Four Themes Emerging from Recent Conversations Across the Veterinary Profession
Over recent episodes of the Modern Veterinary Practice Podcast, we’ve had the opportunity to speak with a range of clinicians, practice owners, and leaders from across the profession.
While each conversation has been shaped by individual experience, background, and context, a number of shared themes have begun to emerge. These aren’t definitive conclusions, nor universal truths – but they are patterns that feel worth pausing on and reflecting upon.
Below are four themes that have surfaced repeatedly in recent discussions, including our latest conversation with Ian Stroud and Francesca Verney of Pet People Vets.
1. An increasing focus on people as the foundation of practice culture
Many veterinary leaders are placing greater emphasis on how teams experience their working environment, recognising that culture plays a meaningful role in the sustainability of a practice.
This does not replace the need for robust systems or clinical standards, but rather highlights the importance of intentionally shaping how people work together, how values are communicated, and how behaviours are supported over time.
In practices where this approach is embedded, culture tends to be treated as something that is actively maintained and revisited, rather than assumed.
2. A more nuanced understanding of burnout and wellbeing
Conversations around wellbeing continue to evolve, with increasing recognition that burnout is influenced by multiple factors.
Alongside workload and time pressure, some leaders have highlighted the role that limited variety, reduced clinical challenge, or lack of development opportunities can play in long-term disengagement.
As a result, some practices are exploring ways to balance appropriate challenge with meaningful support, while also maintaining clear boundaries, recovery time, and flexibility where possible.
3. The consult room as a focal point for connection and communication
Across multiple discussions, the consult room has been identified as a central space for building trust and alignment between veterinary teams and clients.
When clinicians feel supported in developing communication skills and reflecting on consult experiences, this can strengthen confidence, collaboration, and shared decision-making.
As a result, many practices are increasingly viewing the consult as a relational space, recognising its wider influence on practice outcomes, client experience, and team satisfaction.
4. Leadership that remains visible, consistent, and connected
Leadership has emerged as another important theme, particularly the value of being present and accessible within practice environments.
Leaders who remain connected to day-to-day practice life – whether through clinical involvement, regular team engagement, or open communication – can help foster clarity and trust within teams.
Alongside this, consistency between stated values and everyday actions has been highlighted as a key factor in supporting stable and supportive working environments.
Reflecting on the direction of the profession
Taken together, these themes suggest a profession that is actively reflecting on how veterinary practice is structured, led, and experienced.
There is no single approach that will suit every setting. However, these conversations point towards a shared interest in creating environments that are thoughtful, sustainable, and supportive – for the people within them, as well as for the animals and clients they serve.
As these discussions continue, they offer valuable opportunities for reflection, learning, and ongoing development across the profession.
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