Penn Foster offers veterinary practice management certificate programDecember 14, 2017Penn Foster College, a provider of online degree programs and individual courses, launched its Veterinary Practice Management Undergraduate Certificate program. The new program helps prepare students to become veterinary practice managers by providing them with education in the procedures, policies, and management skills needed in the daily operations of a veterinary business. The undergraduate certificate offers 19 college credits, covering skills including managerial and financial accounting, veterinary practice systems, planning and leadership, business ethics, and more. The program is offered through Penn Foster's technology-enabled learning platform, where interactive, mobile-friendly courses, progress-tracking and goal setting tools, and personal coaches help students complete the program while managing their busy lives. In addition to earning an undergraduate certificate, completion of the program satisfies the college semester hours required for the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager exam offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. Penn Foster also offers veterinary training programs for its AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technician Associate Degree, NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Career Diploma, and Pet Grooming Certificate.
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BabelBark expands its global footprintDecember 13, 2017BabelBark pet-related software developer announced the expansion of its mobile app and software platform into English-speaking countries and territories, including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK. This expansion outside of the US and Canada will bring the emerging BabelBark platform to millions of pet parents, pet vendors, and veterinarians worldwide. BabelBark digital platform offers a mobile app that combines 24/7 activity monitoring, connection to primary care and emergency veterinary services, medical records and medication reminders, regional/local service providers, and products to prescriptively and proactively help pet parents monitor and manage their dog's individual needs. The app connects their dog's information and activity with their veterinarian, pet store, walker, pet sitter, boarding kennel, and more within their identified pet care community. The BabelBark connection is further enhanced when local pet businesses also use the BizBark or BabelVet vendor software platforms, which are designed to complete the BabelBark user experience. "No matter where the pet parent is located, in the US, UK, or another country, they can easily find pet-related services nearby with the swipe of a finger," said Bill Rebozo, founder, product and market strategist for BabelBark. "In addition, when pet owners travel abroad with their …
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.
Veterinary Mental Health Practitioners forms as part of AAVMCDecember 11, 2017The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) is addressing mental health issues within the profession through its newly established Veterinary Mental Health Practitioners (VMHP) group. The group, which includes all licensed mental health practitioners working within colleges of veterinary medicine, is designed to protect and enhance the health and wellness of veterinary students as they conduct their studies and prepare for professional practice. "Veterinary medical students and doctors grapple with mental health and wellness issues, as do practitioners in other health professions," said Chandra Grabill, Ph.D., VMHP chair, assistant dean for student wellness and engagement at Michigan State University, noting that some of the challenges include depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, interpersonal challenges, and the struggle of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. "By combining our resources, the VMHP group will be in a stronger position to focus on these important issues." The group's goal is to enable all veterinary students to thrive during their education and flourish as veterinary professionals by: Addressing the personal, social, educational, mental health, and career needs of veterinary students; Cultivating a culture that values a healthy, diverse and inclusive veterinary community; Graduating students with competencies necessary to be healthy, successful professionals …
Can arbitration provisions keep employment disputes private?December 7, 2017Many practice owners include an arbitration provision in their employment contracts with associate veterinarians. This is often to ensure that employment disputes will be resolved in a private setting and out of the public eye.
VETgirl launches free veterinary wellness app for iOS, AndroidDecember 6, 2017VETgirl, the online veterinary continuing education resource for busy veterinary professionals has released a free app to help maintain daily wellness. The subscription-based service offers RACE-approved, online veterinary continuing education that teaches through podcasts, webinars, blogs, videos, and social media. The company was created by veterinary specialists, lecturers, and clinicians, Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT, and Garret Pachtinger, DVM, DACVECC. The team has a passion for wellness, said Dr. Lee. With the growing prevalence of burnout, compassion fatigue, and suicide within the veterinary profession, she and Dr. Pachtinger created a veterinary wellness app as a gentle reminder to engage in self care. The VETgirl veterinary wellness app can be downloaded for free here: iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vetgirl-wellness/id1310785374?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.communityone.veterinaryselfcare&hl=en Users can check in every day to receive an easy reminder of how they can help take care of themselves with simple tips. For more information, visit VETgirlontherun.com.
The devil's in the detailsDecember 4, 2017I’m the first one to say I love, love, love my job. This is undoubtedly the best profession on earth. It does not, however, find me leaping out of bed with joy on every single day.
Recoup veterinary med revenueDecember 1, 2017As the veterinary pharmacy landscape continues to move away from traditional in-clinic sales, practice owners are left wondering how to regain some of their lost revenue, especially for the sale of parasite preventives and prescription foods.
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.
Ultrasound adviceNovember 16, 2017“An ultrasound machine that is a ‘must have’ for one practice may not hold the same status for another.” What seems like an obvious statement is testament to why veterinary practices must thoroughly evaluate exactly what equipment their practice needs.
