Roles

How can I encourage general practitioners to refer cases that are beyond their expertise? And how do I do this without coming across as self-serving?

Six pet owners tell their stories about why they left veterinary practices. Learn from their experiences--then use these tips and tools to avoid critical client care mistakes.

Grab clients' attention and encourage compliance by using descriptive terminology, suggests Sharon DeNayer, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member and the practice manager at Windsor Veterinary Clinic in Windsor, Colo.

What's an over-the-hill pooch to do when her winsome curves have disappeared beneath layers of fat? Winnie, a 10-year-old Schnoodle, jumped on the underwater treadmill and exercised her way to fame in the Big Dog/Big Loser Weight Loss Competition, a contest launched by Anne Chauvet, DVM, Dipl.

Feeling sapped? Rundown, tired, out of sorts? Oh yeah. It's so easy to give and so hard to say no. You do it all the time. It's the 15 minutes at the end of the day you spend making a comfy bed for a sick pet or the extra walk you sneak in for your favorite boarder. Or maybe you volunteer to stay late to finish filing or clear the clutter from the reception area. The truth is, you do a lot.

Reducing, recycling, and reusing plastic packaging is a regular habit at Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.

Older clients may need a little extra care and attention to ensure a happy veterinary experience. Here's what you can do to help them help their pets.

I work at a large practice, and our team members get along well and even socialize outside of work. There's one hitch: One team member practices poor personal hygiene. Periodically, she emits a strong body odor for days at a time. Her team leader approached her when the problem first surfaced, and she improved temporarily. How can we approach her again without embarrassing her--and ourselves?

They want help, and you want to give it. Learn how to launch a compassionate care fund and generate money for your pets and clients in need.

You're the head technician at a flourishing practice. The hands-on owner is struggling to keep up with his rapidly expanding client base, and he often fails to delegate tasks to his team. Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member Sheila Grosdidier, BS, RVT, a partner with VMC Inc. in Evergreen, Colo., offers this script for addressing the owner, Dr. Committed

A feline lifestyle summary will help you tailor your message to fit each cat's needs.

A canine lifestyle summary will help you tailor your message to fit each dog's needs.

Read this policy, then write your own so team members know when their personal pets are welcome in your practice.

A confidentiality pledge reminds your team about the importance of keeping confidential information private.

Document clients' consent for euthanasia with a form.

Review this sample euthanasia protocol with your team to decide how you'll handle euthanasia procedures consistently and compassionately.

What does your practice value? Read this sample practice principles card, then write your own standards of service to keep your values and creed top-of-mind when you're talking with clients.

Washington - 11/9/07 - With 70 percent of the Medical Reserve Corps units lacking veterinarians, the national network is looking for DVMs to join the local community ranks as volunteer physicians, nurses, pharmacists and dentists, among other professional health positions.

I'm an expert witness for a practice owner who is being sued by two former associate doctors. What caused this litigation? Poor communication and a contract written on a napkin.

Clients need to know if stable hospitalized patients will be unattended at night.

Print out this PDF and give it to clients to educate them about common household items that can make cats and dogs sick when ingested.

Is your practice easy to do business with? How can you achieve this goal? Here are some ideas.

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.

Fee Setting 101

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.

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.

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

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

Use this tool from Benchmarks 2007 to gather information about other practices in your area.