Business

Every day, my team here hunts for the information you need to achieve your goals in practice. That's our goal. Our mission.

Most veterinary medical graduates care more about the chance to diagnose and treat patients than the size of their paycheck. Still, salaries matter, especially when today's former students are saddled with an educational debt load of $100,000 or more.

Team retention, good medical recommendations, and consistency will help your practice to beef up income.

The world's weirdest ice-skating extravaganza? No. It's canine reproductive work, a profit center for Dr. Patrick Grogan at VCA Woodland East Animal Hospital in Tulsa, Okla.

Owners, make sure buyers purchase your practices at a good price.

Temporary space, recycled materials, and the passing away of a family member: How one family pulled through and triumphed with their Hospital Design Merit Award winner.

As various associations adopt guidelines or standards of care for the practice of veterinary medicine, a concern exists that they will be interpreted as current standards of practice by state regulatory boards and the attorneys general who represent them before they have been accepted by the masses.

Last night I received a phone call from the doctor who provides routine veterinary services to a dairy herd where I do the ration balancing. This herd is experiencing some problems with fresh cows, and the doctor performed some blood testing in an attempt to obtain clues regarding the cause of these problems. The blood work revealed moderately low albumin levels in most of the six dry cows he tested. This suggests low protein intake.

In calming an irate client, remember your tone and goal. Keep your tone normal when talking to the client and your body relaxed. Always remember that your goal should be to listen to their needs and try to meet them when appropriate.

View pictures of Dakota, a German shorthaired pointer who was our October cover dog, during her long-suffering modeling debut.

Print this multi-page PDF to educate clients about ideal pet weights, pets' caloric needs, and the caloric content of common treats

Washington - Dr. Michael Blackwell isn't ungrateful. But the $500,000 grants tied to the U.S. Senate's version of the Veterinary Public Health Workforce Expansion Act, passed in July, will do little to add seats to the University of Tennessee's (UT) veterinary program. Such funds fall short of expanding even one classroom, and neglect the public's need for more DVMs, the veterinary college dean explains.

When team members go from rolling with the punches to rolling their eyes, don't ignore it.

Most people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death. But you also need to share your ideas and know-how with the world.

Why did this NFL quarterback throw it all away for a betting blood sport? He didn't bet on our outrage.

This California practice turned warehouse-sized space into wow.

"We couldn't practice medicine properly without fluid pumps," says Dr. Robert Esplin, owner of Sylvania Veterinary Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio.

This preventive care program increases client bonding and extends pets' lives.

Last year my husband opened a state-of-the-art fitness facility. He needed candidates for a group-cycling certification program and still had a vacant spot on the day of training. As co-owner of the gym, I felt obligated to fill the seat-literally.

Compare your value-based fees with Well-Managed Practices'.

It's time to reconsider these myths and misconceptions about pricing.

Print this multi-page PDF to educate clients about ideal pet weights, pets' caloric needs, and the caloric content of common treats.

A customizable communication tool for pet owners you haven't seen in a while.

"Celebrating makes people feel like winners and creates an atmosphere of recognition and positive energy." ... say Jack and Suzy Welch, co-authors of Winning (Collins, 2005).

What can I do to get my employees to stop abusing sick days and show up to work on time?

A lot of practitioners get outflanked by the increasing nemesis of competition.

Dr. Steve Bishop needed a strategy for reminding his clients when their pets were overdue for exams or treatments. It freed up receptionists, cost less, and could be done with flexible hours.

Dr. Mona Rosenberg worked with her Southern California Realtor for several years until she found the perfect space.

I'm negotiating the purchase of the practice where I'm employed. The current owner gives discounts to almost everyone-senior citizens, shelters, friends, and clients with multiple pets. How do I reduce the amount of services being given away without alienating a large number of clients?

Worcester, Mass. - In 1992, I graduated from veterinary school and began job hunting. I searched through journal ads and mailed out resumes. When I called one clinic to make sure they had received my resume, the clinic owner picked up the phone. What he said astounded me.