EVT Magazine July 2010 Issue

Although there are numerous, more complex assessments that can provide valuable feedback for leaders and managers, this is the simple instrument used by Dr. DeBowes in his staff feedback process. It is simple, straightforward, and provides your team with a conduit to express what is working and what could be improved in your leadership or management style. Click here to read the article Dr. DeBowes wrote about how  he uses this assessment with his team.

It was time for Grady’s check-up and the first available appointment was with Chris Sheflin, DVM—proud graduate of the class of 2010. Dr. Sheflin expected a steep learning curve in her new career, but she had no idea that walking into the exam room to clients her mother’s age would prove so daunting. After 4 years of training, several preceptorships, and an intense year of clinical experiences, she had expected to feel confident during a simple physical exam.

As I visit practices and talk with veterinarians, practice managers, and team leaders, I hear many colleagues speak of our shared commitment to practicing the best possible medicine and to working hard to help each other in that process. If we aren’t working well together as a health care team, how can we hope to achieve unparalleled positive clinical results?

Of all the challenges in veterinary practice, broaching the subject of payment for services is the one that is likely to create angst even among even the most seasoned practitioners. We are caught between the world of healing and the world of business. Many veterinarians share that their entering the profession had little to do with an interest in the business aspect of practice and much to do with the love of animals and medicine, yet conversations about money are integral to patient care, client satisfaction, and practice success.