#157 Perpetuating a Culture Of Bullying in VetMed

The Joyful DVM Podcast: Empowering Veterinary Professionals

In this episode, Dr. Cari Wise discusses the issue of bullying in veterinary organizations.
She defines bullying as adverse behavior exhibited by veterinary professionals towards their colleagues, such as being short-tempered, avoiding conversations, making backhanded comments, and setting others up for failure.
Dr. Wise emphasizes that bullying is often perpetuated by individuals in leadership positions, such as shift leads, office managers, owners, or senior veterinarians.
The lack of business and leadership training in veterinary medicine is highlighted as a contributing factor to the prevalence of bullying.
The consequences of bullying in veterinary medicine are discussed, including the formation of cliques and divisions within the workplace. Dr. Wise advises listeners to leave toxic environments if their concerns are not taken seriously or if their morals, ethics, and values are compromised.
Veterinary professionals are urged to interact with each other from a place of courage rather than fear and to speak up when witnessing bullying. The importance of building supportive cultures in the veterinary profession for the benefit of all is emphasized.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bullying in veterinary organizations is a prevalent issue, often perpetuated by individuals in leadership positions.
• Bullying is driven by insecurity and a desire for power and control.
• Leadership positions come with the responsibility to treat everyone equally and evaluations should be based on clear criteria.
• The lack of business and leadership training in veterinary medicine contributes to the prevalence of bullying.
• It is important to leave toxic environments if concerns are not taken seriously or if morals, ethics, and values are compromised.
• Veterinary professionals should interact with each other from a place of courage and speak up when witnessing bullying.
• Building supportive cultures in the veterinary profession is crucial for the benefit of all.

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