaching interactions with compassion, veterinary professionals can build trust and improve client relationships.

Key takeaways:

1. Setting Boundaries: Veterinary professionals often face inquiries about pets from friends, family, or acquaintances outside of work. Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes the importance of setting and maintaining clear boundaries to avoid compromising their personal time and well being.
2. Understanding Motivations: People who seek veterinary advice outside of a professional context often do so out of trust and concern for their pets. This trust may stem from discomfort or negative experiences with their regular veterinary providers.
3. Emotional Drivers: Every action, including seeking advice, is driven by emotion. Recognizing this can help veterinary professionals understand the relational dynamics at play and respond with empathy rather than annoyance.
4. Communication is Key: Ineffective communication can lead to negative client experiences. Engaging in "high-value conversations" that address concerns and clarify misunderstandings can build trust and improve relationships.
5. Personal Responsib

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the concept of living in alignment, which she elaborates on in her bestselling book "Radical Freedom." 

Living in alignment involves making choices free from fear and societal expectations and is essential for personal fulfillment. She outlines three pillars of alignment: the physical mind, personal essence, and universal connection. She explains that many people, especially in the veterinary field, rely heavily on logic, which can limit their potential. 

She encourages listeners to explore their personal essence and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings. Despite the challenges, she urges veterinary professionals to trust their intuition to improve both their professional and personal lives. 

Key takeaways:

1. Theme of the Podcast:
2. The podcast focuses on the concept of living in alignment to achieve radical freedom.
3. This theme is also explored in Dr. Wise's co-authored book "Radical Freedom," which is internationally acclaimed.
4. Living in Alignment:
5. Defined as a personal journey toward freedom, characterized by making choices without fear and exploring diverse ideas.
6. Emphasizes the importance of aligning with one's true self for fulfillment, which requires intention and effort.
7. Societal Influence:
8. Individuals are born without societal expectations but absorb them over time from parents, teachers, and peers.
9. These societal rules can create rigid definitions of a fulfilling life, which may not align with personal fulfillment.
10. Three Pillars of Alignment:
11. Physical Mind: Involves logical thinking and data reliance, which can restrict experiences and potential.
12. Personal Essence: Represents the soul or spirit, crucial for understanding one's true self and potential.
13. Universal Connection: Emphasizes interconnectedness and the significance of perceived coincidences as manifestations of this connection.
14. Challenges for Veterinary Professionals:
15. Veterinary professionals may struggle to trust their intuition due to their scientific training.
16. Dr. Wise encourages embracing intuitive abilities to enhance both professional practice and personal life.

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses burnout among veterinary professionals, highlighting three key indicators: consistently arriving early and staying late, skipping lunch breaks, and disengagement from life outside of work. 

She explains that these behaviors stem from misconceptions about productivity and self-care, and they can lead to inefficiency and neglect of personal wellbeing. Dr. Wise advises professionals to critically evaluate their work habits, communicate openly with leadership about scheduling, and prioritize self-care and personal interests. 

She emphasizes that these patterns can be unlearned and encourages seeking support, such as through the Vet Life Academy program, to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.

Key takeaways:

1. Indicators of Burnout:
   1. Arriving Early and Leaving Late: This behavior can lead to inefficiency and is often unsustainable. It may indicate a need to evaluate work habits and communicate with leadership about scheduling and staffing issues.
   2. Skipping Lunch Breaks: Forgoing breaks to catch up on work can perpetuate neglect of self-care. Taking even short breaks can significantly improve energy and focus.
   3. Disengagement from Life Outside Work: Sacrificing hobbies, friendships, and self-care can lead to burnout. Re-engaging with personal interests and relationships is crucial for a fulfilling life.
2. Actionable Strategies:
   1. Evaluate Work Habits: Consider if the extra hours are necessary or if there are underlying issues that need addressing.
   2. Take Breaks: Ensure to take lunch breaks and short breaks to recharge.
   3. Re-engage with Personal Life: Prioritize self-care and personal interests to maintain a balanced life.
3. Support and Resources:
   1. Vet Life Academy Program: This program can help veterinary professionals regain control over their work-life balance.
   2. Mindset and Support: Change is possible with the right mindset and support, leading to a fulfilling life even in a demanding profession.

