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Welcome to the You Matter Movement by the AVMA Trust

At the AVMA Trust…You Matter! Your commitment to the wellbeing of your patients is unmatched. But, sometimes, the weight of daily challenges and frustrations can test that commitment. In the most trying moments, extending and receiving grace—to yourself, your team, your clients, and those around you—is vital to your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing and the success of your practice.

That’s why we’ve started the “You Matter” movement. Designed to uplift, inspire, and express gratitude within the veterinary community, this movement aims to reinforce the importance of resilience, encouragement, and support.

While the care you provide patients is at the heart of what you do, your interactions with others—both in and outside the exam room—is important, too. The goal of the You Matter movement is to foster positive communications, strengthen connections between clients and the veterinary team, and celebrate the small acts of kindness that are a hallmark of our profession.

Join the movement because…You Matter!

Talking SMACK:
Small Acts of Kindness

Talking SMACK (SMall ACts of Kindness) is the heart of the “You Matter” movement! We understand that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. Talking SMACK is our unique way of turning the concept of “talking smack” into something positive, uplifting, and smile-inducing within the veterinary profession.

Who Can Talk SMACK?

Talking SMACK is all about recognizing people in the veterinary community for small acts of kindness that often go unnoticed–but that deserve to be celebrated! It’s an opportunity to share stories, spread joy, and create a ripple effect of positivity within the profession. SMACK talk can be submitted by:

  • Veterinarians
  • Clients
  • Clinic Staff
  • Practice Owners
  • Veterinary Organizations & Groups
  • Veterinary Students
SEE ALL SMACK
  • I’m here to talk SMACK about Dr. [Kathryn] Penrod [of Brookside Animal Hospital]. She is an amazing veterinarian, boss, friend, coworkers. Dr. Penrod goes out of her way to help people whether they are a client, friend, or employee. Even when she is having a bad day, she always checks on us. My husband was out of town in an in-patient rehab, and she offered to come give my goat a shot even though we don’t see goats at our clinic. She [then] checked on me by text and in person... She always has a listening ear and offers advice when she can. I cannot even image working for another owner/veterinarian!
    – Hillary K.
  • The practice manager [at Verona Veterinary Medical Services], and these fantastic veterinary medicine team members [doctors and CVTS who attended an after-hours presentation] took their evening to learn how to communicate and interact better with others. And to all of you, I say, “YO!”
    – Bob Feller
  • Hi! I’m Leilani Mustillo, and I am here to talk SMACK about Dr. Marie Holowaychuk. Marie, you’re a household name because all of us know how much you’ve done for our profession. You’re not only an amazing criticalist who is dedicated to teaching (especially veterinary technologists but also veterinary students), but you also have done SO much for mental wellness in our profession. Thank you so much for everything you do!
    – Leilani Mustillo
  • Hi! I’m Dr. Raye Taylor, and I’m here to talk SMACK about Lauren Bernstein. This amazing human does nothing but selflessly think of communities she serves, including the students. She’s out there teaching the good way to interact with humans and animals, and to make sure you’re always thinking of one thing: the love that is shared between animals and humans—no matter who they are, no matter what the animal is, and how incredibly important that is. It dictates everything she does, and it’s just a beautiful thing to watch her work in such a natural way—keeping pets and people together.
    – Dr. Raye Taylor
  • Hi, everybody! My name is Dr. Bridget Heilsberg, and I’m a former SAVMA president (2012-2013), and I’m a current equine practice owner in Whitesboro, Texas. Today, I’m talking SMACK about our SAVMA president-elect Tarra Baron—who’s a student at Lincoln Memorial University. Not only did she sign up to volunteer while being a student (which is a major ordeal!), she has taken it on personally to make sure that she is representing student opinions from all across our vast nation. She’s doing a really good job, and I wanted her to know it. So, Tarra Baron, great job! This one’s for you.
    – Dr. Bridget Heilsberg

How Does It Work?

Step 1: Share Your SMACK

Whether it’s a colleague, practice owner, or employee going above and beyond in a difficult situation, a heartwarming moment with a patient, or a thoughtful gesture that made your day, share it with us! Your SMACK could be the chance to extend grace that someone else needs.

Click here to share your SMACK.

Step 2: Spread the Joy

Your SMACK stories–both serious and light-hearted–will be featured on our website, so don’t hold back on what you say. You never know who may be reading, and we need to offer grace to one another in the toughest of times as well. Take a moment to honor the resilience of those in the veterinary profession!

Step 3: Encourage and Connect

Leave comments, send virtual high-fives, and let others know that their acts of kindness matter. Talking SMACK is not just about sharing stories; it’s about building a community that uplifts and supports one another.

Join the Conversation

Talk SMACK

In the world of veterinary care, every act of kindness matters, and everyone deserves a moment to shine.

Let’s start Talking SMACK and make a positive impact, one story at a time!

*We will only contact you if we have a question about your comments. AVMA LIFE Trust reserves the right to make any necessary grammatical or spelling edits and/or to shorten your Talk SMACK submission if needed.

Other Resources

Positive Pet Care Guide (For Veterinary Teams)

The AVMA’s Positive Pet Care Guide is a free resource that veterinary teams in companion animal practice can leverage to help foster healthy lines of communication and a positive partnership between staff and clients.

Download Positive Pet Care Guide PDF Download Effective Equine Care Guide PDF Tips for Navigating Challenging Client Conversations