The 20-Minute Consult
One Expert. One Topic. 20-minutes of Vet Wisdom.
The 20-Minute Consult is a podcast designed for veterinary professionals to explore the trends and challenges shaping the industry in 2025.
In just 20 minutes, each episode dives into a single topic, structured like a real-life consultation: identifying key issues, discussing their impact, and offering actionable solutions.
Our episodes feature voices from across the veterinary field, including practice owners, surgeons, nurses, graduates, and suppliers. Together, we discuss timely topics - whether it’s understanding regulatory shifts, implementing innovative business strategies, or adapting to workforce changes, The 20-Minute Consult delivers insights that are practical, concise, and relevant.
If you’re a veterinary professional looking to stay informed, gain new perspectives, or contribute your expertise, this podcast offers a platform to engage with the trends shaping your profession.
The 20-Minute Consult
Alex Mcvey - Consult on the Development of Human Skills in Veterinary
In this episode of the 20-Minute Consult podcast, host Glenn Martin speaks with Alex McVey, Practice Owner and active Veterinary Surgeon from the Woolton Veterinary Practice in Woolton Village, South Liverpool.
They discuss the importance of human skills in veterinary practice, the changing demographics in veterinary education, and the challenges of recruitment and retention in the industry.
Alex also shares his own journey into veterinary practice ownership and he shares his own opinion and experience of adopting a growth mindset, being adaptable, as well as the significance of communication and honesty.
The conversation concludes with advice for Practice Owners and Veterinary professionals about the future of the industry, as Alex reminds us all, "This job is a people job".
Key takeaways:
- The veterinary profession is experiencing a demographic shift.
- Human skills are crucial for success in veterinary practice.
- Recruitment should focus on communication and interpersonal skills.
- Honesty and integrity are key values in veterinary practice.
- The veterinary profession faces high attrition rates among new graduates.
- Adaptability is essential in the changing landscape of veterinary care.
- Veterinary education needs to prepare students for real-world challenges.
- The art of veterinary science is as important as the science itself.
- A growth mindset is vital for long-term success in the profession.
One Expert. One Topic. 20-minutes of Vet Wisdom.