Beyond the Stethoscope: Talking, Listening, Leading

In veterinary medicine, clinical expertise and scientific knowledge are essential, but they’re only part of the equation. The veterinary industry is evolving, and the role of veterinarians is expanding beyond traditional medical care. Today’s veterinarians must be skilled communicators, empathetic listeners, and educators for pet owners.  

In this environment, soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and leadership are just as critical to success. Unfortunately, they are often underemphasized in veterinary education despite their profound impact on client relationships, team dynamics, and career longevity. As the demands of the profession evolve, integrating soft skills training into veterinary curricula is no longer optional. 

The Power of Soft Skills in Veterinary Medicine 

Soft skills are interpersonal capabilities that allow people to successfully navigate human interactions. In veterinary medicine, doctors must effectively communicate and interact well with animals, but all pets come with their owners. Veterinarians must also clearly communicate and explain diagnoses, procedures, and options to clients while actively listening to their concerns. Vets must also work harmoniously with veterinary technicians, support staff, and specialists. Often placed in leadership and management roles, they must guide teams, delegate tasks, and navigate the business side of practice. As Dr. Frank Niles and Dr. Joe Hill discussed in a recent episode of the Barking Mad Podcast, veterinarians often lack the resilience and emotional regulation it takes to handle the emotional weight of euthanasia, client loss, medical failure, and compassion fatigue without experiencing burnout, leading to an alarmingly high rate of suicide. 

Soft skills often determine whether a veterinarian will thrive or struggle in practice. However, these skills are not addressed in most veterinary school curricula. Veterinary training is academically rigorous and heavily focused on biological sciences, pharmacology, surgery, and diagnostics. In extremely competitive admission processes, students are selected for their flawless academic performance and intellectual capabilities, not their people skills. Once admitted, they are immersed in a challenging academic setting that prioritizes memorization, technical competence, and clinical problem-solving, leaving little room for the development of communication skills or emotional intelligence. 

Moreover, the culture of veterinary education reinforces stoicism, self-reliance, and perfectionism—traits that can suppress emotional expression and the willingness to ask for help. As a result, veterinarians graduate with extraordinary medical knowledge but limited confidence in handling difficult conversations, managing team conflict, supporting grieving clients, or practicing self-care. 

 

Fostering Stronger Teams and Better Care 

Teaching veterinarians soft skills is not just beneficial—it is essential for success in clinical practice, team dynamics, and long-term well-being. One of the most immediate impacts of strong interpersonal skills is on client trust and compliance. Research consistently shows that pet owners are more likely to trust, return to, and follow the medical advice of veterinarians who communicate clearly, listen actively, and demonstrate genuine empathy. This trust translates directly into better health outcomes for patients, as clients are more likely to administer medications correctly, follow through on treatment plans, and bring their pets in for follow-up care. For example, a veterinarian who takes the time to explain a diagnosis in plain language and listens to a client’s concerns may gain a lifelong customer who feels understood and respected. 

Soft skills play a critical role in veterinary teams, as well. Poor communication, unresolved conflicts, and a lack of psychological safety are leading causes of staff turnover in animal hospitals. When team members receive training in emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and constructive feedback, the entire workplace culture improves. Clinics that prioritize these skills create environments with higher morale, increased job satisfaction, and better retention rates. For instance, a veterinary technician who feels comfortable speaking up about a missed step in patient care can help prevent errors and build a culture of mutual accountability, learning, and trust. 

Equally important is the connection between soft skills and mental health. The veterinary profession is plagued by high rates of burnout, depression, and suicide, driven by chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and the emotional weight of the job. Teaching veterinarians how to build resilience, practice self-care, and manage emotional strain can be lifesaving. Workshops on stress management, peer support groups, and even mindfulness training could be instrumental in improving the quality of life and job satisfaction for clinicians at all career stages. 

Empathetic Leadership 

Beyond individual well-being, soft skills are also key drivers of career advancement and business success. Veterinarians are often expected to lead clinics, manage teams, or own their own practices, and these individuals must be adept at handling interpersonal dynamics, whether that’s resolving team conflicts, coaching underperforming staff, or tactfully addressing client complaints. A strong clinical background may help earn the degree, but leadership roles demand communication finesse, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking—abilities that are rarely taught in veterinary school but are indispensable in the field. 

Finally, soft skills are essential for helping veterinarians navigate the ethical and emotional challenges that are a daily part of their job. Whether delivering a terminal diagnosis, discussing financial limitations, or managing end-of-life decisions, veterinarians must balance clinical facts with human emotions. The ability to communicate with compassion, set realistic expectations, and guide clients through difficult decisions requires a deep well of emotional intelligence. With proper training, veterinarians can approach these moments not with discomfort but with confidence and healthy empathy—ultimately strengthening their relationships with clients and enhancing the standard of care. 

In short, integrating soft skills training into veterinary education and professional development is essential rather than optional. It’s time for the industry to recognize these as core competencies to both clinical excellence and personal sustainability.  

At BSM Partners, Dr. Frank Niles leads a practice dedicated to enhancing these very skills, offering evidence-based coaching and strategic training programs designed specifically for veterinary professionals. His approach empowers veterinarians to build stronger client relationships, improve team dynamics, and cultivate emotional resilience—critical components of long-term success in today’s demanding clinical environments. 

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About the Author

Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutriton, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.