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Kathleen Ruby

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Latest Posts

Scheduling: Who Should Get the 4th of July Off?

Dr. Kathy Ruby, Coeditor-in-Chief, June 11, 2010

Dear Expert:

"I suspect my colleague has a substance abuse problem..."

Dr. Kathleen Ruby, Coeditor-in-Chief, June 8, 2010

Dear Expert:

I suspect one of my colleagues has a substance abuse problem, but don’t have concrete evidence. He’s been coming in to work late pretty often and looks a wreck. That might not have made me suspicious, but recently I’ve had to point out what could have been major errors in dispensing medications (wrong medication, wrong size) and he seems to lose his train of thought when he’s talking to clients. For the record, he has made several mistakes that I have had to fix.

How to Handle an Office Crush

Dr. Kathleen Ruby, Coeditor-in-Chief, May 18, 2010

Dear Dr. Ruby:

The vet I work for is really charming and smart, but he’s also down-to-earth and very attractive, which wasn’t an issue until recently. I’ve worked at the same hospital for 3 years now, but lately I feel a crush developing, even though I’m happily married and so is he.

"Our tech makes clients feel bad about their overweight dogs..."

Dr. Kathleen Ruby, Coeditor-in-Chief, April 29, 2010

Dear Dr. Ruby,

I have a problem with one of our techs.

I have overheard her talking to clients so they feel ashamed about having an overweight dog or being overdue for vaccinations. Can you give me some suggestions to deal with this kind of behavior in a positive way?

I know she has the best interest of our patients at heart, but this kind of attitude can hurt our business.

Thanks,

"My colleagues are miscommunicating with my clients..."

Dr. Kathy Ruby, Coeditor-in-Chief, March 29, 2010

Hi Dr. Ruby:

Recently I have had a couple of situations where a colleague has seen a client that I would typically see (ie I was away on holidays or conference etc.) and as a result, there have been some sticky situations which have developed that I would like your advice on.

"Negative Employees Are Hurting Our Practice..."

Dr. Kathleen Ruby, PhD, March 3, 2010

Dear Dr. Ruby,

I’ve learned a lot from EVT since recently becoming a DVM. I could use your advice now...

"No One Wants to Work With Her....What to Do?"

Dr. Kathleen Ruby, Coeditor in Chief, February 22, 2010

Dear Editor:

I work at an academic hospital in a stressful environment. Our unit runs 24/7, 365 days a year. We have one staff member who is a prime candidate to look at her "wake." No one on our staff wants to work with her, however, she is oblivious to her impact, demeanor and just plain refusing to be a team member. We would love to have her assess her wake. There is not one person who is willing to put the truth on the table because of her nasty nature. Advice?

Dear Team Member:

MBTI Results Explained

Jeff Thoren, DVM, ACC, December 23, 2009

I just took the MBTI and it says I'm an INFP. I've taken the MBTI before and have always been an INFJ, which feels like an accurate fit for me. I thought that personality type usually stays unchanged? Why did my results come out different this time?

Dear Reader:

What Personality Types Do You Work Best With?

Jeff Thoren, DVM, ACC, November 23, 2009

Dear Editor:

My MBTI assessment says that I'm an ENFJ. What personality types would I work best/worst with?

Dear Reader:

Ask the Expert

Dr. Kathleen Ruby, Coeditor-in-Chief, November 23, 2009

Dear Editor:

I have been an associate at my hospital for 16 months. In the last 3 months, I have been given the worst shifts and tasks without any respect from my boss. She controls the entire hospital and can be very manipulative. My schedule is not what I initially agreed upon and the newer doctors have more privileges than I do.