Mike Paul, DVM

I visited a wonderful human medicine practice that inspires me, and came across the poster that inspires them. Their personable skills are easier to come by than you think.

And what can we do in veterinary practice, and in the wider world, to bring back some old-fashioned rules of courtesy, civility and respect?

Youve got a dream team full of champions. So how can you make sure you keep them in your veterinary practice? Here are some ideas.

No, not really. But pickles have helped me understand a facet of customer service that applies perfectly to veterinary clinics.

Dr. Mike Paul recounts the night of Sept. 6 when Hurricane Irma struck his island home in Anguilla.

From big city to small town, from an isolated island to a mall, my big trip to see astronomy at wrk reminded me how things have changed for American consumers and maybe veterinary hospitals.

This skill can make your veterinary team work together better and you a better leader.

You can brush up on slang, dialect, accents and weird vocabulary to reach pet owners in the exam room. But the best way to be understood in veterinary practice is always, first, to listen.

Reaching out to those around us can do more than turn their frowns upside downit can help them live longer. This island-dwelling veterinarian is on board.

What Disney's Who Framed Roger Rabbit can teach us about the veterinary client experience.

Empathy is a powerful emotion, but it can be harmful to our mental and emotional well-being. Were better off offering sympathy and compassion.

The customer controls more of your veterinary practice than you think. Its time to sort out your priorities and understand what will fix that 20 percent loss of clients most businesses experience.

The notion that excellent veterinary care is enough to attract and keep clients and set you apart from other practices is outdated. The new differentiator is client experience, and knowing what your clients want will require research.

Dr. Mike Paul usually avoids drinking the water when traveling. Usually.

Dr. Mike Paul reflects on his humble beginnings, veterinary inspiration and the future of a reality TV-style profession.

Happy employees make happy clients, and what suits baby boomers may not fit millennials.

When my wife and I were the only hope for a desperate mama goat, we relied on skills learned from a former mentor: Be adaptable and make do.

Our concierge practice on the small island of Anguilla shows that high-quality care is not dictated by geography or income level.

Pets don't walk themselves into your veterinary hospital (much as you wish they would). Check to make sure you're doing these seven things to make your practice a success with clients.

Life in veterinary practice is crazy enough. Why make it harder by always being in a rush?

Work-life balance isnt a constant state of being. Rather, its a the process of making small adjustments all the time.

Our inherent sense of rivalry can be a force for self-improvement rather than a way to crush the doc down the street.

Goals help us determine what is and isnt fulfilling in our lives.

Our profession must keep up with changing business modelsor suffer the consequences.

Is what separates you from competitors succinct enough to be a hashtag?

You have the power to change your situationand the profession.

Current federal and privately commissioned surveys on national veterinary fees and charges may contradict each other. Here's what you should really focus on.

You don't have to be a veterinary underdog if prepare yourself well.

Identify whats holding you backand dont let fear of failure keep you from pursuing your dreams.