Veterinary Voices

Why do these veterinary professionals actually want to return to their former workplace - when most people see going back as a backward step? In this episode, Julie South chats with three High Street Vets team members whose stories corroborate everything we've heard in episodes 1001-1005, revealing the workplace culture that's creating extraordinary loyalty: Megan's "coming hom...

What happens when a clinic gives you 30-minute consults, supports your specialisation interests, and has technology that surprises 5y Veterinary Students? In this special High Street Vet Series episode - showcasing Employers of Choice - Julie South sits down with Dr. Virginia Grice to discover what it's really like working at this Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia clinic.  Dr Virginia's...

11 years at the same practice - with a 90-minute commute each way. Every single day. While most veterinary practices struggle with either recruitment or retention, Jamee Robertson at High Street Vet Surgery in Rockhampton (Queensland, Australia) has a different story. She tried to resign once but never actually left. She's grown through multiple roles, from unqualified newcomer to practice ma...

You've decided to include salary information in your job adverts. But now you're staring at a blank screen wondering: do I just write "$120,000" and call it done? How do I handle different experience levels? What if current employees see this? Here's the likely reality: knowing you should include salary is one thing—knowing how to do it effectively without creating problem...

What does it look like when a clinic's first rule is " the intent is good " and they actually mean it? Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker reveals the five values and team culture that make High Street Vet Surgery work - from morning gratitude sessions to their "no blame policy" and why communication is everything. Dr Jocelyn talks about: The five values built by the entire team: team,...

What would it feel like to work somewhere with endoscopes, dental X-rays, and EasyVet templates that eliminate emergency panic? Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker reveals how High Street Vet Surgery's comprehensive technology setup changes everything - and why her team begged her not to go back to shorter appointments after experiencing 30-minute consults implemented during the Covid Pandemic. Dr Jocelyn...

As a Veterinary Professional, have you ever dreamed and wondered what it would be like to work somewhere with 30 minute consults... where you weren't constantly chasing your tail every day... where you could genuinely connect with clients and provide the best care possible...? Listen in as Julie South catches up with Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker - owner of High Street Vet Surgery in Rockhampton, Qu...

You know you should include salary ranges in your job adverts. You've probably read the articles, heard the advice, maybe even started typing a figure... then deleted it again. There's something about putting that number out there that gives vet clinic practice owners the absolute heebie-jeebies. But what if I told you that this fear is costing you 80% of your potential applicants? Here&...

You can have the perfect job advert, but if your application process creates black holes and frustration, you'll lose great people and damage your reputation. Join host Julie South as she exposes the uncomfortable truth about how veterinary clinics are unknowingly sabotaging their hiring success through terrible application experiences. Because in a small industry like veterinary medicine, ev...

Most veterinary clinics don't offer extensive benefits packages—and today, you'll discover why that doesn't have to stop you from attracting great veterinary professionals. Join host Julie South as she reveals why trying to compete with "benefits" is the wrong strategy and how to showcase the genuine value your clinic offers that money can't buy. Because veterinary pr...

You've got their attention with your job title—now you have exactly 10 seconds to convince them not to hit the back button. Join host Julie South as she reveals why "We are a busy small animal practice seeking a veterinarian" is killing your hiring success before jobseekers even get to your amazing benefits. Your opening paragraph is make-or-break territory, and most practices are g...

Your job title has just 3 seconds to stop veterinary professionals from scrolling past your opportunity—are you making them count? Join host Julie South in this game-changing episode as she reveals why " Veterinarian Required " and " Vet Nurse Position " are killing your hiring success. If you're tired of posting job adverts that disappear into the void, this episode could...

We tackle how writing effective job requirements can transform your veterinary clinic's hiring success by focusing on potential rather than unrealistic wishlists .  The perfect veterinary team member often doesn't check every box but brings the right attitude and growth mindset to thrive in your specific environment. What Julie South covers in this episode: • Too many job adverts read li...

In today's competitive veterinary job market, skilled professionals have choices about where they work, making your clinic's culture your competitive advantage. This episode explores three practical strategies to showcase your genuine team culture in job ads to attract jobseekers who'll be the perfect cultural fit. • Culture isn't just a nice-to-have—it's what makes jobsee...

Ever wondered why your veterinary job advertisements aren't attracting the right applicants? The answer might be simpler than you think. Welcome to Episode 225 of Veterinary Voices, where we kick off an exciting new series about how to advertise job vacancies to build your stellar teams in the veterinary profession.  Today, we're diving into a game-changing approach that transformed one...

Recent Massey University Veterinary Science Graduate, Dr Aodhan Wildbore, shares what truly matters for veterinary graduates starting their careers. His experience at Wanganui Vet Services showcases how essential proper mentoring is for new professionals – making the difference between thriving or leaving the profession entirely. Aodhan's no-holds-barred insights shatter common fears about fi...

Ever wondered what makes a veterinary practice truly special? It's not just about the facilities or location—it's about creating a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to use their full range of skills. In this chat with Bridget Swart, head veterinary nurse at Vets on Carlton in Whanganui, we talk about the daily rhythms of a clinic that's earned an...

Discover the heart and soul of rural veterinary practice through Dr Dave Rankin's eyes as he celebrates 30 years with Wanganui Vet Services - sister clinic to Vets on Carlton.   Dr Dave's journey shows what makes a veterinary workplace truly special – the deep bonds formed with farming families across generations, the satisfaction of mentoring young professionals, and the joy of practici...

What does it take to be a Veterinary Clinic "Employer of Choice" - Julie South catches up with Dianna - Head of Reception at Wanganui Vet Services (sister clinic of Vets on Carlton). If you're a veterinary professional looking to make your next move and Companion Animals is your thing, you owe it to yourself to check out Vets on Carlton in Whanganui . Dianna shares her 16-year journ...

What happens when a non-veterinarian takes the helm of a veterinary practice? In this chat, Tom Dinwiddie reveals how his business background and people-first approach have transformed Wanganui Veterinary Services and Vets on Carlton into genuine Employers of Choice in New Zealand's veterinary landscape. At the heart of Tom's management philosophy lies a refreshing commitment to autonomy...

This episode focuses on the essential steps required to become a registered veterinarian in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of understanding the registration process for overseas applicants. Key topics include language proficiency, registration types, and examination requirements.    • Overview of the veterinary registration process in New Zealand • Importance of a current Annual Practicin...

As we venture into 2025, understanding recruitment dynamics is critical for veterinary clinics facing staffing challenges. Today Julie South looks into the current landscape of veterinary employment in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising the importance of a strong employer brand, adapting to immigration changes, and creating supportive workplaces. Julie recaps the impactful recruitment changes in NZ...

Equine dental care in New Zealand is facing a crossroads, and Registered Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie is here to shed light on the pressing need for regulatory reform.  The current landscape allows non-veterinarians to perform complex dental procedures on horses, posing significant risks to equine welfare.  Join host Julie South and Dr Helen as she shares her passionate advocacy against these pra...

Today host Julie South, uncover some of the complexities of national cat management in New Zealand in this second of three part series with Dr Helen Beattie. As a dedicated advocate for responsible cat ownership, Dr Helen shines a light on the vital role of veterinary professionals in transforming public perceptions and practices. Julie and Dr Helen explore the myths surrounding feline reproductio...

What if you could change the fate of thousands of animals with just your voice? Join Julie South this week as she chats with Dr Helen Beattie , the pioneering founder of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA).  Today Dr Helen she shares her compelling journey in challenging the norms of live animal exports. Through her expert lens, Dr Beattie brings to light the ethical dilemmas and dire...