VPN Plus+ ExclusiveSelling services without being a used car salespersonAugust 1, 2024By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA
Education Center - SponsoredHow artificial intelligence can enhance diagnostic confidenceby • ZoetisIn the right context, AI yields the power to enhance clinical confidence and streamline decision-making – without replacing the human touch that defines the profession.
Why do vets increasingly shun practice ownership?July 8, 2024There are so many powers in play (educational, generational, familial, and geographical factors, etc.), but columnist, Dr. Patty Khuly lists top four she considers as the most daunting stumbling blocks to practice ownership.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveSix practice models to reinvigorate independent small animal practicesApril 4, 2024By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA
What vet medicine can take out of a military playbookMarch 20, 2024Over the past decade or so I've witnessed the rising popularity of a practice style I've snarkily termed "frogmarched" vet care; To force (someone) to walk forward by holding and pinning their arms from behind. In its most effective manifestation, clients are shuttled through a scripted process involving rapid-fire assessments and minimal human interaction. The goal is to increase productivity and maximize profitability by minimizing time-consuming client-staff interactions. In this way, patients are attended more quickly, and clients' wait times are curtailed. Here is how it works in emergency care settings, where it is most often employed: Upon presentation, receptionists immediately convey basic client and patient details to triage technicians, who then assess the patient, confer with the attending veterinarian, devise a plan, present it to the client (via vet or tech), and provide an estimate (via reception or tech). Reception will collect payment or ensure a quick AMA kiss-off if the client is unable or unwilling to comply with the terms proposed. This way, clients are effectively vetted for financial enthusiasm and capacity up front with minimal in-person interaction, so the clinic avoids unduly expending limited space and personnel resources on less profitable cases. When deployed to perfection, this …
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveAssorted findings from this year's veterinary conference seasonFebruary 22, 2024By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA
Euthanasia: Not the worst part of the jobJanuary 22, 2024"The biggest threat to the veterinary psyche is not over the death of animals. It has more to do with their humans."
Eight great reasons to retire early from veterinary practiceJanuary 17, 2024Some of us practice for years before acquiring challenges that preclude our ability to fully embrace traditional practice. While most who encounter these common obstacles feel compelled to see their way through however they can, there are limits to what any of us should drive ourselves to endure.
Tech disrespect and the rise of unionsDecember 26, 2023This month's column discusses the systematic ways in which our über-hierarchical profession too often relegates veterinary nurses-slash-technicians to roles several rungs below their veterinary-degreed colleagues.
VPN Plus+ ExclusivePositivity prevails: nine resolutions for the new yearDecember 20, 2023By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBA
Handling 'snowflake' clients (not a 'how to' guide)November 27, 2023The most widely accepted definition for the slang term, “snowflake” is: “A very sensitive person. Someone who is easily hurt or offended by the statements or actions of others..."
