Dr. Marisa Brunetti doing an ultrasound
Haley Maas Headshot
Words by:
Haley Maas, BS, LVT — Clinical Engagement Support Specialist
Black and White headshot of IndeVets Employee Marisa
Words by:
Marisa Brunetti, VMD — Chief Veterinary Officer

At IndeVets, we believe there is nothing that should compromise our ability to practice great medicine. That’s why we’re on a mission to champion clinical excellence for our doctors, the clinics we serve daily, and the industry at large.

Delivering the highest level of care starts with a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence. We achieve this by ensuring our practicing vets are:

Number 1

 

In leadership roles helping guide the company and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality medicine.

2

 

Assessing each potential candidate as if we would be practicing side-by-side with them on the toughest cases.

3

 

Building and implementing comprehensive professional and personal development programs for all Associate IndeVets.

 

Our commitment to clinical excellence begins with our meticulous recruiting process so only the most highly-skilled and genuinely nice doctors make the cut.

In a time of veterinarian shortages, many companies can’t afford to be so selective, but we believe we can’t afford not to. We maintain that our doctors’ clinical excellence is what sets us apart from other companies. With an average rating of 4.95 out of 5 stars over thousands of reviews, our clinic partners agree.

 

Proven process – vets hiring vets

The complete lack of any formal credentialing process is a huge issue in veterinary medicine. In an industry built on science and saving lives, how can it be common practice for veterinarians to be hired after a single interview with no additional due diligence? (Check out how we really feel about it.) Not at IndeVets. We are working to not only improve the veterinarian hiring process for our own vets, but to also raise the standard across the industry.

Our interview process takes about two weeks because we strive to hire exceptional vets every time. The process unfolds in four key steps:

  1. Phone screen: This allows us to verify applicants meet our basic requirements (education, experience, licensure, location, and initial chemistry check).
  2. Clinical assessment & case study: Applicants complete an extensive clinical questionnaire and a full case study – a way for us to assess medical decision-making.
  3. Interview with clinical leadership team: This is the opportunity for one of the practicing vets from our leadership team to ensure clinical excellence, professionalism, and quality communication. In the interview, we review the case, ask questions, and assess the candidate’s ability to think on their feet. We discuss other clinical situations as well as gain insight into how they might behave with patients and pet parents.
  4. Third party assessment: We also ask applicants to complete a behavioral assessment using the Predictive Index. This gives us a picture of overall personality characteristics.

While the demand for vets remains high across the U.S. and at our partner hospitals, we don’t waiver on our assessment of candidates. As a result, only 15-20% percent of our applicants are hired, and we have confidence our Associate IndeVets are synonymous with quality every time they step into the clinic.

 

Clinical excellence isn’t our goal. It’s our bare minimum.

Why do clinical standards matter so much to us? Here’s the scoop: our high standards empower our veterinarians to deliver exceptional care wherever they practice. And it’s one of the most important aspects of our careers.

Clinician's Brief Survey
*Clinician’s Brief Survey Results

According to a survey we ran in partnership with Clinician’s Brief this year (pictured), “practicing high-quality medicine” is second only to “work-life balance” as the most important aspect a vet’s career.

By establishing robust standards, we not only support our vets but also earn the trust of pet parents and partner hospitals alike. We’ve got clinical standards covered – for surgery, dentistry, anesthesia, equipment, and medical supplies, to name a few. And though we know clinical practice is of the utmost importance, so is how we treat each other. That’s why we also have a Harassment Free Work Environment policy in place and a comprehensive Code of Conduct – all our partner hospitals and employees are held to the same high standards.

These standards come standard in the daily practice of each and every Associate IndeVet. They are not just a book of rules hidden on a high shelf. Our doctors and our hospital partners are educated on these standards and held to them. Our clinical leadership team provides continual oversight to our veterinarians to ensure they practice a high standard of care – while also being very nice people.

We hold our hospital partners to the same standards and do not allow a vet to step foot in a clinic unless they have a full understanding of and accepted our clinical standards. In the rare case that one of our clinics strays from our standards, we contact them immediately to address it, and in very few instances, we’ve ended relationships if they can’t comply.

 

Lifelong learning: the vital role of IndeAcademy

In the ever-evolving field of veterinary medicine, maintaining clinical excellence requires more than just keeping up with the latest treatments and technologies or jamming all your CE credits into a three-day visit to a trade show. It involves a holistic approach to professional and personal development, which is precisely what IndeAcademy provides. This program stands as a testament to our company’s commitment to supporting our doctors both inside and outside of the clinic.

At the heart of IndeAcademy’s offerings is the recognition that true clinical excellence is fueled by personal well-being and continuous learning. The program is thoughtfully structured into three primary tracks: Clinical Excellence, Wellness and Personal Development and Leadership and Professional Development, each designed to address critical aspects of a veterinary professional’s career.

Clinical Certification Badge

 

The Clinical Excellence Tracks are particularly noteworthy, the cornerstone of which is the IndeVets General Practice Certification (IVGPC). This self-directed certification encompasses 38 diverse clinical focus topics, with specialized certifications also offered in Preventative Medicine, GP Emergency, Endocrine Diseases, and Power Skills to offer targeted expertise.

Wellness Badge

 

With burnout being a significant concern in the veterinary field, the Wellness Track, led by our full-time vet social worker, addresses burnout recovery through resilience-building and peer support. No veterinarian can practice sound medicine if they’re on the edge of burnout – we work to make sure our doctors don’t ever get to that point.

 

Leadership Badge

 

Leadership Tracks equip our doctors with essential skills to lead effectively and empathetically, helping to nurture every generation of doctors who comes after them. All this plus free, virtual, RACE-approved continuing education sessions ensure that our doctors remain at the cutting edge of veterinary practice.

 

Overall, IndeAcademy embodies our dedication to nurturing clinical excellence and supporting our doctors’ holistic growth. By investing in their well-being and continuous development, we are not just enhancing their professional capabilities but also contributing to a more resilient and innovative veterinary community.

 

High standards come standard, with the support system to make it happen.

From shadowing and annual medical record reviews to ongoing coaching and support, our clinical leadership team is there to ensure our IndeVets are not just great doctors but also happy human beings. We know vets don’t just need professional guidance to maintain high standards. Personal support is of utmost importance, too. That’s why we have an Advocacy Team in place. If our doctors ever need a hand or listening ear, this team – which includes a full-time, licensed veterinary social worker – has them covered.

 

Hundreds of Vets. One common purpose.

IndeVets goes the extra mile because we not only value the skills and quirks of all our vets, but also believe in elevating the industry through steadfast support and top-notch standards. Though each of us chooses the way we want to vet, we are united by one common purpose: to practice with clinical excellence and kindness.