Resources: 

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You! 

https://joyfuld

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise shares twelve tips to inspire and empower listeners in their careers and personal lives. 

Key points include focusing on effort over perfection, understanding that patient outcomes and client decisions are beyond a veterinarian's control, and the importance of aligning work with personal values. She advises against overworking, excessive venting, and relying on historical statistics for future predictions. 

Dr. Wise also emphasizes concise documentation, viewing job loss as growth, normalizing anxiety, finding joy despite financial burdens, and controlling perspectives to improve wellbeing. She concludes by encouraging listeners to share the podcast and join the Vet Life Academy for further support.

Key takeaways:

1. Effort Over Perfection: Focus on effort rather than perfection in veterinary practice, accepting that not all outcomes will meet expectations.
2. Patient Outcomes: Understand that patient outcomes are largely beyond the veterinarian's control due to individual patient physiology.
3. Client Decisions: Recognize that veterinarians cannot control client decisions regarding treatment recommendations and that these decisions do not reflect on the veterinarian's worth.
4. Aligning with Values: Leave jobs that conflict with personal morals, ethics, or values to maintain mental health and job satisfaction.
5. Work-Life Balance: Avoid staying late or arriving early to finish tasks, and prioritize a healthy work-life balance.
6. Limit Negative Conversations: Excessive venting and commiseration can harm emotional wellbeing; limit time spent on negative discussions.
7. Historical Statistics: Historical statistics on mental health risks do not dictate individual futures; focus on personal choices and potential.
8. Documentation: Extensive medical records do not necessarily prevent board complaints; prioritize concise documentation and trust professional judgment.
9. Job Loss: Being fired is not a source of shame but an opportunity for growth and reflection.
10. Anxiety: Feelings of anxiety related to cases or client interactions are normal; recognizing this can help alleviate pressure.
11. Financial Contentment: Paying off student loans does not guarantee happiness;

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise, discusses five common negative aspects in veterinary careers and offers strategies to mitigate their impact on wellbeing. 

These aspects include:

1. Client Behavior
2. Unexpected Patient Outcomes
3. Unanticipated Schedule Changes
4. Out-of-Stock Items
5. Broken Equipment

Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes that these aspects are neutral until a negative narrative is assigned to them. By adopting a mindset of observation rather than judgment, veterinary professionals can maintain their peace and joy.

Resources: 

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You! 

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

Follow me:

Website: https://joyfuldvm.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18257625/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfuldvm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyfulDVM

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoyfulDVM

Pinte

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise addresses the challenges faced by new graduates in their first five years of practice, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the gradual development of confidence and skills. 

Dr. Wise highlights the need for patience and practice in areas such as client communication, case management, and decision-making. She advises against comparing oneself to more experienced colleagues and stresses the creation of a supportive environment for personal growth. 

The episode also discusses the detrimental effects of self-criticism, fear, and unrealistic expectations on veterinary professionals. Dr. Wise promotes compassion, self-reflection, and a positive work culture to ensure wellbeing and success in the field. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Challenges for New Graduates: New veterinary graduates face significant challenges in their first five years of practice, including building confidence and skills.
2. Importance of Self-Acceptance: Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and acknowledges that developing proficiency takes time.
3. Patience and Practice: Key areas requiring patience and practice include client communication, case management, and decision-making.
4. Avoid Comparisons: New professionals should avoid comparing themselves to more experienced colleagues to foster personal growth.
5. Negative Impact of Self-Criticism: Self-criticism, fear, and unrealistic expectations can negatively affect both new and seasoned veterinary professionals.
6. Advocacy for Compassion and Positive Culture: Dr. Wise advocates for compassion, self-reflection, and cultivating a positive work culture to ensure well-being and success.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from Pixabay

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise, discusses the impact of beliefs on life and career, using daylight saving time changes as an analogy to illustrate how external factors can challenge beliefs. Dr. Wise emphasizes that beliefs shape actions and outcomes and encourages listeners to reflect on their initial beliefs in the veterinary field and challenge negative narratives.

