Ep 226: Building Confidence and Leadership Skills as a New Veterinarian, with Dr. Kelly Cairns

The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

This week on "So You're a Vet, Now What?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley is joined by Dr. Kelly Cairns, a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist and Vice President of Medical Excellence and Education at Thrive Pet Healthcare. Together, they discuss the journey from being a nervous vet student to a confident veterinarian and leader within a practice. Dr. Cairns shares insights from her years of experience to help new graduates thrive in the field.

Building a bond of trust based on genuine human relationships is crucial for the functioning of any team. Dr. Cairns emphasizes the importance of establishing real, genuine human relationships within a team to foster trust. She highlights that as a leader, it is essential to create an environment where team members feel comfortable and valued. By getting to know each team member on a personal level and building meaningful relationships, new graduates can create a strong foundation for collaboration and teamwork.

Dr. Cairns advises new graduates to engage in self-reflection and create a system for personal development. By consciously evaluating their strengths, areas for growth, and opportunities for development, new graduates can establish a structured approach to building confidence and honing their skills. This systematic approach, similar to medical record documentation, allows new graduates to track their progress and work collaboratively with mentors to achieve their goals.

Embracing a culture of mentorship, seeking to understand, and being transparent are essential components of effective team leadership in veterinary practice. By prioritizing relationships, communication, and mutual respect, new graduates can cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment that enhances patient care, team dynamics, and professional growth.

The transition from student to doctor for new graduates involves navigating challenges related to confidence, skills, and team integration. By actively seeking mentorship, developing a structured approach to personal growth, and fostering positive relationships within the team, new graduates can overcome feelings of unpreparedness and thrive in their roles as veterinarians.

Episode Outline

[00:02:43] Transitioning from student to doctor.

[00:03:53] Stepping out of your comfort zone.

[00:09:19] Mentorship and team culture.

[00:13:16] Seeking to understand others as a new grad.

[00:15:22] Learning from and leaning on others.

[00:19:14] Mentorship and growth in leadership.

[00:21:31] Imposter syndrome.

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Kelly Cairns: https://kellycairns.com

Connect with Dr. Kelly Cairns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-cairns-68425060

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.