Grand rounds: When and how to speak up

You know how grand rounds sessions help you tackle difficult cases on clinics? In this session, presenters use that same format to take on real-life situations you’re likely to encounter in practice. Join representatives from AVMA staff and a current veterinary student for a discussion of how to respond to difficult work situations and teammates who challenge us. Follow along with the presenters as they  work through the subjective, objective, and assessment of the “case.” Come away with a plan to handle specific situations and sail more smoothly through your early years after graduation.

This webinar was developed in partnership with My Veterinary Life podcast.

Participants can expect to learn about:

  • Creating a plan to respond to a difficult work situation
  • Identifying your personal needs for a successful work environment 
  • How to effectively give and receive feedback


Dr. Annie Chavent earned her DVM from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016. She spent four years working in equine private practice before joining AVMA in 2020 as an assistant director on the student initiatives team. She is passionate about supporting students as they become the best versions of themselves both professionally and personally.


Jen Brandt, Ph.D., is a licensed independent social worker and supervisor, experienced grief and trauma therapist, and healthcare team communications specialist. She has served as a certified psychology of eating coach, nutrition and lifestyle coach, QPR suicide prevention instructor, anti-oppression informed practitioner, and director of wellbeing, diversity and inclusion initiatives at the AVMA. Brandt founded The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Honoring the Bond Program, one of the first programs in the nation aimed at recognizing and honoring the human-animal bond by providing support and resources to animal owners and animal care professionals. She helped spearhead the launch of AVMA’s online Workplace Wellbeing and Brave Space certificate programs. She is a nationally and internationally acclaimed speaker at veterinary colleges and conferences and has served as a senior trainer and facilitator for the Institute for Healthcare Communication since 2003. In 2020, she was elected as a distinguished fellow of the National Academies of Practice (NAP) in social work. 


Hanna Netisingha is a fourth-year student at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana College of Veterinary Medicine. She also is the communications and public relations officer on the executive board of the Student AVMA (SAVMA), where she manages the organization’s social media. She is passionate about wellbeing in the veterinary profession and hopes to work as an emergency and critical care veterinarian after she graduates. 


Dr. Marci Kirk is a 2011 graduate from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She practiced small animal medicine for five years before joining the staff at the AVMA where she currently serves as assistant director for recent graduate initiatives. 


As AVMA’s associate director for veterinary career services Dr. Anna Daniel Reddish manages AVMA’s Veterinary Career Center, develops career resources for veterinarians, and oversees student outreach. She is a 2013 graduate of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and holds a master’s degree in animal and diary science with an emphasis in ruminant nutrition. After earning her DVM, she practiced mixed animal medicine in central Georgia.