How do I Research the Culture at a Veterinary Specialty Hospital?

It is important to ask questions about circumstances in which people’s values and the unarticulated norms come into play. For example:

1. What happens when there is a problem that needs to be solved? Ask for an example and listen for cues if that resonates with you. Consider who was asked for input.
2. What happens when there is a conflict?
3. What happens when there is a performance issue?
4. What happens when someone leaves the hospital?
5. When a client complains, how is the handled and by whom?
6. How are emergencies handled when they walk in the door?
7. What is the turnover rate among specialists, emergency veterinarians, technicians, nurses, front office in addition to other staff
   
   

These questions are taken from a podcast in our series “Is Veterinary Medicine Ready for a Chief Culture Officer.”