She highlights how veterinary professionals can adopt limiting beliefs over time, such as feeling trapped by debt or toxic work environments, and argues that these beliefs are learned, not truths. Dr. Wise advocates for reshaping these beliefs to create a more positive career experience. She discusses self-fulfilling prophecies and shared beliefs within the veterinary community, urging listeners to challenge conventional wisdom and consider alternative perspectives.

Dr. Wise offers a new masterclass on identifying and shifting core beliefs, providing tools to reframe mindsets and regain control over career and life choices. She calls on veterinary professionals to reassess their beliefs, break free from limiting narratives, and cultivate a mindset that promotes joy, fulfillment, and resilience in their field.

Key takeaways:

1. Impact of Beliefs: Dr. Cari Wise emphasizes that beliefs significantly impact life and career, shaping actions and outcomes.
2. Challenging Negative Narratives: Veterinary professionals often adopt limiting beliefs over time, such as feeling trapped by debt or toxic work environments. Dr. Wise argues these beliefs are learned and can be reshaped for a more positive career experience.
3. Self-Fulfilling Prophecies: The episode discusses how shared beliefs in the veterinary community can become self-fulfilling prophecies, reinforcing negative outcomes.
4. Intentional Belief Changes: Dr. Wise encourages intentional changes in beliefs to create a joyful and fulfilling life.
5. Masterclass on Beliefs: She offers a new masterclass on identifying and shifting core beliefs, providing tools to reframe mindsets and regain control over career and life choices.

Resources: 

🤫 Secret Podcast:  https://joyfuldvm.com/3beliefs

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A C

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

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In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the concept of getting offended, particularly when clients do not follow veterinary recommendations. She emphasizes the importance of detaching from outcomes beyond one's control to avoid frustration and offense. 

She highlights the need to separate ego from the ability to serve, as clients are not obligated to follow recommendations, challenges the belief that success is tied to external validation, and stresses the importance of self-confidence and courage in professional interactions.

She advises listeners to recognize and address feelings of offense, which often stem from personalizing others' behaviors. She encourages focusing on controllable aspects such as beliefs, emotions, and actions to achieve wellbeing.

Key takeaways:

1. Detachment from Outcomes: Dr. Wise emphasizes the importance of detaching from outcomes beyond one's control, such as client decisions, to avoid frustration and offense.
2. Separation of Ego and Service: It's crucial to separate one's ego from the ability to serve, understanding that clients are not obligated to follow recommendations.
3. Self-Confidence and Courage: Success should not be tied to external validation. Instead, self-confidence and courage in professional interactions are essential.
4. Addressing Feelings of Offense: Feelings of offense often stem from personalizing others' behaviors. Recognizing and addressing these feelings is important.
5. Focus on Controllables: Focus on what one can control, including beliefs, emotions, and actions, to achieve wellbeing.
6. Self-Acceptance and Compassion: Self-acceptance and compassion are powerful tools in overcoming insecurities and fear-based emotions.
7. Responsibility for Wellbeing: Interrupt the narrative of blaming others for offense and take responsibility for personal wellbeing.
8. Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Leveraging the space within oneself is key for personal growth and lasting fulfillment.

Music Credit: Music by Lesfm from

Resources:

⭐Get The Alternative Career Guide for Veterinary Professionals: Create A Career Tailored to You!

https://joyfuldvm.com/jobguide

⭐Join VetMed;JOY CLUB: Elevate Your Life & Veterinary Career Experience

https://joyfuldvm.com/joyclub

⭐Listen to The Joyful DVM Podcast: Be Inspired by Empowering Perspectives on Navigating Life as A Veterinary Professional

https://joyfuldvm.com/podcast

⭐Join VET LIFE ACADEMY: Transform Your Veterinary Life & Career from the inside out

https://joyfuldvm.com/vetlifeacademy

⭐Learn How to Support Your Organization and Enhance Employee Wellbeing

https://joyfuldvm.com/organizations

Follow me:

Website: https://joyfuldvm.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18257625/

Instagram: ...