Mentorship and Legacy in Veterinary Medicine

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this episode of the Veterinary Business Podcast, host Michael Walker welcomes Dr. Matthew McGlasson, a distinguished veterinary leader, mentor, and social media influencer with over 1.5 million followers. Dr. McGlasson opens up about his early struggles in veterinary medicine, from navigating a challenging first job to discovering the importance of mentorship and building a legacy. Together, they discuss essential qualities for new veterinarians stepping into leadership, the impact of fostering a positive workplace culture, and practical strategies for promoting the human-animal bond in practice.

Dr. McGlasson shares powerful insights on what it takes to create a fear-free, supportive environment that benefits pets, pet parents, and veterinary teams alike. This episode is packed with actionable advice for veterinarians at any stage of their career who are passionate about making a difference in veterinary medicine and creating a lasting impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you with a fresh perspective on leadership, growth, and the value of a compassionate, purposeful practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Power of Mentorship: Mentorship is crucial for new veterinary graduates, guiding them through the challenges of early practice and fostering a sense of purpose and direction.

• Building a Legacy: Creating a legacy in veterinary medicine involves not only enhancing patient care but also empowering future leaders to continue advancing the profession.

• Human-Animal Bond: This fundamental connection inspires veterinarians and enriches the lives of both pets and their owners, reinforcing the value and emotional depth of veterinary work.

• Essential Leadership Traits: Cultivating trust, a growth mindset, and strong team dynamics are foundational for veterinarians aiming to lead effectively from day one.

• Fear-Free Practice: Implementing fear-free practices can significantly reduce stress for patients, pet parents, and the veterinary team, resulting in better compliance and job satisfaction.

Timestamp

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 04:10 – Dr. McGlasson’s early inspirations: Growing up on a farm and the first experiences that led him to veterinary medicine.
• 08:20 – The challenging start: Dr. McGlasson’s first job experience, the lack of mentorship, and the pivotal decision to remain in veterinary medicine.
  • Leadership from day one: The importance of new veterinarians embracing leadership roles in practice.
• 10:00 – Key traits for veterinary leaders: Growth mindset, trust-building, and the impact of real leadership in practice settings.
• 19:39 – Social media and the human-animal bond: Using social platforms to foster trust and educate the public.
  • Advice for new graduates: Asking the right questions to find supportive practice environments.
• 32:39 – Fear-free practices: The significance of creating a low-stress environment for pets and team members.
• 36:48 – The importance of intentional growth: Dr. McGlasson’s path to earning his CVPM certification.
  • The importance of passion, purpose, and intentional action in building a fulfilling veterinary career.

Matthew McGlasson, DVM, CVPM

• Medical Ambassador, Mission Veterinary Partners.
• Owner, McGlasson Consulting.
• Veterinary Leader & Former CMO.
• Influencer, Speaker, & Social Media Personality.
• KVMA Executive Board Member.
• Editorial Advisory Board Member, DVM360.

Matt McGlasson is a passionate leader with over 20 years of experience in the Animal Health Industry.  He and his family have 4 cats of their own, 3 of which have special needs.

Dr. McGlasson is a Certified Fear Free Practitioner, Certified “Cat Friendly Veterinarian” by the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (formerly AAFP), and a member of the AVMA, VHMA, and Feline Veterinary Medical Association.  In addition to his role as an advisor on the Smalls Veterinary board, He serves on the Executive Board of the KVMA and the editorial advisory board for DVM360.  As a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, he represents a group of fewer than 40 DVMs in the United States with the CVPM certification.   His articles have been featured in numerous professional journals and publications and he is a frequent speaker at national veterinary conferences.  In 2022, Dr. McGlasson was awarded the “Veterinary Hero Award” presented by DVM360.

Throughout Matt’s career, he also seeks to bring personality and fun to the animal health industry. His veterinary-themed social media accounts have amassed over 1.5 million followers with hundreds of millions of video views.  Matt’s work and insights have been featured in Newsweek, NBC News, The New York Post, The Sun, The Dodo, and countless other media outlets.

The bond that cat caregivers share with their cats is powerful and life-changing and Matt is committed to preserving and strengthening that relationship.

Connect with Dr. McGlasson:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok