Ep 233: Building Trust: How to Discuss Pet Nutrition with Clients with Dr. Danielle Conway - Part 1

The 'So You're A Vet... Now What?' Podcast

In this episode of "So You're a Vet, Now What?", host Dr. Moriah McCauley welcomes Dr. Danielle Conway, an ACVIM board-eligible veterinary nutritionist. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of nutrition conversations between veterinarians and pet owners. Danielle is incredibly passionate about supporting veterinary teams in nutritional conversations. As new grads you know the science and research behind your recommendations, but bringing clients on board can be daunting if you don’t know how to even start the conversation.

This is part 1 of Dr. Moriah’s conversation with Danielle as she gives you the tips and tools for emphatic and effective conversations with clients when it comes to nutrition.

Dr. Danielle Conway is a nutrition residency trained veterinarian with extensive experience in evidence based integrative medicine. Her pursuit of “helping patients live their best lives” has led to training and working alongside leading professionals countrywide. She has certifications and advanced coursework in veterinary acupuncture, spinal manipulation, rehabilitation, and nutraceutical support. Her approach is to combine traditional medicine with individualized integrative modalities to achieve optimal wellness.Her career has spanned private practice and academia. She is currently pursuing board eligibility toward becoming a certified veterinary nutritionist.

Dr Conway’s personal interests include researching science based next-generation wellness techniques, environmental stewardship, and anything outdoors (gardening, skiing, biking, hiking, etc.). She is also passionate about using her integrative training to help reduce veterinary profession burnout. Dr Conway shares her home with her husband, feisty human primates (aka two beautiful and spirited daughters) and a variety of hooved, scaled, feathered, and furry companions.

Episode Outline

[00:02:36] Nutrition conversations in veterinary practice.

[00:05:30] Handling backlash on social media.

[00:08:26] Responding to social media backlash.

[00:12:08] Opening conversations about pet diets.

[00:15:49] Building trust through conversation.

[00:18:04] Client nutrition conversations challenges.

[00:21:16] Nutrition recommendations for pets.

[00:25:12] Handling raw diet discussions.

[00:26:39] Pet food decision-making empowerment.

[00:30:51] Nutrition accessibility in veterinary care.

Episode Links

See more from Dr. Conway: https://www.instagram.com/vitalvetnutrition/

Connect with Dr. Conway: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-conway-2a38354b/

Mentioned in this episode:

So You're a Vet, Now What? - The Course

Are you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.