Roles

Show those other cowpokes you're the most on-time doctor in these parts.

Doctors tend to hang on to bad habits and attitudes from their first job. Seeking out mentors-or mentoring a new grad at your practice-can help.

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

There are some topics you just don't feel comfortable talking about, not even with your closest friends. So imagine opening up and sharing your deepest, darkest secrets with 40,000 complete strangers. That takes a lot of courage, doesn't it? That's just what authors Shawn McVey and Joanne Light have done this month. They're sharing their own intensely personal experiences with the hope that they can help others.

Concerned about the threat of feline heartworm infection, team members at Valley Animal Hospital in Roanoke, Va., decided to launch a campaign to educate clients.

My idea to help abused families blossomed into a program that shelters pets while their families get the help they need to escape dangerous situations and rebuild their lives.

Clients are waiting, dogs are barking, and phones are ringing. Sometimes you've got to tune out the static to offer clients the attention they crave and send them away happy.

Q A lot of negative tension flows through our practice, and it's undermining our work. How can I help our staff members come together as a team and stop criticizing each other?

Q How do I inspire others on my team to take advantage of lulls in the day to perform maintenance tasks?

My lovely wife Mary recently threw me a giant 50th birthday party. While the gag gifts were entertaining, the conversations were enlightening.

Tantrums, crying, shouting-who can get any work done when your team is in a constant state of conflict? Emotional intelligence is your gateway to self-management. And when you manage yourself, you choose the path to a happier, more successful work life.

When you're faced with savage clients, you need to know which ones you can tame and which ones to release back into the wild.

Nervous pets are often problem pets during office visits. Here's help.

Call it goofy.

My boss plays favorites, offering special benefits to his wife, children, and friends who work at our practice. As a result, the other team members and myself often do his family's work as well as our own. I've tried to talk to my boss, and he joked that I should quit if I'm unhappy. Should I leave gracefully or try to make things work?

Be inspired as Associate Editor Amanda Wolfe blogs about her wellness training for a 5K, with advice from Veterinary Economics Advisory Board member Dr. Ernest E. Ward Jr.

Customize this Word document and put it in your employee manual.

Sheila Grosdidier discusses the importance of explaining pets' treatment options to clients.

Shawn McVey explains why your practice's appearance really matters.

There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but it only takes one of these missteps to send clients packing.

This surprise visitor taught one girl-and future veterinarian-that sorrow and sympathy aren't just human emotions.

I used to be afraid of flying on commercial flights. I eventually overcame that fear, but I was still terrified of small planes. I beat that in the pilot's seat.

In an exclusive roundtable discussion, consultants told Veterinary Economics how doctors can hold on to talented technicians and veterinary assistants.

Q. Who determines veterinary team members' pay increases-the practice manager or the owner?

Unfortunately, blaming an employee won't work if OSHA finds a violation. Here's how to protect yourself from being penalized for team members' mistakes.

The devil is in the details. So what are your clients noticing about your practice and team members?

Use this checklist to prepare for the day's appointments and predict clients' and pets' needs.

You're fabulous, of course, but are you doing enough to really shine?

Our practice does lab testing in-house and the results often vary. How can we boost our proficiency?

We're always so busy. How do we find time for regular staff meetings?