Market Trends

It started with one simple, undocumented question: "Are complaints against veterinarians on the rise nationally?"

Greenwich, Conn. - New graduates entering small-animal practice likely will enjoy financial growth due to the spending practices of 71.1 million U.S. households with pets.

Washington - A recent American Veterinary Medical Association study reports huge gaps in the earned salaries of equally positioned male and female veterinarians.

Washington - A greater number of minorities are studying veterinary medicine, but the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges' (AAVMC) latest enrollment data show the increase at just .4 percent.

National Report - Money isn't everything. Especially when it comes to consumer attitudes about rising veterinary fees.

James Herriot's books sold some 70 million copies worldwide. Yet, veterinarian, author and son James Wight never lived in the shadow of that legacy.

National Report –– Communication is key to understanding animal-owner bonds, creating strong veterinary-client relationships and best ensuring proper care for pets, according to a recent study.

Las Vegas - Fresh out of college, Dr. Carlos Vareli earns $72,000 a year and pays on $75,000 in education loans.

Editor's Note: DVM Newsmagazine asked six thought-leaders at CVC East in Baltimore to talk about five of the most pressing issues facing the veterinary profession. During the succeeding months, each of the issues introduced at the DVM Newsmaker's Summit will be presented for publication. This month, the panel takes on the supply of veterinarians and future professional opportunities. Dr. Lonnie King introduces the issue.

We struggle in training veterinarians to treat all species and all specialties. The general public of course recognizes that it is difficult to be a veterinarian because you have to be able to treat every species.

November 2006 Marketing Tip

Considered a high-risk factor for compassion fatigue, euthanasia takes an emotional toll on the entire hospital staff, an expert says.

Cheryl Weber, JD, a client counselor specialist at the University of Illinois' veterinary college, adds that client grief is real.

National Report - Good employees are hard to come by, and it won't get easier any time soon.

A lawyer rarely pursues a lawsuit against a veterinarian who apologizes.

National Report - $1,451: It's the price most clients will stop treatment of a sick or injured animal, veterinarians report.

Practicing in the only health profession sanctioned to end life, Dr. Mary Welle vividly recalls the case.

National Report - While many veterinarians shun convenience euthanasia, problems associated with pet relinquishment live on.

Study groups can negotiate significant benefits from better-known vendors.

Cleveland - Rising costs, tighter profit margins and price-shopping clients are all key issues for veterinarians in this economy.

In 1936, Cameron Animal Hospital opened as the first standalone veterinary building servicing dogs and cats in the Northeast United States.

Cleveland - Every three years, DVM Newsmagazine conducts a national State of the Veterinary Profession survey among veterinarians in companion animal practice. The results will appear in subsequent DVM Newsmagazine editorial articles.

National Report - Veterinary practices are trending toward higher-quality medicine that serves higher-quality clients.

San Diego - Pet spending is expected to reach an all-time high this year of $38.4 billion with $9.4 billion going toward veterinary care.

Schaumburg, Ill. — The National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) plans to tackle income disparities between male and female veterinarians.

Ask Dr. Shirley Johnston to describe her life's successes, and her roles as a wife and mother immediately come to mind.

Davis, Calif.-On Oct. 18, the Court of Appeal of the State of California, Third Appellate District, dismissed Dr. Carol Mandell's accusations of gender discrimination and national origin discrimination, but it said there is sufficient evidence to pursue an age discrimination case.

On average, veterinarians say they would prefer to devote more time to personal activities than work.

At some point, female owners must develop a balance between the business and their families.

CLEVELAND-Almost half of women associates surveyed cite an interest in practice ownership/partnership despite speculative fear that the next generation will avoid the management headaches.