#100: Fixing Clinical Recruiting in Vet Med with Savanna Tracy

Apr 27

Veterinary leaders are feeling the pressure when it comes to recruiting right now, and for many, it feels like no matter how much effort goes in, the right candidates just aren’t sticking. In this episode, Savanna Tracy joins me to explore what’s really happening in today’s hiring landscape and how practices can shift their approach to build stronger, more sustainable teams.

Drawing on her experience in multi-site operations and leadership development, Savanna breaks down the current state of the industry and why the challenge hasn’t disappeared, it’s simply evolved. While staffing shortages may look different than they did a few years ago, the strain has moved upstream into how we recruit, engage, and retain our people. She explains why recruiting and retention are no longer separate conversations, but part of the same strategy that begins the moment a candidate first interacts with your practice.

Savanna shares practical insights into what today’s candidates are actually looking for and how leaders can better meet those expectations. From speed and consistency in communication to transparency about the realities of the practice, she highlights the importance of building trust early. The conversation also explores how helping candidates envision their life within the practice, not just their role, can be a powerful differentiator in a competitive hiring market.

We also dive into one of the most overlooked opportunities in leadership: onboarding. Savanna explains why the first 90 days are critical in shaping confidence, connection, and long-term retention. With thoughtful structure, clear expectations, and intentional support, onboarding can shift from a reactive process to a powerful retention strategy. She leaves listeners with a clear reminder that culture is not defined by intention, but by the experience a new hire has from day one.

What’s Inside:

Why recruiting and retention must be approached as one unified strategy
How transparency and communication build trust with today’s candidates
The role of candidate experience in standing out in a competitive market
Why structured onboarding is key to long-term retention

Today’s Guest:

Savanna Tracy is currently a Manager of Field Operations at BluePearl Pet Hospital with 14 years of experience leading culture, leadership development, and multi-site veterinary operations. She holds a Bachelor’s in Animal Science and an MBA, with a proven track record of building scalable leadership teams, enhancing the employee experience, and improving retention through data-driven strategies. While coaching and fostering inclusive, high-performing teams is her passion, her impact lies in aligning people and purpose to drive sustainable operations and meaningful organizational outcomes.