Track A: Avoiding Workplace Investigation Missteps
Speaker: Eric Meyer, Esq.
Managers who have had the unenviable task of conducting a workplace investigation understand that it is critical that the probe be handled correctly to avoid legal complications. This presentation will highlight the do’s and don’ts of carrying out an inquiry. The presenter will also share with participants what employment attorneys wish managers would do to protect their practices.
Track B: De-Escalation Techniques for Clients, Part 1
Speaker: Judith Asseo, CVPM
These interactive sessions teach de-escalation skills through the presentation of information, activities, videos, and discussion. The presentation defines and explains de-escalation as an intervention that reduces the intensity of a conflict. The session details what these interventions look like in the veterinary setting and breaks down the skills in teachable pieces. Participants will practice the basic skills that are effective in de-escalating an emotional/upset client in a safe and supportive environment. De-escalation concepts will be discussed.
We work in an environment where many of our clients are arriving at our hospital in a stressed state. We should expect and be prepared for these clients. The objective for these sessions is to provide tangible tools, so that team members gain skills and confidence in working with emotional clients. De-escalation can improve safety in the workplace, better meet the emotional needs of clients, equip employees with the tools and confidence to address emotionally charged situations and improve client/provider relationships.
Track C: Well-Being Skills to Empower Veterinary Professional
Speaker: Josh Vaisman
For many veterinary professionals---client care representatives, nurses, doctors, and managers---working in the field can be emotionally depleting and stressful. It’s hard to thrive when many are barely surviving. Research evidence suggests that the profession is in the midst of a well-being crisis.
Positive psychology has uncovered effective, evidence-based tools for building personal and professional well-being by re-wiring the brain to lean into the positive and grow a sense of happiness.
The session will introduce participants to the applied science of well-being and identify research-supported tools for building life and work satisfaction. Attendees will leave the session with a personal PERMA plan to cultivate well-being.
Track D: Referral Dynamics
Speaker: JoAnn Stewart, RVT, CVPM
The Collaborative Care Coalition (previously VetSOAP) will present their in-depth research project on understanding the impacts of Collaborative Care. As a profession we have yet to understand the impacts of referral medicine on our patients, our clients, and our practices. As they complete their long-term research project, VetSOAP is excited to share the results of our quantitative survey of primary care DVMs, Equine DVMs, and specialty DVMs. With these results it is our goal to evolve the referral relationship to "Collaborative Care."