Feeling isolated as an equine veterinarian? You're not alone. With over 63% of equine practitioners working solo, the struggle to maintain work-life balance while providing excellent care can feel overwhelming. But what if there's a better way?

In this candid conversation, three experienced equine veterinarians share how intentional collaboration transformed their practices from isolated endeavors into sustainable, community-supported businesses. Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian reveals how a sudden transition to solo practice led to an innovative partnership with another local veterinarian - sharing equipment, knowledge, and weekend on-call duties that made independent practice feasible. Dr. Stacey Cordivano describes how meeting another solo practitioner at yoga class evolved into jointly purchasing equipment, sharing staff, and covering emergencies, admitting "if we hadn't had each other, there's no way we'd still be equine vets."

Dr. Misty Gray tackles common fears about collaboration head-on: Will clients switch loyalties? What about different practice styles or pricing structures? Kelly, Misty and Stacey's experiences show that these concerns rarely materialize. Instead, they've discovered that clients appreciate the support system and continuity of care that collaborative relationships provide.

For introverts who find networking intimidating, the episode offers practical strategies for building professional relationships: attending local CE events, making intentional introductions at barns, or simply sending an email to colleagues in your area. The hosts emphasize that established practitioners have a responsibility to welcome newcomers, while newer veterinarians should push past discomfort to initiate connections.

Whether you're a solo practitioner looking for sustainability, a practice owner wanting to improve culture, or an associate seeking community, this episode provides actionable insights for building the collaborative relationships that make equine practice not just survivable, but truly rewarding. 

Join us at AAEP Convention for more discussion on practice culture, or explore programs like Decade One for structured community-building opportunities.

Resources:

• 2023 AAEP Fee Survey
• Practice Culture resources from AAEP

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

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What does growth really mean for your veterinary practice? In this honest conversation on Vet Truck Confidential, Dr. Stacey Cordivano joins equine veterinarians Dr. Misty Gray and Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian to challenge conventional wisdom about practice expansion.

The veterinary profession often glorifies the hustle, celebrating packed schedules and constant growth. But is adding more clients always the answer? Our three experienced equine practitioners reveal a potentially surprising truth: a simple 1% price increase can boost profitability by 11% without seeing a single additional patient. This insight alone could transform how you approach your practice's financial health.

We explore what growth means at different career stages - from the early years focused on building clientele to later phases where quality of care and work-life balance take precedence. Dr. Cordivano shares her personal journey from initial growth to strategic client selection, while Dr. Gray discusses the power of being content with your current practice size. Dr. Zeytoonian discusses the constant need to tweak what is the right amount of support for her team.

For those looking to increase profitability, we offer practical alternatives to simply adding more appointments: proper product markup (minimum 65%), increasing services to existing clients, and investing in support staff to maximize billable hours. These strategies allow for growth without the burnout that often accompanies an expanding client base.

Perhaps most importantly, we emphasize aligning practice decisions with your personal vision rather than fear or industry pressure. Whether you dream of a four-day work week or aim to pay off student loans rapidly, success should be defined on your terms.

Ready to rethink what practice growth means for you? Listen now, and don't forget to do your homework: check your medication markups, evaluate your billable hours, and take time to reflect on whether your current path aligns with your long-term vision.

Resources that we mentioned:

AAEP FEE SURVEY

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Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

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Thank you for your time and support!

Another episode of Vet Truck Confidential with Doctors Kelly Zeytoonian, Misty Gray and Stacey Cordivano. These experienced equine veterinarians share their insights on essential equipment, financial planning, and smart investments when starting a practice, providing a practical roadmap for new and aspiring practice owners.

• Starting a practice requires careful consideration of essential equipment versus nice-to-have items
• Dental equipment provides excellent ROI with minimal maintenance requirements
• Digital radiography immediately legitimizes a new practice, especially in competitive markets
• Smaller investments like professional emails, websites, and software can significantly enhance client perception
• Alternative ultrasound options can replace larger units for many applications
• Gastroscopes often struggle to justify their investment unless you're in a specialty or racetrack practice
• Financing options include manufacturer payment plans, distributor delayed billing programs, and personal loans
• Total startup costs for a well-equipped mobile practice with modest salary: approximately $250k over three years
• Collaboration with other veterinarians through equipment sharing can reduce initial investment needs
• Professional software like G Suite and Canva offer cost-effective ways to appear established and organized

If you're considering practice ownership and have questions, reach out to us directly or suggest topics for future episodes. We're happy to dive deeper into specific areas in upcoming installments.

***Article to check out: Seeding the Field to Grow Future Owners by Dr. Ciera Guardia on page 257

---> AI made this summary, but it's a pretty good one! Thanks again for listening and we hope you are doing well. If you need anything at all, find out contact info at https://www.decadeonevet.com/about. Talk to you soon! -SC-

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It's likely that everyone could use a tune up on the idea of their personal brand. Listen in as Kelly, Misty and Stacey talk through their thoughts on personal and professional branding. It's an exercise that, honestly, none of us have done in awhile! We may be solid on our core values but clearly we still need some clarity in other areas ;)

We discuss the crucial interplay between personal branding and veterinary practice, emphasizing authenticity and connection. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to integrate their unique traits into their professional identity.

