Tyler

In this bonus episode of the Uncharted podcast:
What should you be doing right now to prepare your clinic for, or deal with, COVID-19? Dr. Andy Roark and Stephanie Goss break it down into actionable steps.

---

10 COVID-19 Action Steps Your Clinic Can Take RIGHT NOW

1. Survey your team to determine who might be in a high-risk situation & who could be affected by school closure.
2. Develop an updated hospital cleaning policy (especially in exam rooms).
3. Stock up on supplies and have a plan on how to get more if needed.
4. Clearly state your sick policy to your staff. When should they stay home?
5. Cross-train and write down protocols – share information to increase staffing flexibility.
6. Develop a plan for a positive COVID-19 test among your staff/clients.
7. Develop a plan for fluctuations in your business (either increased or decreased caseload).
8. Waiting room management – minimize people spending time here. Update cleaning protocols.
9. Provide access to information and support to clients that doesn't involve them coming in (phone, text, telemedicine, blog, social media, etc.).
10. Train your staff to answer client questions about COVID-19 and their pets.

---

To help you find the most up-to-date and relevant information on COVID-19, here are some resources we trust:

Information from the AVMA on how to address the COVID-19 virus from a veterinary standpoint: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/covid-19

WSAVA Addresses Coronavirus: https://wsava.org/news/highlighted-news/the-new-coronavirus-and-companion-animals-advice-for-wsava-members/

CDC on animals/pets (in the FAQ section): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

We invite you to take a peek into part of what makes the Uncharted Veterinary Community so unique: our members! We sat down to interview some of the amazing people who have joined us on our amazing journey since the first conference in 2017. This week’s interview is with the positively wonderful Dr. Keri Elliott from Southern California! As a newer member of the online community, Keri has already contributed fantastic advice and positivity to our group. Enjoy!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself? 

I am fiercely loyal and very committed in all things. I am married to my best friend and partner in this adventure called life, and together we are navigating the uncharted waters of raising 4 lovely yet determined children. I am a small animal practitioner by profession and all things water (SCUBA, swimming, and just playing) by play. I am an extrovert with those who know me, but I get quiet in large groups. Spend enough time with me and you will know my next move –predictable at best. In my defense, I have recently begun driving different routes to and from work. I am full of joy and love to get to know people and understand what makes them who they are, this helps me understand how I can encourage them later on. I am a cheerleader in life and a runner in sport. I will always choose joy and forgiveness and happily ever after.

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted?

I started listening to Stephanie and Andy's podcast last January and the more I listened the more I realized, yeah that's my kinda people. I joined in hopes of improving my skill set specifically in human relations (clients, staff, friends, family). In addition to learning more fun ways to engage with other souls on this planet, I have gained a whole gaggle of awesome new people I think of as friends here at Uncharted. And wait, there is more! I have found a plethora of resourceful and kind people that are more than willing to help in every situation and at any time! What an altruistic and encouraging group of people!

Who is one of your favorite people you’ve met through Uncharted and why?

Why can I only choose ONE?!? Everyone is so awesome, but Saye Clement has been extraordinary and AMAZING. She is so compassionate and humble and funny and willing to help others. She has helped me through some tough days and for that, I am eternally grateful.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you discover it? Would you recommend it to others?

Running is my favorite hobby, but yoga is a close second. I love to be outside and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature (no headphones for me!). My sweet doodle joins me too, so that is a plus. I started running in high school and ran through college and vet school. It is a great stress reliever and helps me to work through my thoughts, reduce those knee jerk reactions and to be more proactive, plus you really can't beat that “runner's high!”

What is one thing you never thought you could do (or were afraid to try) that you’ve done since joining Uncharted?

I was bobbing up and down in the ocean of chaos that is veterinary medicine before joining Uncharted. As a college athlete, I always had goals and clear cut paths to achieve those goals, but with veterinary medicine, my only goal seemed to be to survive the day. After joining Uncharted and going through the strategic planning masterclass I realized how to set goals for myself and the team in the hospital. I have a passion for client education and one of my goals was to start a YouTube channel for my clients to have access to additional information on common issues their pets face. So far I have 2 videos uploaded. So much encouragement from such a great community keeps me smiling.

What is your end-of-workday guilty pleasure?

A hot bubble bath and watch a little TV (The Office and ER are two of my favorites).

Tell us a story of how another Uncharted Member has helped you.

