When charged with the task of developing this year’s class project, the Power of 10 Leadership Academy members immediately began brainstorming ways to address many of the issues facing veterinary professionals today. As we attempted to narrow our focus to a single issue, we soon found that there simply was not one matter that seemed more pressing than others. Instead, we identified a network of concerns highlighting the changing face of the practice of veterinary medicine. The term ‘practice modernization’ was proposed, and seemed an appropriate heading for our assignment. Our focus was to provide an introduction to some of the pressing concerns modern veterinary professionals are currently facing, and to also recommend resources for learning ways to respond to the growing needs and interests of the veterinary professional community.
After many hours of searching for the perfect new employee, once hired, the question arises of “what now?” The onboarding process is too often viewed as a list of items to check off and more than we would like to admit, the new employee is sent into full swing before we provide him/her the correct tools needed to perform his or her job efficiently and productively.
A growing concern in our profession is the trend of high employee turnover, seen in associate veterinarian positions as well as veterinary technicians and support staff. There is no denying that – in even the healthiest of practices – some degree of turnover is expected, even necessary, to maintain workplace harmony and standards of care.
With the advent of emergency clinics and the end of being on-call comes the rise of text messaging and emails. Email and texts are a quick, efficient way to communicate with clients, particularly the millennials and younger. However, these forms of communication can soon make you feel like you are back on call.
Sure, everyone enjoys a little extra money. However, financial incentives are not always feasible. How can you make your employees feel appreciated other than financial incentives? Here are some suggestions
Scheduling a medical progress exam prior to the patient leaving the practice for a concern ensures that the patient receives follow-up care and recommendations. For example, a patient that is diagnosed with an ear infection should have a 7-10 day medical progress exam scheduled when checking out.
There are many reasons why a toxic work environment happens. The nature of the veterinary industry seems to be predisposed to a toxic environment. We are a for-profit industry dealing with life and death. This is extremely emotional and draining which can allow toxicity to leak in.
For many practices, routine communication with clients can be much more efficient with the use of technology. The days of your front office calling clients and confirming appointments for hours should be long gone. Although not every client will want email/text updates or reminders, the majority of clients will.
Washington State
Veterinary Medical Association
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