The thrill of the makeover

We tried for years to get you all to share your hospital makeover projects—the progress you made with a weekend of work and a bucket of paint. But to no avail.

Then came the advent of reality TV and makeover shows. Today, a quick Web search yields links to articles and shows about making over your room, your house, your closet, your hair, your smile, your career, your finances, and more. So the time seemed ripe to try for exam-room makeovers again. Success!

This spring, we asked you to send in pictures of your ugly exam rooms, and this time you responded with enthusiasm. (Part of the appeal, I think, is that in the past we asked to see the improved room, too. Clearly that requires more work.) We dickered and debated and chose two lucky hospitals: winner Great Neck Veterinary Clinic, in Virginia Beach, Va., and runner-up Old Dominion Animal Health Center, in McLean, Va. Both hospitals received expert architectural advice donated by BDA Architecture and supplies donated by Shor-Line Cabinet Co. and InPro Corp.; Veterinary Economics reimbursed a portion of their project expenses. You'll find the first finished project featured on page 52 ("Make Your Unsightly Exam Room Unbelievable"). We'll feature Old Dominion Animal Health Center in January 2006.

Here's our thinking: Last year, when we asked practitioners what transitions they planned to undertake in the next five years, 24 percent of respondents expected to remodel their facilities. And I'd guess even more of you plan to remodel, refresh, or refurbish one room of the practice. We hope the strategies and solutions we'll share in these articles will inspire you to tackle those projects sooner rather than later.

You've heard me say this before, but the impression your facility makes is a business issue. The owner of Great Neck Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Blair Jones, says clients equate nicer space with better medicine. Plus you could improve team members' morale, make the time you spend in the exam room more efficient, and enjoy your workday more. So dig out those brushes and drop cloths. Decide on a color palette. Or hire an interior designer, a painter, and a contractor, if you're not into DIY. But get started. And remember, sometimes deciding to take action is the hardest part. (I did say sometimes...) ve@advanstar.com

Marnette Denell Falley