NVA Pet Peeves

Emergencies can walk through the door at any moment, and panic is never a protocol. In this episode, Ken Flamer is joined by Dr. Beth Neuman, NVA's Senior Director of GP Mentorship, and Dr. Ashley Collins, Managing Doctor at Abby Pet Hospital, in Fresno, CA, to discuss how general practices can prepare for high-stress emergency situations. From RECOVER training and emergency simulations to bui...

In this episode we explore the critical role diagnostic imaging standards play in protecting both veterinary teams and patients. NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh discusses why consistency in imaging protocols, positioning, PPE use, and radiation safety is foundational to quality medicine and better patient outcomes. Then, Dr. Doug Wojcik, Managing Doctor of Liverpool Village Animal Hos...

In this episode we dig into a familiar challenge in veterinary medicine: when diagnostics give us information, but not always clarity. NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh shares insight into the critical role diagnostics play in patient care and the importance of setting expectations early, especially when results don’t provide immediate answers. Then, Dr. Elizabeth Hetler of IDEXX and Dr...

In this episode, we take on one of the most urgent responsibilities in veterinary medicine: recognizing and relieving pain that patients cannot voice. NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh reflects on how pain management has evolved from outdated restraint-based thinking to today’s team-centered, patient-first approach grounded in compassion and science.  Jerrod Johnson, DVM, DABVP, Managin...

In this episode of NVA Pet Peeves , “Stopping at the Gumline,” Ken sits down with NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh and Managing Veterinarian Dr. Emily Yan to examine what happens when dentistry focuses only on what we can see. With most periodontal disease hiding below the gumline, skipping radiographs and consistent standards can mean missed pain, retained roots, and even undetected c...

In the Season 3 premiere of NVA Pet Peeves , host Ken Flamer tackles a familiar frustration in veterinary medicine: standards without consistency . Joined by NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh, the conversation opens with why standards of care matter not only for patients and clients, but for team trust, alignment, and confidence. Two experienced managing doctors, Dr. Jenni Mitchell and...

As the year comes to a close, thank you to everyone who listened, shared episodes, and joined the conversation throughout the season. And a sincere thank-you to the managing doctors, leaders, and team members who generously shared their time, experiences, and voices on the podcast. This community exists because of your openness and willingness to speak honestly about the work. This special year-in...

In this episode, we explore a subtle but powerful challenge in veterinary medicine: what happens when appreciation is felt but not expressed. NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh shares how gratitude influences culture, psychological safety, and even medical quality, and why understanding individual recognition styles matters. Then, Managing DVM of Overland Veterinary Clinic in Los Angeles...

In this episode we explore one of the most persistent challenges in veterinary medicine: balancing consistency with flexibility. NVA GP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh shares how medical excellence requires both clear standards and the ability to bend for real-world client needs. Then, Co-MDVM of Portland Veterinary Wellness Center, Dr. Torrey Schwartz, joins the conversation to discuss the...

In this episode of Pet Peeves, “All or Nothing Medicine,” NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, discusses how embracing a spectrum of care helps veterinarians deliver excellent medicine while meeting clients where they are. Managing Doctor and Field Medical Partner, Dr. Sarah Longfield, shares how she defines gold standard care in real world practice, maximizing recovery, minimizing deteri...

In veterinary medicine, even the smallest communication lapse can have major consequences. In this episode of Pet Peeves , Dr. Sandra Faeh , NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Cathy Gallahorn , Medical Director at Animal Medical Care Center in Yorktown, Virginia, discuss what happens when words go missing inside the hospital. They share real-world examples of how missteps affect patient care and...

What happens when the culture inside a veterinary hospital breaks down? Inconsistency, toxic behaviors, and shifting priorities can leave teams disengaged and patients at risk. In this episode of NVA Pet Peeves , we explore the realities of “culture shock” in veterinary medicine and the strategies leaders can use to build healthier, more consistent workplaces. NVA's Chief Medical Officer Dr. S...

