Telemedicine from the frontline: A practicing veterinarian's perspectiveMay 3, 2019Over the last decade, countless interactions with clients and patients have convinced me veterinarians must embrace telemedicine, both to remain relevant as care providers in an increasingly digital world and to compete successfully in today's on-demand economy. Given the change in generational demographics, today's clients view their pets as family members and insist on immediate gratification. To survive, we must adapt, otherwise pet parents will rely on Dr. Google, rather than wait to consult their family veterinarian for advice and guidance. It was an incident with a friend and client that convinced me veterinarians, as well as pet owners and patients, can benefit enormously from the integration of telemedicine. A tale of teletriage Four years ago, I received an evening call from a family friend whose dog Bodhi, a mixed breed, two-year-old neutered male Labrador, suffered what seemed to be a mild seizure. While my friend was in transit to a nearby emergency animal hospital, I advised him the episode wasn't as serious as he feared and he could wait until the next morning to bring Bodhi to my practice. That experience of utilizing the most basic form of telemedicine—the telephone—sparked the idea of bringing the benefits of a …
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Zoetis becomes first Human-Animal Bond-certified companyMay 3, 2019Zoetis is the first company to become Human-Animal Bond certified. More than two dozen company employees completed the program, and were taught the science behind the human-animal bond. The employees were also shown how this science supports the practice of veterinary medicine. The certification program was created by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). "For years, Zoetis has been a leading advocate of the bond between humans and animals, and we are honored to have earned this important certification," says Zoetis Petcare marketing executive director, J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, chair of the HABRI board of trustees. "Veterinarians play a key role in strengthening the relationship between animals and people, and Zoetis is committed to helping them, their clients, and the animals they care for experience the benefits of the human-animal bond." In its first year, more than 500 professionals have signed up for this certification, which offers 22 hours of RACE-approved continuing education credit. Zoetis also developed educational resources related to the program for its own employees, for the veterinary community, and for pet owners. "With its long-term commitment to funding human-animal bond research, education, professional development, and programming, Zoetis …
Declawing cats may soon be illegal in New YorkMay 3, 2019Legislation is currently moving through New York's state assembly in an effort to ban the declawing of cats. Declawing is already banned in several cities in California, as well as many countries around the world, including Switzerland, Israel, and the U.K. If Bill A01303 is passed, it would make New York the first state to ban the practice. "Claws play an important role in various aspects of cats' lives. They use their nails to assist in climbing and maintaining balance, to help them fully stretch, to relieve stress through kneading, and to escape danger," reads a state assembly memorandum memo. The memo goes on to say, "When the claws are removed, the animal tends to shift its gait and where it places most of its weight, causing strain on its leg joints and spine, which can lead to early onset arthritis and prolonged back and joint pain." Should the bill pass, anyone who performs an onychectomy, a partial/complete phlangectomy, or a tendonectomy procedure on a cat faces a fine of up to $1,000. Declawing will be permitted when it is necessary for therapeutic purposes, including: an existing or recurring illness; infection; disease; injury; or an abnormal condition in the …
How a fixer-upper practice might be just what the veterinarian orderedMay 2, 2019It's tough out there for buyers of veterinary practices and it seems to be getting worse. Every year, a few new investors and/or corporate consolidators call me looking to spend way too much money on two-plus doctor practices. So how can you, the young, ambitious associate, compete for one of these? You can't, unless you get lucky enough to find a seller morally opposed to corporate veterinary medicine, or who likes you well enough to give up $500,000 to $1,000,000-plus on the asking price. Thankfully, there's another way. If you're willing to live in a smaller town, you could find a true gem of a clinic with little competition from other buyers. Alternatively, if you start thinking like an investor and look for a poorly performing clinic, you could build it into your dream practice. The marketplace is flooded with underperforming clinics, their owners anxious to find a buyer like you, particularly if they are retiring and want to solidify a succession plan. In this article, I'll focus on what you need to know when buying a fixer-upper with real upside potential. I'll also offer tools on how to spot and fix the most common issues that can drain …
10 tools every superachiever needsMay 2, 2019Without battle-tested systems, healthy habits, and proven strategies, it's difficult to grow beyond a certain plateau. To get better, superachievers typically use the following 10 tools, at the very least. Let's see how they can apply to our profession. 1) An idea-capturing device You have a brilliant idea. It's so amazing you're certain you'll remember it. After all, it's going to change lives! Five minutes later, you are wracking your brain and retracing your steps to remember it. Ideas often come at the most inconvenient time, which means you should have a way to capture them in real time as they come to you. Keep a small notebook on your nightstand or in your pocket. Surely you can download all kinds of apps, although any smartphone or tablet has a "note" function where you can jot down ideas. What about a waterproof marker in your shower? The idea is to avoid walking around with all kinds of mental clutter. Write things down so you can focus on other stuff. 2) Keep a calendar Many people have multiple calendars: one on the wall, one on their desk, an organizer, and a digital calendar. Some may even have a personal calendar …