I was having an exceptionally hard day and I reached out to Saye Clement via Workplace chat. I was thinking she might get back to me within a day or two. She immediately responded and her first question was if I was OK. As the doctor, rarely does anyone ask if I am OK. That is what I needed most at that moment and Saye was there and ready to help with a virtual ghost hug. For that small token of kindness and compassion, I am forever grateful and will make sure that I pay that forward as often as I can! But wait, there is more! On several occasions Ron Sosa has been extremely helpful in sharing resources such as templates for job descriptions and other documents that are needed in vet med hospital management, I haven't needed any spreadsheets, but he is the spreadsheet guru so just ask and he will share! Everyone is so supportive here!

Have you ever worked outside of the veterinary field? What was it like?

Before veterinary medicine, I had the pleasure and the joy of being a divemaster guide on dive boats in the Cayman Islands, specifically Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The beauty that is below the surface of the water is astounding and calming. I still try and get back there every 3-5 years to visit friends and the fish. Working with people on the dive boats taught me tons about making every interaction an experience to remember. The guests on the dive boat were on vacation, but they were also participating in a sport that has some risk involved. The skills I learned helping each guest enjoy their stay and have the best vacation ever, I have transferred to the exam room in helping each client and their furry family member has the best vet visit ever.

Is there anything we haven’t asked you about that you would like to talk about?

As homework for a recent class here at Uncharted, I was asked to look back at what I had learned. That sparked a thought about looking back to last year. Last year was tough for me for many reasons, but overall a hard year emotionally. I realized that a year ago, I often found myself crying on my to work and on my way home from work, too. The reason I realized this now is that here at Uncharted I have found a group of people who are going through the same issues (we all know how lonely it is at the top) and they are helping each other through these tough spots. This group is here to help each person grow, not to lay blame or tear down to further their own career or ego, they are truly here to help each other. This has been an avenue of positivity that I have needed and I am so thankful for it.

Since joining Uncharted I have found my joy for my job again. I laugh at work and laugh in the car, I sing and dance at work and fully enjoy myself, some of this has come from the liberation of a few toxic employees, but mostly understanding I can't be all things to all people and that is OK. Uncharted has helped me to gain some skills to build a better culture at work, at home, and at church. The skills I am learning here are universal and humbling and enlightening. I love to learn so I love everything about Uncharted.

You can join the Uncharted community and meet people like Keri by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and joining our online community!

We invite you to take a peek into part of what makes the Uncharted Veterinary Community so unique: our members! We sat down to interview some of the amazing people who have joined us on our amazing journey since the first conference in 2017. Now, we're expanding our interviews to highlight the Uncharted Team! This week's interview was with the newest member of the UVC team, Tyler Grogan, a veterinary technician turned social media/creative mind for Uncharted!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a Registered Veterinary Technician currently riding a crazy wave of doing relief work all over the country and working for Uncharted! I’m based out of Los Angeles, CA and am excited to see where I may go next. I’ve been working in the veterinary field for almost 10 years, and my role as a Marketing Manager at a small animal practice in Orlando, Florida is how I found my way to Uncharted. My life 5 years ago was completely different than it is today, and I’m grateful for all of the experiences that I have had along the way. I’ve worked in general practice, ophthalmology and emergency clinics as a veterinary technician. I’ve also had the amazing chance to write about those experiences for a variety of blogs, including Uncharted and Harry Potter Vet! Now I spend even more time on the social media side of things with Uncharted and a veterinary podcast. Each of those has made a big impact on making me the veterinary professional I am today. A few of my favorite things outside of vet med are traveling as far and as often as I can, ferrets, watching movies, writing, discovering new, fun music to rock out to in the car on long drives, Julie Andrews, baking and coffee.

What tasks do you work on as part of the UVC Team?

I have the pleasure of creating Uncharted social media posts, working on some of the Uncharted blogs (like coordinating these Member Spotlights!), and doing a little bit of graphic design! I also love helping our new crew members get acquainted with the community. If you’re in there, send me a message anytime! The best part is that I get to work with some of my favorite people in the world…which is pretty awesome.

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted?

