In this inspiring episode, Dr. Cindy Trice joins us to talk about carving your own path in veterinary medicine—and life. From working in film production to becoming a nationally recognized relief veterinarian, Cindy shares how following her instincts (and curiosity) led her to build Relief Rover, co-found Kick It Pajamas, and advocate for mental health and belonging in the profession.

Cindy’s story is one of creativity, compassion, and courage. She opens up about her recovery after a traumatic car accident, her cancer diagnosis, and how her personal experiences shaped her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship.

This episode is full of powerful reflections for anyone who’s ever wondered: What if the traditional path doesn’t fit?

• The unexpected path from Hollywood to veterinary school

• How relief work became a gateway to freedom and opportunity

• Founding Relief Rover to build community and structure for relief vets

• Why she launched Kick It Pajamas—and how grief inspired it

• Facing life-altering events: car accidents, cancer, and what came next

• The creative edge of veterinary careers

• The importance of support, self-expression, and showing up as yourself

• Relief Rover

• Kick It Pajamas

• https://cervivor.org/

• One website design option mentioned in the episode: squarespace.com

• LinkedIn: Cindy Trice, DVM

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Episode Summary:
Nobody teaches you this in vet school — how to train clients. In this episode, Dr. Armstrong and Phoebe dive deep into the unseen impact clients have on hospital culture, team wellbeing, and long-term sustainability. Together, they break down how to set — and stick to — boundaries that shape the clientele you want, reduce burnout, and foster a consistent, supportive environment for your team.

From not giving out your personal number, to handling unrealistic expectations around call-backs and fear-free care, they share real examples and actionable strategies for both doctors and CSRs. Plus, they explore how standardizing boundaries across the doctor team protects your culture and makes your hospital a better place to work — and a better place to be a client.

Topics Covered:

• Why boundaries should be part of orientation (for staff and clients)

• The danger of inconsistency between team members

• What makes an “ideal client” (and how to attract more of them)

• Real conversations that build trust — and when to let a client go

• How boundary-setting reduces burnout and boosts work-life balance

Mentioned in this episode:

• Our upcoming “DVM Off Script” series debuting in two weeks with Dr. Cindy Trice!

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Your team is getting more comfortable giving feedback—awesome. But now comes the next level: finessing those conversations. In this episode, we dig into how to train your team to give feedback that’s not just honest, but helpful.

We break it down into three essential questions:

1. Have you done your homework?

2. Is it an individual issue or a systemic one?

3. Are you being intentional with how you deliver the message?

And at the heart of it all? Curiosity. Approaching conversations with curiosity instead of assumptions is what keeps feedback constructive—and keeps your culture thriving. Join us as we discuss recent conversations that have helped us keep our team on track and in a positive mindset when it comes to holding each other accountable.

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Financial conversations in the exam room can be tough — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, we talk about how to simplify these moments by leading with medicine, not assumptions. We break down how to confidently recommend the gold standard, clearly explain the "why" behind your plan, and save the cost conversation for the right time. When budgets come into play, we share tips on how to prioritize care with respect and empathy — including how and when to use low-cost partners. And most importantly, we remind you to stand tall in the value your hospital provides. You’re worth it.

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In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, we explore the benefits of cross-training your veterinary team and how it can transform both hospital culture and revenue. When team members understand multiple roles, they not only improve workflow efficiency but also build stronger collaboration and reduce burnout. We discuss how cross-training fosters a culture of trust, adaptability, and shared responsibility—while also increasing revenue by minimizing bottlenecks and improving client service. Learn practical strategies to implement cross-training without overwhelming your team and start creating a more resilient, high-performing hospital today!

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In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, we uncover the critical role Client Service Coordinators (CSCs) play in the success of a veterinary hospital. From setting the tone of client interactions to managing the daily flow of appointments, CSCs are the frontline of patient care and team efficiency. We discuss how a great CSC can elevate the client experience, boost retention, and create a positive work environment—while a poor fit can lead to frustration, lost revenue, and team burnout. Tune in to learn how to hire, train, and empower CSCs who truly make a difference!

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In this episode of Choose People Love Pets, we dive into the power of team referrals and volunteers in building a thriving veterinary hospital. We explore why the best hires often come from within your own network, how trusted team referrals can strengthen culture, and why volunteers are a goldmine for future talent and drive a growth mindset in your business. Learn how to create an environment where employees feel excited to recommend great candidates and where passionate volunteers seamlessly transition into all-star team members. If you're looking to grow your hospital with engaged, mission-driven people, this episode is for you!

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In this episode, we explore the impact of thoughtful leadership. We begin by highlighting the importance of gathering all the facts before offering feedback—because what seems like a mistake might actually be a decision made with the best of intentions. We also discuss how taking the time to fully understand a situation can help you avoid unnecessary conflict—sometimes things aren't as big of an issue as they first appear. Finally, we focus on the power of positive reinforcement, showing how you can encourage the behaviors you want to see more of in your team. Tune in to learn how leading with clarity and patience can strengthen your team and build a more positive, productive environment.

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