Celebrating veterinary practice managers
Highlighting the role that managers play in their practice and the veterinary industry with this appreciation week
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From the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), a recognition week for veterinary managers: Practice Manager Appreciation Week, runs until Saturday, November 18, 2023. According to VHMA, this week was created to bring attention to this particular role in veterinary medicine that empowers and supports the rest of the veterinary team. Practice managers achieve this by managing human resources, practice finances, marketing, organizational issues, and much more.1
“VHMA’s mission is to advance and support veterinary management professionals, and we are delighted to continue the tradition of recognizing the hard work and dedication these professionals do for their practices daily through a week devoted to them exclusively,” said Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA executive director in an organizational release.1
Practice managers are leaders in the veterinary profession and help the practice improve in all business aspects. They help operations run smoothly and are responsible for creating a safe, welcoming environment for all clients, patients, and staff members.
“Practice managers’ skill, dedication, and efficiency are essential to every veterinary practice, and we are excited to join VHMA in celebrating the accomplishments of these amazing professionals during Practice Manager Recognition Week,” said Rena Carlson, DVM, president of the AVMA. “The devotion of practice managers – to patients, clients, veterinarians, and staff – is truly a cornerstone of a successful, high-functioning practice. We appreciate that VHMA is highlighting the vital role of veterinary practice managers in our profession and are happy to share their message.”1
The VHMA stated that this appreciation week is intended to be celebrated the third week of November annually. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has joined VHMA’s efforts to increase awareness about practice manager’s integral roles within a veterinary practice.1
In an email correspondence with Lindsey Wells, center director at Atlantic Veterinary Services, she stated, “I personally feel that it is vitally important to recognize each and every team member's accomplishments and contributions, management included. The sense of accomplishment, coupled with recognition for the contributions from those accomplishments, creates a healthier environment for continued success. Practice managers deal with many “behind the scenes” responsibilities, and the impact often goes unrecognized.”
“Our team plans on celebrating through the week, taking time each day, to express recognition for what practice managers do to keep a clinic operating at its best for all their pets and clients. Each day will highlight a different themed “story” (of the staff's choice) to share how they felt their manager helped navigate the clinic through a situation. We truly want to help in the overall recognition of the job. There are so many times managers have saved the day from some sort of situation; our hope is that the rest of the staff will enjoy highlighting some of those stories…and of course, there will be a cake!” Wells continued.
Reference
VHMA celebrates Practice Manager Recognition Week: November 12-18. News release. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. November 2023. Accessed November 13, 2023.