When I joined Uncharted I was looking for mentorship. To say I found it would be the world’s greatest understatement! I found lasting connections that have literally changed my entire life. I was a veterinary technician still in school, learning about social media marketing on-the-job as kind of a bonus when I was invited to the first Uncharted. The imposter syndrome was so real (sometimes it still is!). I showed up in Greenville with no clue what to expect or what I had to offer, but I had a good feeling. The minute this group came together, I knew I found something special…something that was going to last. Now I have a whole community of mentors supporting me as I do things I never dreamed I would or could do. I knew I wanted more out of my career in veterinary medicine, but to be writing this as not only a dedicated, lifelong member of this tribe but a member of the TEAM that gets to bring this to life…I’m living a dream I never even saw coming.

What are your 2 favorite groups in the Uncharted Workplace community and why?

The “Welcome to the Uncharted Community” group is fantastic! Whenever we introduce a new member, so many people chime in to say hello, offer help with goals they’ve shared or ask questions about their lives. It just really shows the new members the essence of Uncharted right off the bat! 

The Marketing group is also a favorite of mine because I get to see all of the great things people are doing in their clinics to tell their stories. Marketing the practice I worked for in Orlando for 5 years was where this all started for me, so I’m very passionate about sharing my own ideas and learning from others!

Who is one of your favorite people you’ve met through Uncharted and why?

I have to say, this is the hardest question to answer because as most of us will tell you, there are too many wonderful people in this group! Right now, I would have to say Dr. Tracy Sands is a big influence in my life. She invited me to her practice to become Fear-Free Certified and to support my newest endeavor of veterinary technician relief work and it was the absolute best experience! It kick-started something that was only a vague idea before and made it a reality. She mentored and pushed me to literally create a business – that’s mentorship on a whole new level! I also have to thank Dr. Andy Roark. He's coached me through some hard moments and has been an invaluable teacher.

What is one of your favorite Uncharted conference memories?

I could list so many…I remember at the first conference meeting some of the attendees for a trip to the Greenville Zoo. We had such a fun day. We were all fast friends and it was a great day connecting over something we all really enjoyed before the conference even began! I also loved wandering around Kansas City with friends that were old and new at our most recent conference in August. Getting to explore these awesome places and stumble into great conversations with some of the kindest and smartest people…that’s what Uncharted has been all about for me.

What is one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do right now to make Vet Med even better? 

As Ellen Degeneres says, “Be kind to one another.” I think the greatness of working in veterinary medicine boils down to teamwork, and if we’re all fighting against each other, how can we be a great team? Assume good intent from your peers and your clients and I think you’ll have a much more positive outlook on veterinary medicine!

What is your end-of-workday guilty pleasure? 

I have two…I love to blast the music in my car on my ride home from work. It’s my time to let go of the day and process. Music is a big part of how I tap into my emotions so depending on my mood at the end of a day, I could be jamming to Post Malone, singing at the top of my lungs to an emotional song from Wicked, or quietly taking in something classical. The second part is a long, hot shower. It’s so bad but I just love them.

Where is one place in the world you would love to see?

Austria is my ultimate travel goal. Growing up, my dad told me stories about growing up traveling in Europe and Austria was always his favorite to talk about. He showed me The Sound of Music so I could visualize it and that introduced me to one of my icons, Julie Andrews. I guess it holds a pretty sentimental place in my heart because of that…plus it truly is one of the most beautiful places. I can’t wait to run through those hills myself one day!

Do you have a dream for your career? What is it? 

My dream is to make the most of my career. I want to seize opportunities and step outside of my comfort zone. I want to inspire young veterinary professionals and be an example of what showing up and connecting with your community can do. Honestly, I’m feeling like my dream career is already right here in front of me. I get to work with some of the most wonderful people and do things I love. I’m excited to see what this year will bring.

You can join the Uncharted community and meet people like Tyler by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and registering to for our April Conference in Greenville, SC!

We invite you to take a peek into part of what makes the Uncharted Veterinary Community so unique: our members! We sat down to interview some of the amazing people who have joined us on our amazing journey since the first conference in 2017. This week's interview was with Dr. Louise Lango from Springville, NY! The stories of her adventures around the globe will leave you wanting more. Enjoy!

For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in Springville, a small town in Western New York, and started going on farm calls with the local vets while I was still in high school and got hooked on vet med. I obtained a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University and then joined the Peace Corps, where I worked with cattle farmers in Zaïre, Africa (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). 

Upon my return to the US, I moved cross country to California for vet school and I graduated from UC Davis in 1995. Then I moved back to the East Coast for a 13-month internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. I worked at a 24-hour referral practice as a general practitioner in Orchard Park, NY for 2 years before finding my veterinary home at the Concord Veterinary Center back in my home town of Springville, NY.

