Boundaries aren’t just about saying no — they’re about protecting our wellbeing, our teams, and the human-animal bond. 

In this special Tails from the Lab episode for World Mental Health Day, Dr. Brad Ryan sits down with Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA Director of Member Wellbeing Initiatives, to explore the role of boundary setting in veterinary medicine.* 

Dr. Brandt shares: 

• Why boundaries are often misunderstood in practice 
• How healthy boundaries improve psychological safety, trust, and retention 
• Practical strategies for defining and communicating boundaries with colleagues and clients 
• The ripple effect boundaries have on team culture and mental health 

“When we do then have that in place, we see so many benefits, including improved retention, increased psychological safety, improved trust, improved communication, improved decision-making — because now we really are all operating on the same page.”  

– Dr. Jen Brandt 

Whether you’re a veterinary professional seeking tools for personal resilience or a leader striving to support your team, this episode offers insights to help you create healthier, more sustainable practices. 

*Our mental health podcast series is meant for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional or crisis line. 

Tails from the Lab is a production of Antech Diagnostics. The intent of this podcast is to provide education and guidance with the understanding that any diagnostic testing and treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of the attending veterinarian within the established veterinarian-patient-client relationship.