Why mastering soft skills equals success in the veterinary fieldAugust 14, 2018In veterinary school, students learn hard skills, the tangible, technical assets that allow us to perform our jobs. Mastery of these skills is vital, but so is developing a complementary set of skills: soft skills.
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Taking the fear out of anesthesiaJanuary 19, 2018During a checkup, you identify dental disease in a senior pet and explain the need for treatment. The pet owner declines care. In situations like this, veterinarians often blame price as the obstacle when fear of anesthesia may be the culprit.
What DVMs can learn from MDsDecember 12, 2017Not long after my first colonoscopy for screening, I reflected on the experience. Babac Vahabzadeh, MD, of South Denver Gastroenterology in Lone Tree, Colo., and his team have blended compassionate bedside manner with efficient protocols so that each patient’s experience is consistent.
Avoid body language blundersNovember 22, 2017Doctors and technicians will talk to multiple clients today, tomorrow, and the next day about their pets’ dental diagnoses and treatments. Among those clients, how many will accept professional care recommendations? Your medical team can use teaching tools and persuasive body language to help guide pet owners’ decisions.
How to talk to owners of obese pets for better patient resultsAugust 9, 2017A common misperception exists among veterinary professionals that addressing a pet’s obesity will offend a pet owner with obesity. This falsehood prevents many veterinarians from initiating a vital medical conversation, resulting in the avoidable suffering of untold millions of pets and owners spending countless millions in preventable pet care costs.
Conversation starters for the shy and introverted vet, vet techJune 14, 2017According to various personality tests, most vets (and techs) are introverts. After all, most vets (and techs) secretly prefer animals to people (shocking). Little did we know that we would have to interact with clients, colleagues, coworkers, receptionists and vendors far more than with animals.
How to be a role model for your vet team and yourselfApril 28, 2017I often find myself having conversations about staff development and clinic culture. These conversations usually go the same way: The veterinary practice manager, or owner, is frustrated and overwhelmed with all the work they have to do.
How to help clients when pets are diagnosed with life-ending diseaseMarch 1, 2017Sadly, the veterinary medical care team often is faced with patients that have been diagnosed with a life-ending disease. With pets having such a high rate of severe osteoarthritis, cancer, renal disease and heart failure, care teams frequently will be confronted with clients who must come to grips with the news that their beloved pet has limited time left.
How to talk about end-of-life care for petsFebruary 13, 2017Helping a client decide when it is time to euthanize their pet may appear to be straightforward. As medical professionals, we often view end-of-life cases from a purely clinical standpoint, but we may not take into account many nonmedical factors such as emotions, social issues, financial pressures or physical limitations.
Why a lack of focus can ruin communication in the vet practiceFebruary 1, 2017A client is explaining her dog Crazy Doodle’s latest antics, which led to today’s visit for stitches. You nod and type detailed notes into the electronic medical record as the pet owner shares her story.