After 14 years as an associate vet at this 2 vet practice, my boss, who was a good friend and mentor, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in August 2012. I was left to run the practice, and 3 years after his death, I officially became the owner. I never wanted ownership, never had it on my radar screen, but here it was, dropped on my head. To not accept the mantle of ownership would have been the death of this practice, so after much soul searching, I made the commitment to my community, my staff, and myself to keep the Concord Veterinary Center alive and thriving.

So here I am, the reluctant practice owner, trying to make a go of it. Some days I struggle more than others, but with the help of the Uncharted Community, I have found a purpose, direction, vision, and network of support and encouragement that makes me a better and stronger leader every day.

I share my life with my husband of 20 years, Scott, my 19-year-old son, Alex, my 16-year-old daughter, Laurel, 2 black cats, Lily and Zoe, a Goffins cockatoo, Jake, and a Flat Coat Retriever, Lilah.

What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted?

Honestly, what I was looking for when I joined Uncharted was a life preserver, or a lifeboat, or a rescue plane to pull me from the middle of this vast, shark-infested ocean that I was treading water in. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Uncharted community, but what I found was a family who truly cares about my well-being and about each other. 

We all have significant struggles, but collectively Uncharted gives us the strength, encouragement and resources to address and overcome our problems and improve our practices and our lives. Uncharted is a lifesaver for me. 

I feel that my involvement in Uncharted brings out the best in me, and we bring out the best in each other. This is a very positive group, and not in an artificial Pollyanna way. We are all in the trenches fighting significant battles. When we give each other advice and support, it is authentic and comes from a place of true understanding and from the heart.

Who is one of your favorite people you’ve met through Uncharted and why?

There are SO MANY wonderful people in Uncharted, it’s very difficult to pick just one. Phil Zeltzman is definitely one of those wonderful people. He’s funny, smart, and most of all, he cares deeply about others. His workshops are a wealth of useful and practical information. He makes you laugh and holds you accountable for achieving your goals.

What is your current work-related goal?

There are many work-related goals that I am pursuing: work on and improve practice culture, become a Fear Free Certified Practice, increase practice revenue so that I can support my staff better, are 3 of my current goals.

What is your favorite hobby and how did you discover it? Would you recommend it to others?

I love nature and the outdoors. My husband and I enjoy birding. He is much better at it than I am but I find it very relaxing. We discovered it together when we went on an informal local birding expedition with a vet coworker and good friend who is a birding fanatic. It was actually our first date! We had a lot of fun and still enjoy it decades later. I love being able to call in barred owls and have a “conversation” with them. I highly recommend this hobby. You can do it anywhere in the world for free. Of course, you can get all kinds of fancy equipment, but all you really need are a pair of binoculars. A good ear also helps you identify birds you can’t see well in dense vegetation or woods. 

What is one thing you never thought you could do (or were afraid to try) that you’ve done since joining Uncharted? 

I am striving to become financially literate and understand my practice and personal numbers better. This is a work in progress. I have always been intimidated by financials but through the help of the Financial Masterclass taught by Stephanie Goss and Jenn Galvin, I have a base to build on and continue to grow from.

What is one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do right now to make Vet Med even better? 

Great communication is extremely crucial to making our lives better, both in vet med and in our personal lives. Just think of how much trouble, angst, heartache, and major problems could be avoided by making sure we communicate clearly. It is very easy to miscommunicate, especially through texts and emails where there is no context of tone of voice, body language, or facial expression. William Howard Taft, 27th President of the United States and 10th Chief Justice of the United States timelessly said: “Don’t write so that you can be understood, write so that you can’t be misunderstood.”

Tell us a story of how another Uncharted Member has helped you.

I was very fortunate to have Katie Berlin as my accountability buddy for one of Phil Zeltzman’s workshops. We faithfully called each other every week for 6 months, keeping each other on track for our personal and professional goals that we set for ourselves. I am indebted to Katie for her encouragement, strength, wisdom, perspective, and most of all for her friendship. She was a sounding board, a comforter, and an overall inspiration by all the wonderful things she was accomplishing in her life, but also by encouraging me with what I was working on or struggling with in my life. This relationship extends far beyond the workshop. Katie is a lifelong friend and we still check in with each other from time to time. 

You can join the Uncharted community and meet people like Louise by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and registering to become a member!