We Need to Talk, Resolving Case Complications with Communication - On Demand

Course overview

Surgical complications are an unavoidable part of practice, but the way they are discussed among all parties often determines whether a challenging case becomes a source of collaboration, conflict, or fractured trust. This interactive lecture uses real-world large and small animal surgical scenarios to explore the difficult conversations that arise among surgeons, primary care veterinarians, clients, and clinical teams. Rather than focusing on the technical details of each case, the session invites residents to step back from the clinician cap and examine the communication decisions that shape client perception, referral relationships, case continuity, and professional collegiality. Residents in both large and small animal surgery will gain practical strategies for navigating situations when expectations diverge, outcomes are imperfect, or communication is delayed, incomplete, or misunderstood. Emphasis will be placed on using the ACVS Collaborative Relationship Communication Tool to proactively clarify roles, timelines, follow-up responsibilities, client messaging, and shared decision-making between the specialist and primary care veterinarian. By examining difficult cases through a communication lens, this lecture aims to help residents build the professional habits needed to preserve trust, reduce conflict, and improve patient outcomes through stronger teamwork.