Veterinary Shortage Strategies with Dr Stuart Burrough of Vet Marlborough – pt 3 of 3
Veterinary shortage strategies
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for a clinic that places a strong emphasis on paying its staff well enough to remove money as a motivator?
Can you imagine being part of a clinic that truly values personal and professional growth?
How about being on a team where part-timers are valued and respected as members of the team?
That’s what todays episode of Paws Claws & Wet Noses is all about. This is the final episode in the three-part series with Dr. Stuart Burrough of Vet Marlborough.
Veterinary Shortage Strategies – Working for a Clinic that Values its Staff
In this episode, Julie South shares her final discussion with Dr Stuart Burrough, companion animal veterinarian and owner of Vet Marlborough. We explored the veterinary shortage and the strategies implemented by Vet Marlborough to mitigate these shortages.
Paying People Well to Remove Money as a Motivator
In the previous episodes, Dr Stuart shared different guiding principles that make Vet Marlborough a great place to work, emphasising their PEOPLE.first approach.
Today, he discusses the importance of paying people well enough so that money is taken off the table as a motivator. He also delves into the necessary mindset shifts needed in the veterinary business to foster personal and professional growth.
Understanding Different Personality Types
One valuable aspect Dr Stuart highlights is understanding different personality types.
Moreover, as the team at Vet Marlborough grows, they aim to embrace diversity in their staff. This results in a greater diversity of thought and fresh ideas. However, this also means recognising that not everybody thinks the same way. Everyone has a different personality types and their strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding how to communicate effectively with various personality types benefits both staff management and client interactions.
Dr Stuart emphasises the need to adapt and communicate differently with clients based on their preferences. This includes whether they seek technical information or prefer a straightforward approach.
This understanding has been instrumental in creating a positive work environment and improving client satisfaction.
Global Veterinary Shortage
Addressing the global veterinary shortage, Dr Stuart acknowledges that many factors have contributed to this predicament.
The profession has experienced an exodus of veterinarians due to inadequate training and poor retention practices.
The industry’s low pay, competition on price among practices, long working hours, and unfavourable employment conditions have led many to leave prematurely.
Changing expectations of clients
Additionally, the changing expectations of clients, who consider their pets as family members, have added pressure on veterinarians to meet unrealistic demands. After-hours services have also been a challenge. This is particularly evident in smaller areas like Blenheim, where dedicated after-hours centres may not be economically viable.
Dr Stuart highlights the need for better training and selection processes to ensure the right candidates enter the profession.
Supporting Part-Time Vet Parents to Alleviate the Shortage
Dr Stuart and Julie discuss the idea of supporting part-time veterinarian parents as a solution to alleviate the shortage.
With the majority of veterinarians in New Zealand being female, many face challenges balancing work and motherhood. This isn’t a sexist or ‘genderist’ statement – it’s a biological fact.
By offering part-time positions and embracing their valuable skills, clinics can tap into a pool of highly skilled professionals. These are professionals who want to contribute meaningfully to their profession while raising a family.
Dr Stuart agrees with Julie’s perspective and shares that their clinic has already adopted this approach, employing part-time veterinarian parents. Although it requires creativity and flexibility, the benefits of having these professionals on the team outweigh the logistical challenges.
By providing a supportive work environment, Vet Marlborough has been able to retain experienced veterinarians who may have otherwise left the profession altogether. This not only helps to alleviate the shortage but also promotes a healthy work-life balance for the staff.
Culture and Values
Dr Stuart emphasises the importance of creating a culture that values and respects part-time veterinarians as equal members of the team.
This includes providing them with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for professional growth. By recognising their unique contributions and providing them with a flexible schedule, Vet Marlborough has been able to attract talented individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the clinic.
Vet Marlborough is a PEOPLE.first clinic
The conversation then shifts to the broader topic of creating a PEOPLE.first clinic that prioritises the well-being and growth of its staff.
Dr. Stuart believes that when employees are satisfied and feel valued, they are more likely to provide exceptional care to their patients and clients. To achieve this, Vet Marlborough has implemented several strategies, including:
Competitive Compensation: By offering competitive salaries and benefits, Vet Marlborough aims to remove money as a primary motivator for its staff. This allows them to focus on their passion for veterinary medicine and providing the best care possible.
Continuing Education: The clinic encourages and supports its staff in pursuing continuing education opportunities. By investing in their professional development, Vet Marlborough ensures that its veterinarians stay updated with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
Mentorship and Collaboration: Dr Stuart emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. By pairing experienced veterinarians with newer team members, Vet Marlborough promotes mentorship and knowledge sharing, which leads to personal and professional growth for everyone involved.
Work-Life Balance: The clinic recognizes the importance of work-life balance and actively promotes it among its staff. They strive to create flexible schedules that accommodate personal commitments and provide a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
Different Personality Types
Dr Stuart also discusses the significance of understanding different personality types within the veterinary team. By recognising individual strengths and weaknesses, the clinic can effectively communicate and collaborate with each team member.
This understanding extends beyond the clinic’s internal dynamics and also influences how they interact with clients. By adapting communication styles to meet the preferences of different clients, Vet Marlborough ensures a positive and effective client experience.
Summary
In conclusion, Dr Stuart Burrough shares valuable insights on creating a PEOPLE.first clinic that values its staff and fosters growth.
By paying employees well, supporting part-time veterinarian parents, and understanding different personality types, Vet Marlborough has been able to address the veterinary shortage, retain talented professionals, and provide exceptional care to their patients and clients.
The success of their approach serves as an inspiration for other clinics to prioritize their staff’s well-being and create a supportive work environment.
High Standards of Care – Small Animal Veterinarian vacancy at Vet Marlborough
Dr Burrough and his team at Vet Marlborough are dedicated to providing best practice standards of care.
In fact, Vetstaff is currently looking for someone who shares their passion for providing best practice standards of care to join their team.
For more information – Vet Marlborough | Companion Animal Veterinarian
If you’re interested in being part of the type of team Dr Burrough describes, we encourage you to get in touch with either Julie South or Isobel Cooper at VetStaff.
Be deliberate – choose a PEOPLE.first vet clinic employer – quote by Julie South
Episode 1 (of 3) with Dr Stuart Burrough
Striking the Balance: Veterinary Medicine at the Cutting Edge with Work-Life Harmony Dr Stuart Burrough
Episode 2 (of 3)
Revolutionising Veterinary Care: Elevating Vet Nurses and Tackling Shortages with Dr Stuart Burrough
Revive Your Drive – Mental Health Awareness for the Month of May
To view the playlist on YouTube click the logo in the bottom right hand corner of the video below
