Culture & People

AAHA Vice President Paige Anderson, DVM, describes how a simple exercise at a conference changed her perception of team building.

Join our host Dr. Emily Singler every other week as we chat with an array of amazing guests! You can listen on Spotify, YouTube, and AAHA’s LMS.

Congratulations to Valerye Hidalgo, receptionist at Opossum Pike Veterinary Clinic in Frederick, Maryland, the May 2026 AAHA/CareCredit Employee of the Month!

Every month, we curate stories and research that celebrate the special connection between people and their pets. Consider this your monthly reminder that the care you provide goes far beyond the exam room—because when you help an animal thrive, you’re also nurturing the irreplaceable bond they share with the people who love them.

Join our host Dr. Emily Singler every other week as we chat with an array of amazing guests! You can listen on Spotify, YouTube, and AAHA’s LMS.

Anyone who’s worked in clinical practice knows that a hospital simply can’t run efficiently without a great veterinary receptionist. They’re often the first voice and/or face a client encounters, meaning that they carry the responsibility of making the right first impression. They handle scheduling, which requires an understanding of the clients, patients, and the clinical staff’s style. And while they do far more than answer the phones, let’s face it—swinging from welcoming a new client with a puppy to scheduling an end-of-life appointment for a beloved, long-time patient is no easy feat.

In honor of National Veterinary Receptionist Week, held the last full week of April, we’re sharing a few things that make this role so special, as well as some insights from those on the front lines regarding how we can ensure they’re receiving the recognition they deserve.

What does professionalism really mean in veterinary medicine? Nicole Fein, DVM, DACVIM, explores how nontraditional approaches can prioritize patients and build trust.

AAHA Board member Melissa Magnuson DVM, discusses the new veterinary landscape, with Artificial Intelligence as a complex but important feature.

Researchers have launched a survey to learn more about the state of parental leave in veterinary practices, and they are currently soliciting participants to help inform their findings.

The Community Care Toolkit features actionable resources you can use to implement the concepts discussed in the AAHA Community Care Guidelines.