by Saye Clement, DVM I’m a passionate supporter of the arts in my spare time. I got to thinking about why, and came to the realization that artists possess traits that I admire; traits that I want my veterinary team members to have as well! And thus, on a page of a random notebook, this talk was born! (You’ll have to watch to understand that reference!)   The views and opinions expressed in this article …

by Bruce Francke, DVM   It took me several years to finally admit that I was having a hearing problem. I think it’s human nature to deny your shortcomings as long as possible, but communication is critical in my job! As a medical professional, it’s what I do all day long, every day. It took some honest talk from my team members to convince me that I needed to address my hearing problems.   When …

by Dana Meske, Chief Administrative Officer   Six thousand nine hundred and thirty five days, is how long I have been a part of the veterinary world. When I look at the facts that is half of my life and my entire professional career.   As an “elder” (still south of forty) in my workplace one of the things I am asked on a consistent basis, is in relation to client relations. What is the …

by Senani Ratnayake, RVT I decided to do my Mic Drop at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference on a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Over the years, working as an RVT, consultant, and speaker (both inside and outside the veterinary industry) I have heard many crazy, heartfelt, and devastating stories that made me stop and think about all of the things that had to line up in order for that story to …

By Carol Hurst, LVT, CVPM, CVJ   There seems to be a lot of misconceptions regarding empathy out there. What it is, what it isn’t and how it can help you be stronger. What empathy isn’t.   I tend to categorize people into two groups (despite there being a spectrum, much like there is in most situations). Those for whom empathy comes naturally. Those who can easily put themselves into the situations and feelings of others. …

by Carrie Jurney, DVM DACVIM When we read about the veterinary suicide problem, I think a lot of us feel sympathetic, but detached from the situation. If you aren’t personally experiencing mental health and wellbeing problems, even the most compassionate person can feel like it’s not your problem. More than that it’s easy to feel powerless against such a big and scary thing. However, one Thursday afternoon I learned that this was in fact my …

by Tyler Grogan, CVT   In 2017, I turned 26. Naturally, I started to realize I was creeping farther from my 20s and closer to my 30s. So what do many women I see do as they also notice their approach to a time when certain things may no longer be an option? You sign yourself up for a half marathon. I went throughout my year with the mantra, “This will be my Year of …

by Anonymous   I made a mistake. I am embarrassed it happened, but I can’t deny that it did. A patient was transferred to me after spending the weekend at the emergency clinic where she had been treated for possible diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient was stable, but since she had just started on insulin, I wanted to monitor her for the day. The clients called me every hour to ask how her dog was and …

by Carrie Jurney, DVM DACVIM   Dr. Phil Zeltzman recently admitted to the room at the Uncharted Veterinary Conference that he suffers from a chronic condition with severe and repetitive flair ups: S.O.S, which of course stands for Shiny Object Syndrome.  Phil went on to explain to the room a great and important goal setting strategy that he uses to manage this terrible burden.   I too suffer from S.O.S. I would argue that S.O.S. …

by Tyler Grogan, CVT   Over the past several years, the importance of client experiences in veterinary practice has become evident and discussed in detail. The way we approach conversations with clients regarding everything from medical advice by the veterinarian to billing by our client care representatives can make or break your hospital’s reputation. The client experience is one of the most important parts of our profession, but I also feel our expectations about providing …