• Importance of personal branding in veterinary medicine 
• Personal vs professional branding in practice 
• Strategies to enhance client relationships through branding 
• Adapting communication styles for varied client needs 
• Using core values as a starting point for your personal brand 

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
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This episode centers around the evolution of equine veterinary careers and personal missions - highlighting how three colleagues redefined their paths with the support of community and programs like Decade One. Through candid conversations, Stacey, Kelly, and Misty explore the challenges of finding fulfillment in a demanding profession and the importance of collaboration, personal growth, and sustainability in veterinary practice. 

• Discussion on personal career evolution from vet school dreams to current realities 
• Introduction to Decade One and its role in fostering community among veterinarians 
• Sharing journeys of career transformation and embracing flexibility 
• Conversations about the challenges faced by recent graduates in equine practice 
• Insights on the significance of mentorship and supportive networks 
• The creation of Sustainability and Equine Practice Seminars as a response to industry needs 
•  Plans for future collaborations through Decade One and the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar series 
• Encouragement to pursue personal fulfillment and redefine veterinary paths

Find out more!
www.decadeonevet.com
www.sepseminars.com
AAEP Scholarship for Decade One Membership

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!

Is your veterinary team feeling overwhelmed and disconnected? Discover how a simple two-word check-in can transform your team meetings and create a supportive work environment. Inspired by Brene Brown, we share practical advice on gauging your team's headspace and offering them the support they need.
...
See other episodes on running effective meetings featuring Dr. Kim Harmon.
Episode 65 Part 1
Episode 66 Part 2
...
About the series!
Join us on Vet Truck Confidential, a candid and engaging podcast series where we explore the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of equine veterinarians on the road. Each episode dives into the heart of veterinary practice with insightful conversations and stories from the field. Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, get ready for an inside look at the world of equine practice like never before.
...

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!

Can we improve efficiency in veterinary medicine? We'd like to think so! In this episode, we explore personal journeys and the innovative strategies that Kelly, Misty & Stacey have adopted to manage their careers while nurturing their personal lives.

Here's what AI wrote :)
Discover the power of delegation and the mantra "done is better than perfect," especially in medical record-keeping. Our guests also share practical tips, such as creating weekly dinner menus and grocery lists to reduce mental load and make room for what truly matters. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will help you find harmony between your professional and personal life.
...
About the series!
Join us on Vet Truck Confidential, a candid and engaging podcast series where we explore the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of equine veterinarians on the road. Each episode dives into the heart of veterinary practice with insightful conversations and stories from the field. Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, get ready for an inside look at the world of equine practice like never before.
...
Join us for the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar in September!
There is still time to get in on all the fun - check out www.sepseminars.com for more info.

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!

Introducing the VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL series! Join Doctors Kelly Zeytoonian, Misty Gold & Stacey Cordivano as we have casual conversations about all things vetmed and life.

Ever wondered how to make your veterinary team feel truly appreciated and engaged? Today we tackle the art of recognizing employee milestones and making every team member feel valued. We'll also discuss the importance of tailoring feedback and recognition to individual preferences.

Here's what AI wrote!
But that's not all—this episode offers a deep dive into effective feedback practices and team-building strategies. We emphasize the significance of regular check-ins over annual reviews and introduce tools like "stay interviews" and structured self-reviews to maintain open lines of communication.  Whether you're a practice owner or team leader, tune in for actionable insights to enhance team cohesion and ensure everyone feels heard and appreciated.

RESOURCES!
Reward and Recognition Survey
Feedback Survey
Stay Interview Guidelines
Rippling HR tool

About the series!
Join us on Vet Truck Confidential, a candid and engaging podcast series where we explore the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of equine veterinarians on the road. Each episode dives into the heart of veterinary practice with insightful conversations and stories from the field. Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, get ready for an inside look at the world of equine practice like never before.

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!

How has mentorship affected you in your veterinary career? There is no doubt we all have stories, both positive and negative, of relationships that have shaped our world in veterinary medicine. Dr. Addie Reinhart joins me to talk all things mentorship and her goal of helping everyone to do it better. Supporting one another in this crazy veterinary journey will ultimately elevate the entire profession.

More about Addie...
Dr. Addie Reinhard is a veterinary well-being researcher. Her research focuses on developing innovative wellbeing interventions to support mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary profession. She is on the research team for the next phase of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Well-being Study and is currently collaborating with Merck Animal Health to grow and expand MentorVet. She completed a master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from the University of Kentucky in Spring 2021
and has a certificate in Veterinary Human Support from the University of Tennessee. Her work incorporates suicide prevention in the veterinary profession, and she is a certified QPR instructor and SafeTALK trainer.
-Find her on LinkedIn!

Find Out What's Happening at MentorVet...
-MentorVet Website featuring the Lead, Leap, Tech, and Lift programs
-A great article on Well Being and Self Care from the MentorVet blog
-National Mentoship Program through the AVMA MentorVet Connect
-Facebook
-Instagram
-LinkedIn

.....

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!

Ever wondered how a career leap within the veterinary field actually goes? Dr. Cara Wright joins us to share her journey from clinical practice into equine professional services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health.

AI wrote this part ;)
Find out how Dr. Cara is leveraging her new platform to make a positive impact in the veterinary world, and how personal milestones like her engagement and triathlon pursuits intertwine with her professional evolution. Amidst the laughter and candid revelations, we traverse the emotional landscape of departing from hands-on clinical work, embracing the multifaceted world of veterinary industry opportunities. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for any veterinary professional contemplating a bold career shift.
...

Hear the first interview ever recorded for TWV - featuring the very same Cara Wright!

Check out Cara's recommendation for airplane headphones

Connect further with Cara - [email protected]

Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!

Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com

IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!