Front-office hacks that make work easierMay 2, 2019Your client-care team members should be masters of multitasking and problem solvers. During my 22 years of coaching receptionists, I've discovered helpful tips and tricks that make running the front desk easier. You're going to want to get started now: 1) Get wireless headsets Because receptionists answer hundreds of calls daily, headsets will reduce back and neck pain caused from cradling phones on shoulders. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), doctors, chiropractors, and physiotherapists all advise using headsets. Studies show wearing a headset instead of holding the phone can improve productivity up to 43 percent.1 Headsets let receptionists talk and type, speeding up the time it takes to book appointments and process prescription refill requests. Headsets also can eliminate hold time. While wearing a wireless headset and talking with a client, the receptionist could walk to the pharmacy to confirm the pet owner's prescription refill is ready. A headset also keeps the microphone in the same position as receptionists move their heads and speak, so voices sound consistent to callers. Noise-canceling microphones can remove up to 75 percent of background noise, filtering out sounds of barking dogs and other ringing phones.1 Ask your phone equipment vendor which headsets are …
Is the person you just hired a real CVT?May 2, 2019You don't have to be a human resources guru to ensure the person you're hiring is genuinely credentialed. Yet, fraud happens. When applying for a position, anyone can claim to be a credentialed veterinary technician/technologist (CVT) in good standing. But are they? It can be frustrating if you know someone who has falsely (either intentionally or through ignorance) represented himself/herself as a CVT to obtain a job. People who are CVTs in good standing have gone through a process to obtain these credentials (CVT, registered veterinary technician [RVT], licensed veterinary technician [LVT], or licensed veterinary medical technician [LVMT]). It's unfortunate when individuals apply for a position as a CVT (of any title) when they are unqualified. However, this is no excuse for the hiring manager not to perform due diligence in the hiring process, which includes verifying credentials. Defining proper job duties Hiring a new employee starts by defining the role of each team member, establishing a solid job description for the required expertise. These can be tweaked as needed for individual skill sets when a good fit is found. It is important to recognize the training CVTs receive. Ultimately, the requirements to be certified, registered, or licensed are …
IDEXX files voluntary dismissal in Vets First Choice lawsuitMay 2, 2019IDEXX Laboratories has dropped a lawsuit against two of its former staff members and Vets First Choice after alleging the employees took confidential material to their new employer. In a joint statement, Covetrus and IDEXX say they agreed to resolve the matter to an amicable resolution. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice. (Covetrus is the newly formed company after Vets First Choice merged with Henry Schein.) Last August, IDEXX announced it was taking two former employees and Vets First Choice to court. The lawsuit stated Dan Leach and Agostino Scicchitano did not reveal they resigned from IDEXX to gain employment with Vets First Choice and engaged in alleged "actual and/or threatened misappropriation of trade secrets." Further, it claimed the two employees took private information from company computers when they moved to their new employer. In the statement, Covetrus and IDEXX acknowledge "their respective obligations to their customers and employees to take appropriate measures to safeguard and ensure proper handling of confidential information." IDEXX was seeking unspecified monetary damages, punitive damages, and legal fees. The company's lawyers were also asking for an injunction to block the defendants' "actual or threatened disclosure or utilization of IDEXX's trade secrets."
VCA releases social impact reportMay 2, 2019Veterinary Centers of America (VCA) has released its first social impact report highlighting its fundraising achievements and commitment to veterinarians. This is part of the company's new series of annual reports, which will bring transparency to its animal welfare efforts. "We always strive to change lives for the better, and in the process, our own hearts are forever transformed, inspiring us to work ever harder for the pets who deserve nothing less than the very best we can give," says VCA cofounder and chief executive officer, Bob Antin. "We care. Since our founding in 1986, our unflagging commitment to pets has inspired us to go to ever greater lengths to ensure their health, safety, and happiness." One of VCA's main goals is to better the lives of animals across the U.S. and Canada through philanthropic outreach. In 2018, it raised $1 million in donations and provided more than $1 million in pre-adoption medical care to animal welfare groups across the U.S. During disasters such as the California Woolsey Fires and Hurricane Florence, more than 100 VCA hospitals helped out during the crisis. They aided with the evacuation of animals and provided no-charge health exams and vaccinations. VCA says it …
Blue Buffalo and Petco Foundation award cancer research grant to Morris Animal FoundationMay 1, 2019Blue Buffalo and Petco Foundation have joined forces to award a $250,000-grant to Morris Animal Foundation to fund its feline cancer studies. "Blue Buffalo is thrilled to partner once again with Petco Foundation to support Morris Animal Foundation in its fight against cancer, a terrible disease causing 50 percent of health-related pet deaths," says company vice-president, David Petrie. "Research is expensive, and we are proud to help fund studies that will lead to better health outcomes for dogs and cats." Cancer is the second leading cause of death in cats. In the U.S., more than 12 million pets are diagnosed with the disease every year. Since 1962, Morris Animal Foundation has funded more than 300 cancer studies and invested approximately $40 million. "We are deeply grateful for this meaningful gift, which will help us continue to advance cancer care," says Morris Animal Foundation president and chief executive officer, Tiffany Grunert. "It is through support like this that we're able to fund the best, most impactful studies, forging a path to a world where all cancers are treatable and more cures possible." Funding for Morris Animal Foundation has led to multiple breakthroughs and advancements in cancer care animals everywhere. This …
