Own It: Building a Culture of Accountability in Your Veterinary Team
1.0 CE Credit Hour / Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT
Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT
Dr. Ernie Ward is an award-winning veterinarian, internationally known speaker, impact entrepreneur, author of several books, columnist, and media personality. A 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia, he was voted Speaker of the Year at both VMX and WVC conferences, the 2018 Veterinary Journalist of the Year, the recipient of the US National Veterinary Practice of Excellence Award, and has received many veterinary and civic recognitions. Dr. Ward is involved on the Boards of many animal organizations, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Morris Animal Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board and Animal Welfare Advisory Board, Grey Muzzle Society, CATalyst Council, and serves on the Southern European Veterinary Conference's Scientific Committee and as Practice Management Chairperson. Dr. Ward is the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association. He is also the editor of the forthcoming textbook titled Veterinary Clinical Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Causes, Consequences, and Interventions, First Edition, which Wiley will publish. He is known for improving veterinary medical standards through his clinical education programs and promoting a higher quality of life and healthier habits for pets and people. When he’s not with family or pet patients, he can be found contemplating solutions for both the veterinary profession and the planet during endurance athletics, meditation, and on his award-winning weekly podcast, the Veterinary Viewfinder, or his regular column, “Opening Shots,” in NAVC’s “Today’s Veterinary Business.”
Overview:
Struggling to get your team to take ownership of their responsibilities? Accountability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of a thriving veterinary practice. In this insightful and actionable session, Dr. Ernie Ward uncovers the surprising truth about accountability: it starts with you. As a leader, your actions, attitude, and approach set the tone for your team. By leading with intention, fostering a caring culture, and empowering your staff, you can create a high-performing team that consistently delivers exceptional patient care and client service. Dr. Ward explains why accountability is about more than assigning blame; it’s about inspiring ownership, transparency, and proactive problem-solving. To achieve this, leaders must encourage their team to recognize problems, take responsibility, and act decisively. By modeling a solution-focused mindset, rewarding initiative, and providing the freedom and support needed for effective decision-making, leaders can transform their practice culture. Setting high expectations and modeling excellence inspires teams to rise to the challenge. Open communication, empathy, and transparency build trust and create a safe environment where accountability thrives. Dr. Ward will guide you through the process of self-reflection and show how fostering a mindset of care, passion, and resilience can elevate your entire practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your leadership approach and empower your team!
Learning Objectives:
- Define accountability in the context of veterinary practice, including its role in fostering trust, improving team performance, and enhancing client and patient outcomes, as supported by organizational leadership literature.
- Demonstrate actionable strategies for veterinary leaders to model accountability, including proactive problem-solving, transparent communication, and recognition of team efforts, to inspire ownership among staff.
- Develop communication frameworks that promote psychological safety, open dialogue, and constructive feedback to address recurring challenges and align team priorities with practice goals.
- Implement empowerment techniques to delegate decision-making authority, enhance staff resilience, and cultivate a culture of shared responsibility using evidence-based psychological empowerment principles.
- Evaluate current accountability practices within a veterinary team using established organizational culture criteria and formulate a stepwise plan to address gaps and sustain long-term improvement.
This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
