Blogs

The Importance of Knowing Where You Stand in an Unstable Economy

Christine Q. Shupe, CME, Executive Director, Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, January 8, 2012

As we enter the New Year, wouldn’t it be great to ring in 2012 with some good news? In the field of veterinary management, the economy has presented many challenges in the area of salary and compensation.

But surprisingly, not all news on the salary front is negative. In fact, some news is encouraging. The recently completed VHMA 2011 Survey of Compensation and Benefits for Veterinary Managers offers food for thought for veterinary managers. An overview of the results and findings are discussed below.

The VHMA Survey, Laying the Foundation

Incentivizing Critical Thinking

Charlie Powell, Senior Public Information Officer, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, January 1, 2012

One of the summer jobs I held to fund my college education was as a frame welder and sub-floor builder at a mobile home plant. My crew was composed of jail birds that got out on 8-hour work release each day before going back the Grey Bar Hotel at night.

Do You Provide Continuing Education for Your Team?

Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR, December 18, 2011

Veterinary medicine is constantly changing as new medications are discovered, tools are created, protocols are proven, and recommendations are published. As part of the medical support staff, veterinary technicians need to keep up with the current medicine of the day.

Burnout: Causes and Solutions—Conclusion

Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR, December 14, 2011

Burnout: Ideals in the Face of Trauma

When it’s time to look at the “emotional” aspects of the work we do in veterinary medicine, there aren’t a lot of resources available.

Bring In More Clients With a Holiday Open House

Christine Q. Shupe, CME, Executive Director, Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, December 8, 2011

Hosting an open house is a great marketing strategy for helping your client base understand what your practice is all about.

Of course, your Web presence, collateral materials and media presence go a long way toward educating clients and potential clients about your services, facilities and philosophy. However, an open house makes everything tangible.

There are many reasons to host an open house. Whether you’re:

Creating a Healthy and Dynamic Workplace

Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR, December 2, 2011

So we’ve just finished talking about factors that cause stress and burnout in our workplace, the veterinary practice. These are issues that we can look at personally, to help to minimize the effect of stress and the occurrence of burnout.

Think Public Safety Trumps Employment Law?

Charlie Powell, Senior Public Information Officer, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, November 9, 2011

Think public safety trumps employment law? Maybe… or not.

This fall, a young, female college student was murdered two blocks from my home. The victim was shot eleven times and the perpetrator was allegedly both her former lover and the professor for one of her classes. He later took his own life in a local hotel.