Owners
Putting out PR fires
I recently discovered that patients were vaccinated with expired vaccines. We pulled the vaccines out of use immediately and called clients, but what can I do to calm the commotion?
Pep talks done right
So, I recently had something of a rough patch at work. We lost two members of our five-person editorial team in one month ... can you empathize?
FEMA finally to help animals in disasters
When it's raining cats and dogs, cats, dogs and other animals will be included in disaster planning, thanks to a new law.
Fresh start
Clean up with 12 monthly resolutions for your best year yet! Plus! Three more must-do's from the experts!
Delegate & double-check
Grit your teeth and make the handoff. Offer up the responsibility that goes with the work. And build in both accountability and meaningful rewards.
The case for written employment contracts
I'm an associate, and my boss recently changed the way my production is assigned-not in my favor. What recourse do I have?
Client education handout on blood testing
Give clients the lowdown on when and why their pets need blood work.
More love and more loss
When my 8-year-old daughter talks about the losses in her life, she consistently lists them in chronological order. And the first nine are all pets.
Samples of client handouts about junior and senior wellness blood testing
Sell clients on bloodwork for young and old pets.
Capturing shark tales on film
Dr. Thomas Burns gets up close and personal with the sea's deadliest predator in his spare time.
Helping hands
A local high school student who wants to be a veterinarian asked to volunteer in my clinic after school. I could use someone to straighten up the reception area, file, and run errands. But she wants to be a doctor, not a file clerk. If she's capable, should I train her to do simple clerical tasks?
Please pass the pus!
Sometimes, as the saying goes, "'tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt." Remember this when you feel the need to discuss rectal diseases with your colleagues-in a crowded public place.
Ex-FDA head pleads guilty
The former FDA commissioner fessed up on stocks.
Bumpy ride? 5 ways to make workdays feel less chaotic
Drive here, go there, do this, finish that-you're really busy today! And every day, for that matter. Try these tips to smooth the kinks from your schedule and bring sanity back to your day-without hurting the bottom line.
Let's talk
Walkie-talkies keep this practice connected. Could this gadget help your team?
Employing disabled staff members
You can't discriminate against a qualified person because of his or her disability. But you also aren't required to hire someone if he or she isn't a good fit.
Career Girls? Give me a break
Men: Don't marry a woman with a career because you'll run a higher risk of having marital problems (read: divorce).
6 ways to make Thanksgiving memorable
Show respect for your clients, your profession, your family, and yourself over the holidays-leave work at work.
Veterinarians behaving badly
Murder, animal cruelty and pointing guns --check out misbehaving animal docs.
ADA compliance
Make sure your goods and services are available to handicapped pet owners.
Don't make me defend you
"Bad things happen. Animals die. Surgeries don't go as planned," says Bonnie Lutz, JD, an associate with Klinedinst Attorneys at Law in Orange County, Calif. "But that's not why veterinarians get sued."
Kick up your heels
Dancing keeps this veterinarian on her toes.
Associate pay: adjusting for experience
Reward associates for their knowledge, education, time, and experience level.
Employee warning notice
Use this form to document verbal warnings when you're disciplining employees.
Referral information form
Avoid miscommunication and use this referral form to help improve patient care.
Communicating during a crisis
Take these three steps to make sure you can reach your team members and communicate critical news.
Receptionist position description
Position descriptions help you maintain your focus during the search for employees, communicate the responsibilities of the position to potential candidates, structure the orientation and training process, and assist in employee evaluations.
Pet obesity handout
Obesity is a growing problem in pets. Use educational handouts like this one to help your clients better understand obesity, the associated health risks, and what they can do.
Getting out in an emergency
Take the next step to show your staff members the way to safety.
Protection for blood-typing cards
"After the cards dry, we put a couple pieces of clear packing tape over the front of the card," says Jeremy Gerhard, LVT, CVT, at Michigan Veterinary Specialists in Southfield, Mich.