VPN Plus+ ExclusiveUnleashing the truth: challenging veterinary industry norms and embracing new opportunitiesJuly 6, 2023By Patty Khuly, VMD, MBAIt is high time I wrote a post on what you are doing all wrong and how we can all do better. However, before you come at me for my unspeakable hubris, please understand I speak from a place of love for animals on the planet of unflinching self-recrimination. In other words, if I tell you you’re doing something misguided and stupid, it’s because I figured it out after screwing it up first—and continually do.
SPONSORED CONTENTThe Case for Year-Round Heartworm Prevention and Affordable OptionsVeterinarians are often more than just clinicians - they’re advisors, educators, and, increasingly, financial counselors. In today’s economy, pet owners may hesitate to invest in year-round prevention due to budget constraints; but, skipping even a few months of heartworm protection can have serious consequences. + Learn More
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveWorkForce Crisis: Retaining StaffJune 2, 2022Leslie Boudreau, BASVT, RVTg, CVPM, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, on how the veterinary industry is facing a workforce crisis. Retaining and growing your staff has never been more important. Employees are our most valuable assets, but do they know this? With the Great Resignation upon us, now is the time to change our focus to retention and talent management. If you don’t help them grow, you will watch them go!
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveThe corporatization of veterinary practices in America—Will you be a part of it?September 15, 2020While the corporatization of veterinary medicine might be a cause of concern for you as an independent practice owner, the right guidance can help you succeed in this rapidly changing marketplace.
Bridge Club names Industry ICONMay 30, 2019The Bridge Club has announced the president and chief executive officer of Compassion-First Pet Hospitals as its Industry ICON honoree. John Payne, who also serves as the chair of Compassion-First and of American Humane, will receive a lifetime membership, as well as guest-host the ICON series live event in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 5. This series allows Bridge Club members and veterinary professionals to meet and learn from experts in the field who have had a positive impact on the veterinary industry. Payne's talk will reflect on his personal and professional leadership, and his commitment to connecting, engaging, learning, and growing. "Payne has contributed so much to this profession, starting from his early days as a sales representative to his days leading Banfield to where he stands today, a leader and entrepreneur fighting to elevate pet care and the profession as a whole," says Bridge Club cofounder, Catherine Haskins. "It is rare to have John tell his story and we are excited to offer a front row seat for this fireside chat." The Bridge Club's ICON series is sponsored by American Humane and the Animal Policy Group. The event takes place during American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA's) annual conference on …
AVMA MyVeterinaryLife website supports early-career vets, studentsAugust 27, 2018MyVeterinaryLife.com, a new American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) website for early-career veterinarians and vet students, answers commonly asked questions about the industry and offers career tips, financial guidance, and ways to deal with work-related stress. MyVeterinaryLife.com is dedicated to offering a chance for trainees in the field to receive the critical resources veterinary students and young professionals need to support themselves and their well-being as the next generation of veterinarians, according to the AVMA. Organized based on career stage, the site includes sections for readers in veterinary school, in transition from school to the workforce, or already working as a veterinarian. The platform also provides access to a salary calculator, a student externship locator, and the ProQOL well-being assessment. Other tools on the site include financial tips for fourth-year veterinary students, a series of webinars exploring different veterinary careers, lessons on financial literacy, and more.
Brakke to offer webinar on veterinary industry issuesJune 7, 2018Brakke Consulting Inc. is offering a one-hour webinar later this month on four issues facing veterinarians and the veterinary industry. Presented by senior consultant John Volk, "Hot Topics in Veterinary Medicine" will examine such topics as: Supplier Concentration: What Does it Mean to Veterinary Practices? Veterinary Practice Consolidation: Bubble or Long-Term Trend? Preventive Care Plans: Are They Essential to Your Future? Healthy Veterinarians, Healthy Practice: How is your Wellbeing? Participants will have an opportunity to participate in discussions and ask questions. In addition, each attendee will receive a copy of the presentation. "The webinar will include up-to-the-minute data on important issues facing the industry and the implications for veterinary practitioners," says John Volk. "I'm confident that every participant will leave with some take-aways that he or she can apply immediately in their practice." The webinar will be presented four times: June 27, 11 a.m. EDT June 27, 4:30 p.m. EDT June 28, 11 a.m. EDT June 28, 4:30 p.m. EDT To register, go to brakkeconsulting.com and scroll down to the "What's New" area on the lower right-hand side of the home page. Registration deadline is Friday, June 22; cost is $79.
Report: 4 factors transforming veterinary industryJune 1, 2018Growing competition for flea and tick medication sales online, the aging demographics of the veterinary profession, the heavy debt load of recent veterinary school graduates, and the money being offered by consolidators are transforming the veterinary industry, according to market research firm Packaged Facts' Pet Industry Outlook: Veterinary Services and Pet Product Retailing. Consolidation and ecommerce trends that in large part are fueling the shifts tie in to significant changes in the pet industry overall, including consumer preferences for pet product shopping. "It's all about customer loyalty," said David Sprinkle, research director for Rockville, Md.-based Packaged Facts. "As choices increase and customers can get their veterinary services and pet products in many places, customer loyalty spanning in-store and online will be key to retaining business and driving growth across the pet market." Consolidation brings greater purchasing power and cost savings to chain veterinary practices, including those under the expanding veterinary umbrella of Mars Inc., and those associated with pet superstores, the report states. The main challenge for independent practices is to establish how their personalized service differentiates them from the growing field of chain veterinarians. However, pet ownership attitudes, expectations, and spending patterns, along with the …
