Retention first, recruitment second: Building a practice people don’t want to leave

In today’s veterinary landscape, recruitment challenges dominate the conversation. But what if the solution starts with retention? This session flips the script, guiding practice owners and managers to focus first on creating an environment where clinical staff want to stay. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and a dive into culture, leadership, and communication, attendees will explore how to build a sustainable, people-first practice.

Ideal for:
Practice owners, clinical directors, practice managers and leaders seeking to strengthen team stability and long-term satisfaction.

• Participants will learn how to identify and address the underlying causes of turnover, foster professional fulfillment, and create growth paths for their teams. Whether you're managing a single associate or an entire clinical team, this session will provide actionable insights to reduce churn, boost morale, and ultimately make recruitment easier. Because when your people stay, your practice thrives.

Chairperson

Katie Ford, BVSc(Hons) CertAVP(SAM) PGCert MSc FRCVS, Founder and Coach - Vet Empowered

Speakers

John Read, BA Hons, CEO and Talent Acquisition Specialist - Supreme Search Specialists

Coral Rowland, BSc (Hons) RVN, Head RVN - Poplar / Wood Wharf Vets (vet.co.uk)

Natasha Hetzel, BSc (Hons) BVSc Cert SAM PGCert VetEd. FHEA MRCVS, Director Medical Education and Careers - Mars Veterinary Health Europe

Sponsored by:

Presented at LVS 2025

Thursday, 20 November 2025, 09:30-10:20, Business Theatre