Editors' Note: The other half of the equation

Each issue of Veterinary Medicine provides you with up-to-date clinical information written by your colleagues—residents, practitioners, and specialists. Case in point: In this month's cover articles, Drs. Louis-Philippe de Lorimier and Timothy Fan from the University of Illinois give you expert insight and advice on recognizing and treating cancer pain in dogs and cats.

Firstline

But as you know, medicine is only half the equation in your workday life. To practice good medicine, you must also practice good management—and both require a team effort: Think where you'd be without your technicians, assistants, hospital manager, or receptionist. More times than not, they're the first ones called upon to field client questions ("Why do you have to sedate Grumblypurr to take an x-ray?") and deal with demanding clients ("I'm a busy optometrist! You'll have to schedule my dog's surgery for Saturday."). Does your staff have the skills to handle these and all the other challenges of everyday practice?

To help reinforce your team training, the editors at our sister publication Veterinary Economics created Firstline magazine. Beginning in August, this publication will offer team members the strategies they need to better communicate with clients and co-workers, improve client compliance, provide better service, and much more.

To receive a complimentary subscription of Firstline for your team, just fill out the form between pages 354 and 355, and drop it in the mail. Or register your team online at www.vetecon.com. Firstline will help your practice run more smoothly and efficiently, and that equals better care for your patients.