Hospital events do more than fill a calendar. They create meaningful connections with the community, helping them stand out beyond clinical care. In this episode of Pet Peeves , Dr. Sandra Faeh, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, shares creative examples like puppy yoga and holiday celebrations, while hospital leaders Gabby Franz, Ricardo Guzman, and Erin Gomez highlight real-world wins with vendor-supp...

Strong mentorship relationships are transforming careers in veterinary medicine. Dr. Beth Neuman, NVA's Senior Director of Mentorship, shares practical solutions for building successful mentor-mentee connections. Dr. Brennen Tobias from Southlake Crossing Animal Clinic and Dr. Desiree Jones from Pet Street Veterinary Care Center discuss how mentorship influenced their career decisions and helped t...

When business goals and patient care collide, which comes first? In this episode, NVA's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and Belmont Shore Veterinary Hospital's Managing Doctor, Elyse Frank, dive into the tension between financial performance and medical excellence in veterinary practice. Join us as we explore real-world dilemmas, challenge assumptions, and ask the tough questions: Can you...

In this episode of NVA Pet Peeves , NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and Managing Director of Eagle Animal Hospital in Kansas City, Dr. Matthew Silvius dig into why investing in your team's growth isn't just a nice-to-have, it's critical for a thriving, sustainable practice. From building confidence and improving patient care to boosting retention and creating future leade...

In this episode, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and UC Davis Associate Professor of Clinical Small Animal Critical Care and RECOVER Co-Chair, Dr. Jamie Burkitt dive into the critical world of veterinary CPR training and the RECOVER initiative. We explore how standardized CPR guidelines are transforming emergency care, the importance of hands-on training, and why every veterinary pro...

The veterinary field thrives on collaboration, but true progress happens when we actively support one another. In this episode, NVA’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and Kristin Salerno and Jessica Fay, explore how ally groups create safe spaces, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change in the industry. From fostering inclusivity to tackling burnout, these communities play a crucial rol...

In this episode, NVA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, and General Practice Mentor, Dr. Christine Brennan, share invaluable insights into pet dental care. Dr. Faeh highlights the importance of dental health and the critical role ongoing training plays for new veterinary graduates. Meanwhile, Dr. Brennan dives into practical strategies to keep pets pain-free, healthy, and thriving. Wheth...

As We Wrap Up 2024, we’re celebrating an incredible year on NVA Pet Peeves ! From transformative conversations with veterinary leaders to tackling some of the toughest challenges in vet med, 2024 has been a year of growth, inspiration, and connection. In this special episode, we reflect on the moments that defined our journey, celebrating the insights, lessons, and stories that made this year unfo...

In this episode, NVA's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, shares her approach to achieving successful surgical outcomes. From overcoming self-doubt to fostering effective team communication, Dr. Faeh highlights the transformative power of psychological safety in the workplace—whether you're leading a sales team or a veterinary surgical team. Dr. Michael Lawton, NVA General Practice Mentor,...

Ever wonder how veterinarians navigate complex cases to make treatment decisions? From diagnostics to considering client preferences, the approach combines science, empathy, and experience. In this episode, guest host Kathleen McBain speaks with NVA's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh and Managing Doctor of Animal Medical Care Center Yorktown, Dr. Catherine Gallahorn. Tune in as they explor...

In this episode, guest host Kathleen McBain explores how veterinarians navigate the delicate task of communicating prognoses to pet owners. NVA's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Sandra Faeh discusses finding balance between honesty and hope, while Dr. Jill Child, Managing DVM of Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital in California, shares her systematic approach to helping clients understand their pets' medic...

In this episode, NVA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, shares her unique approach to diagnostics, revealing how it parallels effective leadership strategies. She reveals how the skills used in problem-solving and patient care can apply to leading teams. Plus, we feature an insightful interview with NVA General Practice Mentor, Dr. Lawrence Hill, who discusses his approach to diagnostics...

In this episode, NVA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Sandra Faeh, discusses the importance of creating inclusive environments where staff can thrive and clients feel welcome, features an interview with the AVMA’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Dr. Latonia Craig, and introduces all-new Pet Peeves.