Article Release: Issue 26
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Written By: Alyssa Rodriguez and Marianela Ramos

When you spend so much of your life at work, it should be in a place where you feel welcomed, supported, and safe. At Animal Surgical Center (ASC), we believe that culture isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we do it together.

We’ve made it a priority to foster a positive workplace culture rooted in teamwork, respect, inclusion, and joy. From creating an environment free of gossip and negativity to hosting team-building events and celebrating personal identity, our culture is designed to support our team’s well-being—so we can better support our patients.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight the intentional ways ASC creates a supportive workplace that helps our team thrive.

A Culture Where Everyone Can Speak Up

One of the most powerful ways to support mental wellness is by ensuring that everyone has a voice. At ASC, we hold monthly team meetings that serve as a space for staff to openly share feedback, ideas, and concerns.

Whether it’s offering a suggestion for hospital improvement, voicing a need for support, or simply knowing someone is listening, open communication builds trust. We believe that when every team member feels seen, heard, and valued, they’re better equipped to provide compassionate care—and feel confident in their role.

Team Bonding Through Fun and Celebration

Work should include joy—and in the high-stress world of veterinary medicine, it’s essential.

We make time to celebrate one another and connect outside of patient care, whether through:

• 🎉 Holiday parties (from elegant winter balls to ugly sweater contests)

• 🌮 Food-filled events like taco trucks, pizza parties, and ice cream socials

• 🎨 Creative competitions like pumpkin carving and Halloween door decorating

• 🏆 Employee of the Month awards and monthly team spotlights

• 🧺 Upcoming summer BBQ at Eisenhower Park!

We also go all out during Team Appreciation Weeks with catered meals, thoughtful gifts, and extra recognition—because every team member deserves to feel valued for the work they do.

Celebrating Diversity in Veterinary Medicine

The veterinary field still has progress to make when it comes to diversity and inclusion, but ASC is proud to be a workplace where everyone is welcome.

Our team includes people from all backgrounds, walks of life, and perspectives—and we believe that representation strengthens our care. Celebrating Pride Month, for example, is about more than rainbow flags—it’s about making sure every identity feels safe, respected, and supported, both personally and professionally.

Leading with Heart: Our Cultural Ambassador, Marianela Ramos

To keep our values at the center of our daily work, ASC created the role of Cultural Ambassador—a dedicated leader who nurtures team spirit and helps preserve our positive environment.

“Being the Cultural Ambassador for Animal Surgical Center means embodying and promoting the core values that define who we are—commitment, contribution, collaboration, and integrity.

It’s about creating a culture where every team member feels inspired to give their best, knowing their efforts make a difference in the lives of the animals we care for and the clients we serve.

Through genuine collaboration, we build trust and foster teamwork, recognizing that our shared commitment is what drives excellence.

As a Cultural Ambassador, I strive to lead by example and encourage a spirit of contribution and communication where everyone’s voice matters. Together, we create a workplace where values are not just spoken—they are lived every day.”
— Marianela Ramos

Why a Positive Work Culture Matters

A healthy workplace culture does more than just make work enjoyable—it directly impacts mental health, retention, patient care, and the overall well-being of our team.

When people feel safe to show up as themselves, are recognized for their contributions, and are supported during tough days, they’re less likely to experience burnout or compassion fatigue. And in a field as emotionally demanding as veterinary medicine, that kind of support is vital.

At ASC, there’s no room for meanness, gossip, or toxicity. Instead, we lift each other up—every single day, not just during Mental Health Awareness Month. Because taking care of one another is just as important as taking care of our patients.