Technicians

Veterinarians have the unique position of experiencing their patients' deaths at a rate seven times that of human physicians, frequently leading them into unique shared emotional experiences with clients whom they have known for many years.

Allen Lakein said "planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now".

The veterinary team is a most influential element of practice management ensuring a well run and efficient hospital.

Pet owner diversity calls for creative client service.

Pets still need care even when times are tight.

The good news is that it's not too late to get ready.

The numbers prove that obesity is a serious problem.

Will low salaries and high turnover threaten this career?

Different ethnic groups may share similar preferences, and learning them helps bond clients to your practice.

How to keep pet owners happy might seem like a mystery. But it's not. Learn the secrets to putting a smile on every client's face.

Pets don't have to deal with pain-but they do.

Team terrorists come in all shapes and sizes. While you may not find any telltale boxing gloves in their lockers, you've probably encountered at least one in practice.

Not too good, unless team members get training.

When clients face tough money choices, you'll need to be prepared to explain the care their pets need.

Here are questions to ask about prospective plans.

The use of green products is on the rise.

Education is key to satisfying the demand.

As David Bowie says, "Time may change me." And time's probably changed your practice, too. Did you have computers in your practice 10 years ago? Or five? Perhaps. How do you use them? Do you schedule appointments, search the Web for product information, or look for tools to educate clients and improve your practice's efficiency?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a snapshot of salaries for careers with similar educational requirements.

Fifty percent of team members say their practice hires a few times a year, according to the 2008 Firstline Professional Growth Study.

Technicians, practice owners, and associates each share their view of which technician tasks are delegated in a practice.

The average Firstline practice includes 1.5 practice owners, 2.3 associates, 1 practice manager, 3.8 receptionists, 2.6 credentialed technicians, 4.3 veterinary assistants, and 2.5 kennel assistants, according to the 2008 Firstline Professional Growth Study.

Home foreclosures climbed 53 percent in June above the previous year.

Charter members of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT) received veterinary technician specialist (VTS) credentials on June 3 at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in San Antonio.

Use this tool to ease your burgeoning stress level and help bring balance to your life.

Learn to take the sting out of verbal darts and head off conflicts with co-workers.

Take charge of the problems that swamp your practice and make it a brighter day for your team.

What is compassion fatigue, and how can you identify your risk? Serena Wadhwa, PsyD, LCPC, CADC, an expert on stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue in Chicago, offers answers to help team members identify and manage the emotional demands of veterinary practice.

Use these tips from Christiane Holbrook, a life coach in Pasadena, Calif., to maintain a healthy life balance.

Love for a feeble, weathered Labrador came quickly for this veterinarian.