Diagnostic tests: the good, the bad, and the uglyOctober 7, 2021By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMADiagnostic testing is not an oracle, which we consult blindly in the hope of replacing confusion with wisdom. It is a targeted process of collecting and evaluating specific information in the context of our existing understanding, and altering that understanding incrementally to better approximate reality and inform our actions.
Compassion without the fatigueSeptember 23, 2021Never before, it seems, have we been forced to contend with such problematic client conduct.
Tech Talk: A look at advanced degreesSeptember 2, 2021By Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (nutrition)I am a huge supporter of increasing credentialed veterinary technician wages, optimal utilization, credentialing requirements, title protection, and defined scope of practice in all states. However, my question is: Do all these issues need to be addressed in every state before creating a new role?
Nutrition: Why treading lightly is often the best approachAugust 12, 2021Nutrition has evolved into the one area I’ve learned to tread lightly. It’s the third rail of all exam room topics of conversation, second only to politics and religion for the fervor it inspires — especially should you accidentally trip on a stray word in the minefield of unmentionable ingredients or excesses.
From antioxidants to vitamins, many supplements lack official testingJuly 22, 2021By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMASkipping steps in the scientific process wastes time and resources, and it ultimately hurts patients. Those who may choose an insufficiently tested supplement over a proven therapy because they believe it to be safer or more effective based on low-quality evidence can be harmed by the supplement or by delaying truly effective treatment
Just how family-friendly is our profession?July 8, 2021Building your entire culture around what’s best for families is how I’ve learned I can attract and retain employees. Because, while others might pay more, no one else offers the family-centric culture we’ve cultivated by offering some crucial benefits.
Under-utilizing veterinary techniciansJuly 1, 2021By Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (nutrition)Under-utilizing credentialed/licensed veterinary technicians continues to be a hurdle many practices have yet to overcome. Here are areas for improvements.
Behavior in motion and what it means for the professionJune 11, 2021Setting our sights on how animals outwardly behave is a fundamental concession to the fact we keep pets for our pleasure, as well as for our own emotional needs. However, that does not mean veterinarians should disregard emotion, as we have done.
