Katherine Bontrager

Don't wait for luck to happen. Go make it with this sage advice.

See how these four associates walk the work tightrope while juggling personal lives and kids.

Clear communication is crucial when dealing with equine owners.

You've heard flimsy explanations for why pet owners can't comply. Climb above these "weak" reasons by getting down to the legitimate concerns.

No matter the shape or size of your practice, odds are you share boss-related annoyances with other team members.

Hiding behind your boss's lion's roar might be a timid kitten. Coax out your boss's softer side.

This Texas hospital is anything but modest and can boast the client growth to prove it.

This Texas hospital is anything but modest and can boast the client growth to prove it.

Think you're immune to lawsuits because you don't own the practice? Think again. Protect your hospital--and yourself--from the legal pitfalls in your path with this advice from savvy doctors and lawyers.

Sometimes you just can't anticipate all of the potholes in your path. But these four recommendations will guide you over the rocky road ahead and help you steer clear of dangerous legal ground.

You know the routine all too well: Mr. Smith visits with his rambunctious English springer spaniel, Burt, and all goes well until you mention Burt's oral health. Enter the blank stare. Or the anxious shifting from foot to foot. Or even the hasty, "Oh, he's fine!"

As the captain of your practice, it's your job to set the course and take advantage of the wind, urging the ship toward your destination. But you can't maneuver this behemoth alone. You need a crew. When they're truly onboard, your team members will have one eye on the horizon and another peeled for potential problems, and they'll help keep the practice on course.

Use these strategies to address discord before interpersonal issues undermine your business-and your passion for practice.

Show off your new building or renovation by hosting an open house.

As different as associates' experiences are, they generally enter practice with four concerns. Dr. Philip VanVranken, the managing partner at Dickman Road Veterinary Clinic, a seven-doctor practice in Battle Creek, Mich., offers his insight from 30 years of experience and provides some quick mentoring. Here are his answers to four common questions.