I'm terrified of conducting job interviewsAugust 17, 2016I am the owner and sole practitioner of a small animal hospital. Over the past 20 years, I have conducted dozens, maybe hundreds of interviews, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy it or that I’m good at it. Actually, managing employees is one of my least favorite aspects of practice ownership.
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Discover the silver lining in cloud-based PMSAugust 15, 2016We all know the lifeblood of any veterinary practice is the medical team and office staff. But remove the human component and what is the one aspect that enhances patient care and drives continuity and connectivity? The practice management system (PMS) serves that role and grounds the health care team.
Why you should offer day admissions at your vet practiceAugust 11, 2016A panicked pet owner calls you after cleaning up vomit and diarrhea. His dog devoured a platter of hamburgers and hotdogs during a backyard barbeque. Communicate your eagerness to help. Tell the caller, “I’m sorry to hear that your pet is sick. Let me see how we can help you today.”
Why is it so hard for veterinarians to say, "I don't know?"August 11, 2016Why is it so hard for us to say, “I don’t know”? As veterinarians, we’ve studied for 19 years or more. We’re highly educated, trained and experienced. We have to make critical calculations for medication dosages, or where and what to cut in surgery.
10 things you need to purge from your vet hospital right nowAugust 9, 2016As I travel around, performing surgery at different clinics, I am sometimes surprised to see things with a fresh pair of eyes that the owner and the staff don’t seem to notice at all. Keep in mind that I work with smart doctors, so the list below does not reflect their quality as clinicians.
Assessing your veterinary practice's leadershipAugust 3, 2016Alongside the importance of your expertise in veterinary medicine is your ability to lead and manage a well-run business. I was recently reviewing Karen Parker’s book “A Practical Guide to Performance Appraisals,” which is about performance appraisals for veterinary practice employees.
Why is veterinary nutrition different?August 1, 2016When most people go to the veterinarian it is assumed the veterinarian is trained in the skills that are needed. Graduation from a veterinary curriculum means “trained and ready to serve your pets.”
Are you creating "experience appointments?"July 29, 2016I used to hate to go to the auto dealership. It was either boring or stressful, depending on the day. Now I look forward to my car’s maintenance appointments. What made the difference? The auto dealer created “experience appointments.”
How well do you manage your time?July 27, 2016According to a recent worldwide study of 1,500 executives by the consulting firm McKinsey and Co., less than 10 percent of respondents were “very satisfied” with their allocation of time.
Why you should fight pet fright with Fear Free vet practicesJuly 25, 2016Imagine a world where every patient you see is relaxed and unafraid, where the animal stands calmly for a blood draw or willingly lies down for a radiograph.
