Business

National Report - Veterinary practitioners must learn to adapt to current trends and changes that are reshaping American society if they expect to remain successful, a leading practice consultant warns. "How will the future be different? It will be limited only by your imagination and desire," says Karyn Gavzer, MBA, CVPM. "But one thing's for sure: To paraphrase a quote from Will Rogers, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Veterinarian-turned-spaceman in orbit for fourth time.

Tracey Nowers, CVT, takes you on a guided tour of her experience with Project Samana, a volunteer program that runs spay and neuter clinics in the Dominican Republic.

Look at one practice's poor work on "Phone script 1: Boarding the family pets."

See a step-by-step guide to creating ads, business cards, brochures, educational kits, and a Web site.

Dr. Tom Arand won a contest to head Projectile at last year's CVC Central.

A link to information on pet first aid from the American Red Cross.

Animal Medical & Surgical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.

This flashy system helps the team communicate without saying a word. Photos by Jessica Castillon.

Animal Medical & Surgical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The neighbors help create an image. Photos by Jessica Castillon.

Animal Medical & Surgical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Include just-for-team-member features in your new hospital. Photos by Jessica Castillon and Stephen M. Pullen.

Animal Medical & Surgical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Web-only HVAC, plumbing, and general floor plans for this year's Hospital Design award winner: Animal Medical & Surgical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Important questions and responsibilities for owners when picking a pet sitter.

Scientists discover that the virus hates warm weather.

Tennessee veterinarian says she was fired for speaking out about overcrowding.

Daily pills mixed with feed could be a solution to curbing wild pig and deer overpopulation.

Will the pressures of being a boss be balanced out by the joys of self-determination? Will you mind longer hours if you know you'll hold on to the financial rewards? These are the questions that can cause an eager associate to wake up late at night in a cold sweat.

Answers to "What's your generational IQ?"

I had just come in from a walk when my phone rang. As any veterinarian knows, getting a call this late at night could mean only one thing: a sick animal.

Are you in tune with Baby Boomers? All-knowing of New Millenniums? Savvy with Generation X? Up to snuff with Traditionals? Take this quiz and test your generational know-how.

Know how your expenses are reimbursed to be sure you get the right deductions.

You're a wonderful, generous, gracious group. And I've enjoyed working with you and for you as the editor of Veterinary Economics.

If employees can handle various tasks, then you can shift people in and out of jobs as needed-without calling in temporary workers, running up overtime costs, or stinting on client services.

Pet owners with hospitalized pets at Associated Veterinary Specialists in Bridgeton, Mo., always know news about their pet's condition is just a phone call away.

Should we require our associate veterinarians to own their own vehicles? We're finding that they don't take care of the practice-owned trucks. What are the ramifications of making this change, and what are other practices doing?