Veterinary webinar recaps: New evaluation tool and organizational culture

Every month, AAHA’s Learning platform hosts a variety of veterinary webinars on topics ranging from the latest medical advances to improving practice culture and beyond. If you missed our most recent offerings, you can get the basics below. Plus, you can always see all of our upcoming and past webinars here and keep an eye out for future webinars and events here!

 AAHA member benefit enhancement: Your new evaluation tool simplified

AAHA unveiled its new evaluation tool during a December webinar, offering a comprehensive solution for veterinary practices. AAHA’s director of accreditation, Anthony Merkel, RVT, introduced the platform as an “exciting evolution” that enhances the evaluation process with technology-driven efficiency.

Key features of the tool include:

• Centralized dashboard: Practices can manage evaluations, track certifications, and access documents in one place.
• Enhanced communication: “All communication can now be housed within the dashboard,” Merkel noted, reducing email reliance and improving transparency.
• Customizable resources: Practices can upload protocols and training materials, while AAHA supplies templates and guidelines.

The tool also emphasizes collaboration.

“This system honors teamwork,” said Merkel, explaining features that engage entire practice teams in evaluations.

Launching in February 2025, the platform aligns with AAHA’s goal to simplify the accreditation journey. Merkel emphasized its adaptability, saying, “Whether you prefer binders or digital tools, this is your one-stop shop.”

Veterinary professionals can look forward to a smoother, more transparent accreditation experience, ensuring continued excellence in animal care.

Culture: The invisible roots of your organization

What makes an organization thrive? According to Garth Jordan, CEO of AAHA, it’s all about culture. In a recent veterinary webinar, he highlighted the significance of organizational culture in veterinary practices in particular.

The session provided a comprehensive exploration of culture’s impact on operational success and employee retention, all while offering actionable strategies for veterinary professionals to foster a thriving workplace culture.

The importance of culture

“Culture is the root of organizational success, both near-term and long-term,” said Jordan. He emphasized that companies with strong cultures see up to 40% higher operating income compared to those with weaker cultures. Retention rates in such environments also exceed 90%, a critical factor in reducing turnover costs and maintaining consistency in veterinary practices.

Steps to designing culture

Jordan outlined a two-part strategy: Understanding the current culture and intentionally designing a desired one. Key steps include:

• Mapping the current state: Identify where your organization falls on a cultural spectrum, such as collaborative (team-based) or hierarchical.
• Defining the destination: Engage staff in identifying the characteristics of an ideal workplace, such as transparency or trust.
• Implementing change: Encourage co-creation of initiatives, such as leadership training, that align with desired values.

Jordan noted, “If we’re not designing our culture purposefully, the culture we create is the culture we tolerate.” By committing to this process, veterinary teams can align their operations with a people-first approach that supports both staff and client success.

Photo credit: yacobchuk via iStock/Getty Images Plus 

Disclaimer: Trends™ content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors. This article had editing assistance from an AI software.