Show notes
What happens when unspoken trauma meets professional burnout? Can veterinary leadership evolve through vulnerability, healing, and accountability? Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and guest Dr. Phil Richmond, DVM, CAPP, CPHSA, CPPC, CCFP — national veterinary well-being leader — as they explore the impact of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), addiction recovery, and the future of leadership in veterinary medicine. This powerful, raw conversation unpacks what it takes to lead, change clinic culture, and truly support early-career professionals.What you’ll discover:How childhood trauma shapes stress and addiction in veterinary medicineWhy psychological safety matters more than “nice” leadershipTools for building emotionally resilient teams and sustainable practicesA personal story of recovery, transformation, and paying it forwardWho will love this episode:Veterinary students & early-career veterinariansPractice leaders & medical directorsMental health professionals in veterinary spacesAnyone committed to healing culture and advancing well-being in vet medStay Connected:Like this video if this episode moved youDrop your questions or insights in the commentsSubscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episodeResources Mentioned:Dr. Amy Edmondson – Psychological Safety researchCDC & Kaiser Permanente ACEs StudyDr. Zach Mercurio – Mattering at WorkHarvard Business Review – Psychological Safety in TeamsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.StudiosContact: [email protected]:00:00 Dr. Phil’s story: addiction, trauma, and early career struggle 04:58 What ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) reveal about our profession 10:46 How trauma rewires the veterinary brain 16:18 Building safe clinics: psychological safety vs. “nice” leadership 21:04 How to spot a healthy practice culture before accepting the job 27:31 Perpetual job ads: what they really signal 30:00 The emotional cost of feeling unseen 33:08 Why belonging, mattering, and vulnerability fuel strong teams 40:00 Healing forward: rejecting toxic traditions in vet med 42:45 Are leaders born or made? Dr. Phil’s perspective 45:20 A powerful story: when a tech saved a life by speaking up 50:00 Final thoughts: leading the next generation of veterinary professionalsEp. 32#veterinaryleadership #vetmentalhealth