Destructive behavior, a complex combination of relational aggression, horizontal violence, or bullying, appears to be prevalent in the medical field, says Justin Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT VetGirl, St. Paul, Minnesota. Lee references studies from the medical field and relates the results to veterinary hospital team dynamics. Strong, proactive leadership is critical, she says.
Source: Veterinary Team Brief, September/October 2013.
In veterinary medicine, we must realize that relational aggression, horizontal violence, and bullying are prevalent in our profession and stop them in their tracks. We also need to consider that veterinary medicine is approaching a majority-female field, and we don’t want to risk veterinary professionals being labeled catty. We wouldn’t tolerate bad behavior from a dog. We certainly wouldn’t reward bad behavior. Let’s take it to our two-legged colleagues and stop bullying in its tracks.