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

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