Securing a successful practice: E-myth part IIDecember 19, 2017I spoke with Michael Gerber, management guru and best-selling author of The E-Myth Revisited and the E-Myth book collection, and Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, who co-wrote The E-Myth Veterinarian with Gerber.
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Henry Schein acquires eVetPracticeDecember 19, 2017Henry Schein Inc. has acquired eVetPractice, a provider of cloud-based practice management solutions to veterinary clinics. The company will join Henry Schein Veterinary Solutions. "As the veterinary practice management software market expands into cloud-based solutions, we at Henry Schein understand that partnering with eVetPractice enhances our ability to power successful practices by providing our customers with the latest in value-added services and technology solutions," said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and CEO of Henry Schein. "Our distribution footprint and comprehensive technology offerings, which now include the cloud, ensure that veterinary professionals can continue to rely on us as a trusted advisor, as we endeavor to help them operate more efficient and successful practices while delivering quality care." Based in Athens, Ga., and founded in 2011, eVetPractice serves approximately 900 customers. The company was founded by Eddie Heinz, who will join the HSVS executive team and continue to lead the eVetPractice solution and customer support teams. Henry Schein Veterinary Solutions has North American offices in Oshkosh, Wis., Piedmont, Mo., and Trevose, Pa. Henry Schein Animal Health is based in Dublin, Ohio.
Industry roundtable: Done domesticallyDecember 18, 2017Veterinary Practice News: Please share whether all or part of your company’s products are manufactured in the USA. Are they assembled here with foreign materials/components in part or in full, are they assembled here with U.S.-made components, or a mix of both?
Dog and cat behavior myths debunkedDecember 15, 2017Veterinary behavior is a relatively new specialty in our profession. Unfortunately, as such, plenty of old wives tales persist. As veterinarians and veterinary nurses, we critically evaluate and use evidenced-based medicine for our patients on a daily basis, and this should apply to behavior and training, as well. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about our patient's behaviors that still are being propagated, despite scientific evidence to the contrary. Myth No. 1: Human dominance maintains proper structure and obedience Common things we hear: "Don't let your dog sleep on the bed or couch because you don't want them to think they're dominant." "You need to alpha roll your dog to show him who's boss." "Once I put him in his place, he behaved perfectly." "You need to always be the alpha." No species in the animal kingdom creates dominance hierarchies with another species. However, dogs do create dominance hierarchies among themselves. This fluid relationship is maintained primarily by the deferential dog and not the most assertive. Take, for example, two household dogs each given a rawhide. The two go to their respective corners. One dog finishes first, then approaches the other and takes the second chew for himself. …
What Veterinary Practice News readers loved in 2017December 15, 2017Another new year is upon us, but before we embrace 2018 and all it might have to offer veterinary professionals and the industry, let's recap Veterinary Practice News' 10 most-read features of 2017. 1. Canine influenza virus 2017: Beyond two show dogs 2. 10 secrets to keep your veterinary nurses happy 3. University of Minnesota develops cancer drug that helps dogs with hemangiosarcoma 4. Study: Cats eating dry food have increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes 5. Zoetis earns license for Cytopoint skin therapy 6. Raising greyhound health awareness 7. American Association of Feline Practitioners revises declawing position 8. The 7 top challenges facing veterinary medicine in 2017 9. Petco officially enters the veterinary hospital ring with Thrive 10. The strangest things vet techs have heard clients say
How veterinary social workers help clients, staffDecember 14, 2017After his canine partner was stabbed in the line of duty, an officer attached to a K-9 unit of the Knoxville Police Department carried the dog into the emergency room at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center (UTVMC).
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.
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 …
