Kathleen Ruby Ask the Expert

"How do I watch my wake?"
The following questions were posed during our webinar, "Watch Your Wake." If you missed the webinar, the concept of watching your wake has to do with self-management. If you imagine a boat... Read More »

"My best producing doctor butts heads with others"
Dear Editor: I’m a practice owner with a 4 doctor practice. More than half of the staff has been here over 10 years. Read More »

Don't Quit! How to Have a Conversation That Saves Your Job
Dear Editor: I'm a new associate and I feel like the practice owner has been taking advantage of the fact that I'm the youngest doctor. Because I never say no to his requests he asks me to do things... Read More »

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

Comments (2)
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.

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

No Comments
April 28, 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,

How to Handle an Office Crush

Comments (3)
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.

Don't Quit! How to Have a Conversation That Saves Your Job

Comments (5)
September 23, 2009

Dear Editor:

I'm a new associate and I feel like the practice owner has been taking advantage of the fact that I'm the youngest doctor. Because I never say no to his requests he asks me to do things that he'd never ask the older veterinarians to do and he pushes the worst tasks and least desirable shifts on me.

In the beginning I was afraid to speak up and thought it was part of "paying my dues" but now I'm frustrated and ready to leave.

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

No Comments
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.

What Careers Are Best for Me?

No Comments
October 7, 2009

Dear Editor:

What careers are best for me? My MBTI personality type came back INTP. I am working as a receptionist, but I would like to do vet assisting.

Dear Reader:

Ask the Expert

Comments (2)
October 15, 2009

Hi Dr. Ruby:

I am in a unique situation at my job; I'm a full-time associate who has recently also taken on the overwhelming task of staff management. I've been at the practice for 3+ years and have seen a lack of leadership in that time that forced me to decide "if no one else is going to do it, then I need to." I want those who work with me to love being there like I do. I know I can't do my job if others aren't doing theirs. My ultimate goal is to create a sense of teamwork that has never been there before.

"My team member doesn't pull her weight..."

Comments (5)
October 26, 2009

Dear Editor:

One of my team members doesn't pull her weight. She's lazy and is always chatting or taking cigarette breaks instead of doing what she's supposed to. She avoids the dirty jobs as much as possible.

When we work together I feel like I have to do everything, since I don't want to get blamed for tasks not being completed correctly or on time. I feel bad telling the boss about her behavior since she's a single mom and needs the paycheck, but what other option do I have?

Best Veterinary Medicine = Best Financial Outcome

No Comments
October 29, 2009

Dear Editor,

I'm a practice manager. Your magazine talks a lot about being a great leader, but how does that help the bottom line? I'd like my employees to be happy but they also need to be productive. How can I ensure that we're all getting our needs met here?

Dear Reader,

What a great question...and glad you asked.