EVT Magazine November/December 2012 Issue

"I have to justify every minute I spend not doing something for someone else.” If this sentiment rings true, you’re not alone.

The holiday season is upon us. This is my first year with our practice, and I’m glad to see that festive energy has found its way into our daily tasks.

Mission statements provide a clear, concise, and written representation of a practice’s philosophy. Today, many practices have mission statements, but the way they are crafted and utilized for decision-making varies from practice to practice.

It’s almost holiday bonus season! That glorious time when we push ourselves to be the best employees we can be, to earn that coveted “thank you” check. Right? Maybe not.

When my new husband and I boarded a flight to the Bahamas over 7 years ago, a flight attendant overheard us talking and realized it was our honeymoon. Minutes after we sat down in the no-leg-room class, she quietly reseated us in first class. She brought us champagne and made an announcement that was met with cheers throughout the cabin. We were amazed, and will never forget that act of kindness from this airline’s employee. I remember sitting in the cushy seat, knowing that months later I was to begin veterinary school. I knew that if I was to succeed as a business person (yes, I really did think like that), it was essential to provide the same service to my clients. 

On August 14-15, Banfield Pet Hospital hosted veterinary leaders from around the globe (including representatives from academia, private practices, government, national industry organizations, and even shelters) to work together on matters crucial to the field. The collaborative environment of Banfield’s Annual Pet Healthcare Industry Summit allows veterinary professionals to strive toward resolving the industry’s most current and pressing issues.

Between holiday parties and gift exchanges with co-workers, is it possible to eat healthy at your practice during the holidays?

These steps are a guide for practice leaders to use the team approach in developing or updating their practice mission statement.

Foundation of Self-Care Planning: The importance of formalizing self-assessments and self-care plans cannot be overstated. “Guesstimating” where you are and how to get where you’d like to be is not likely to be effective.

Check out current RVT student Mimi Riddering’s top 6 survival tips for veterinary technology students.

This handout outlines the characteristics of effective feedback, part of the process for teaching and learning communication. Use this handout to provide constructive feedback to team members.

While most people have probably heard of Emotional Intelligence (EI), how many really know what it means and why it is important?

Typical of many veterinarians, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I proudly replied “I want to be a veterinarian!” But as my senior year in high school approached and initial life decisions were required, I was apprehensive about spending so much time and money to pursue my ambitions of becoming a veterinarian. 

Some members of the veterinary team have the information and the desire to fully prepare their personal finances—but not everyone! Here’s what you need to know to get started (if you haven’t already) and the reasons why.