VPN Plus+ ExclusiveHow to service a mixed-demographic clienteleOctober 1, 2020 It should go without saying, not all veterinary practices are alike. Not all regions of the country are alike. Not all communities are homogeneous. Not all clients have unlimited resources to devote to the care of their pets. Yet, over the years, we have found ourselves frequently confronted with opinion pieces, written by practice management "experts" whose advice may be distilled down to one catchy phrase: "Charge what you're worth." Those of us who have been doing this for a while know things aren't always quite that simple. My practice of 27 years was a good example. We were located equidistant from million-dollar homes and Section-8 housing. The former group of clients appreciated the fact we kept our pricing under control, the latter group absolutely required it, and we serviced every demographic group in between. The real cost of treatment A litany of very good reasons is always advanced for raising prices, including the rising debt-to-income ratios of our newer veterinarians, the need to attract skilled support staff into our clinics, and the overall rising cost of doing business, which always seems to exceed the rate of inflation. None of this is disputed; nevertheless, …
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Clear communication key when leading amidst uncertaintySeptember 23, 2020When guiding a team, clear communication and a sense of understanding is key, regardless of the landscape.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveBest practices for managing part-time clinicians at multidoctor practicesSeptember 22, 2020 Veterinary practice is a team effort, requiring commitment and dedication from all staff members to provide optimal care for each pet, keep clients happy, and maintain profitability. Within a multidoctor practice, this team effort can be put to the test when some of the clinicians work part-time. Why choose part-time? Veterinarians who choose to work part-time do so for a variety of reasons, such as pursuing a second career. Laura Hoffman, DVM, who works as the sole part-time veterinarian in a multidoctor practice and teaches in the pre-veterinary medicine/veterinary technology department at Murray State University in Murray, Ky., knew full-time veterinary practice was not for her. Doing part-time veterinary work gave her "the ability to have another career while staying current with medicines, treatments, and diagnostics in veterinary medicine," says Dr. Hoffman. Karen Todd-Jenkins, VMD, who works as a part-time veterinarian at two veterinary practices and is a medical writer, has been doing relief and part-time veterinary work for more than 15 years. This type of work "gives me the variety and schedule flexibility I need," she says. "I don't think I'd be nearly as happy or fulfilled working full-time." Other reasons veterinarians choose part-time work include raising …
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveThe muzzling of science and the veterinarian's roleSeptember 16, 2020By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBAAn acceptance of “un-science” is happening despite the fact most of us carry the bulk of this planet’s available information on our person at all times. The facts are literally at our fingertips.
Figuring out controlled substances regulations: Where do I start?September 11, 2020Finding answers to questions regarding controlled substances can be overwhelming, confusing, and time-consuming. It is difficult to know where to look for regulations and to determine which ones to should follow.
What kind of impostor are you?September 11, 2020Despite the kudos, the high fives, and the congrats, do you feel like you fooled everybody into thinking you’re better than you are? Like you don’t deserve the praise?
First-ever veterinary union contract ratifiedAugust 27, 2020The veterinary industry’s first-ever private-sector union contract has been ratified at a Vancouver, Wash., clinic.
Why business 101 is more important than everAugust 25, 2020The new normal has forced veterinary practices to adjust how they do business. However, that's not to say a back-to-basics approach should is outdated.
Could the webcam be an eye to the future of veterinary medicine?August 13, 2020As we ponder what the new normal will be, telemedicine is likely to play an integral role in how veterinary care is offered.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveRemoving blind spots: Conflict resolution in veterinary practicesAugust 11, 2020Conflict is a natural part of the human condition and occurs in any environment where people spend an extended amount of time together. It arises as a result of unmet needs and expectations, when one person’s desires, wishes, and feelings do not match another’s.
