In this episode, Dr. Andy Roark welcomes Dr. Phil Richmond, founder of Flourishing Phoenix, to dive into the U.S. Surgeon General's Framework for Mental Health in the Workplace. They discuss how veterinary practices can address psychosocial hazards, implement effective risk assessments, and foster a culture of wellbeing that supports teams without creating unnecessary stress. You’ll gain actionable insights into leadership strategies, the PERMA framework, and practical ways to enhance connection, recognition, and resilience in your practice. If you’re ready to prioritize mental health and build a thriving veterinary workplace, this episode is for you. Let’s get into this episode!

LINKS

Workplace Wellbeing Study Referenced

Dr. Phil Richmond at Flourish

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Philip Richmond is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants, LLC. As a practicing vet, he champions a positive work culture, emphasizing psychological health, safety, and wellbeing in veterinary settings. He has taken pivotal roles in both state and global initiatives to promote workplace wellbeing in veterinary medicine. Among his roles, Dr. Richmond has served as Chief Medical and Wellbeing Officer for Veterinary United and currently chairs the Florida Veterinary Medical Association's Professional Wellbeing Committee. Beyond his advocacy, he contributes as a writer, speaker, and podcast guest, and has earned various certifications in positive psychology, workplace wellbeing, and suicide prevention. Dr. Richmond is a speaker and published writer, including having co-authored “Psychological Health and Safety Guidelines” from Veterinary Visionaries. He is a frequent veterinary podcast guest and holds multiple certifications in applied positive psychology, appreciative inquiry, workplace wellbeing, psychological health & safety, trauma-informed workplaces, resilience training, behavior change, and suicide prevention. He has been awarded the FVMA Gold Star, FVMA Veterinarian of the Year, Uncharted Veterinary Community Founder’s Award, Blue Buffalo Together for Pets Award, and a finalist for the US Bright Minds Veterinary Wellness Champion Award.

Ever wondered what the next level of Fear Free handling really looks like? Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Dr. Megan Bauer and Jessica Osborne of Latah Creek Animal Hospital in Spokane, Washington, to explore their transformative journey into Fear Free practice. From navigating staff and client turnover to implementing innovative low-stress handling techniques, this duo shares how they’ve created a practice where pets, clients, and team members thrive. Discover practical tips, lessons learned, and inspiration for building a Fear Free culture in any clinic. Gang, you're gonna love this episode!

LINKS

Follow Latah Creek Animal Hospital on Instagram

Fear Free Handling

Dr. Know-It-All Card Game

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag: drandyroark.com/shop

All Links: linktr.ee/DrAndyRoark

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Dr. Megan Bauer, DVM, Fear Free Certified Elite

Dr. Megan Bauer, co-owner and medical director of Latah Creek Animal Hospital, graduated from Washington State University in 2015 and became Spokane’s first Fear Free Certified veterinarian. She is currently an Elite Fear Free certified professional. She is passionate about behavioral medicine and feline care but loves all her patients. Outside of work, Dr. Bauer enjoys camping, four-wheeling, and agility training with her two dogs, Remy Pierre and Oliver Elvis, and spending time with her three cats, Trixie, Chandler, and Jinkx.

Jessica Osborne, CVPM, Fear Free Trailblazer

Jessica Osborne, co-owner and hospital manager of Latah Creek Animal Hospital, has been in veterinary medicine since 2003 and earned her CVPM in 2016, becoming Spokane’s first. A Fear Free advocate, she helped get the first clinic in Eastern WA certified and most recently helped Latah Creek achieve Fear Free Practice Certification in 2021. Jessica is a thoughtful leader who values positivity and accountability. On weekends, she enjoys riding dirt bikes with her husband and kids, alongside their two dogs, Benelli and Dash, and two cats, Rocco Wilson and Gustov.

Dr. Ernie Ward joins Dr. Andy Roark to discuss the challenges of discussing pet obesity with clients and practical strategies for creating urgency and motivating pet owners to take action. This episode of the Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast dives deep into the psychology of weight loss conversations, emphasizing the importance of permission, framing the discussion around quality of life, and focusing on actionable steps. Dr. Ward shares his insights and experiences, offering valuable tools for veterinary professionals to navigate these difficult conversations with compassion and achieve better outcomes for their patients. This episode is brought to you ad-free by Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Intended for Veterinary Professionals. Opinions expressed within this content are solely the speaker's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Hill's or its affiliates.

Check out the downloadable team training worksheet and follow along together! Empower your team to educate clients using the notes and discussion questions.

LINKS

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Hill's Veterinary Academy

Pet Obesity Prevention Organization

Dr. Andy Roark Exam Room Communication Tool Box Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Charming the Angry Client Team Training Course

Dr. Andy Roark Swag

All Links

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Ernie Ward is an award-winning veterinarian, internationally known speaker, impact entrepreneur, author of several books, columnist, and media personality. A 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia, he was voted Speaker of the Year at both VMX and WVC conferences, the 2018 Veterinary Journalist of the Year, the recipient of the US National Veterinary Practice of Excellence Award, and has received many veterinary and civic recognitions.

Dr. Ward is involved on the Boards of many animal organizations, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Morris Animal Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board and Animal Welfare Advisory Board, Grey Muzzle Society, CATalyst Council, and the Southern European Veterinary Conference's Scientific Committee and Practice Management Chairperson.

Dr. Ward is the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association. He is also the editor of the forthcoming textbook titled Veterinary Clinical Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Causes, Consequences, and Interventions, First Edition, which Wiley will publish. He is known for improving veterinary medical standards through his clinical education programs and promoting a higher quality of life and healthier habits for pets and people.

When he’s not with family or pet patients, he can be found contemplating solutions for both the veterinary profession and the planet during endurance athletics, meditation, and on his award-winning weekly podcast, the Veterinary Viewfinder, or his regular column, “Opening Shots,” in NAVC’s “Today’s Veterinary Business.”