Practice Management Exchange

I recently had the privilege to work with a practice team and capture insight from all team members, including two owners. One-on-one sessions with team members allow me to capture insight of each team member and present recommendations to the owners.

It’s a new year and a perfect time to evaluate practice processes and develop plans to make any necessary changes. A great place to start is with an evaluation of the existing system of internal controls. Who currently has access to valuable practice assets? Who is part of the system of checks and balances?

I recently had a discussion with a practice owner concerning significant monetary, personal, and emotional loss:

Today, practice owners have several options concerning how to find and select a practice manager. Some practices will select their manager internally by what I call the "Bam, You're It" Factor. They may choose the employee who has worked at the practice the longest. Often in those situations, the new manager may not have the skills, know really what is involved, or perhaps really didn't want to manage.

I have been very fortunate to have worked in the veterinary profession for more than twenty years. Over those twenty years the veterinary industry has experienced significant change not only in veterinary medicine, but with practice management as well. Today’s successful practice is not just about practicing quality medicine and working harder, it’s about practicing quality medicine and working smarter. It used to be true that if you “practice good medicine - they will come” but today that’s just not enough.