Mike Paul, DVM

Embracing risk, anticipating change among Apple co-founders guiding principles.

Do you care about clients outside the exam room? Show it.

Todays consumer wants something more than our ordinary hospitals can give them. What could you do to be extraordinary?

Here's a hint: It's not the economy, clients' desire for good care, or your level of competition.Depending on what you read, we are either in need of more veterinary schools or dealing with an overcapacity of veterinarians. We're either seeing an increase in pet ownership or a decline in pet ownership, serving a greater number of clients or fewer clients than ever. The failings of our profession are likely to be caused by any or all of these issues; it just depends on the color of your glasses.

No matter what the endeavor, don't be afraid to listen to your gut and take a leap of faith to achieve veterinary business success.

With a growing number of veterinary provider options, sustaining relationships is more important than ever for retaining clients.

For many veterinarians, student debt is unavoidable-but multiplying debt doesn't have to be. Use these sensible tips to stop adding to your liabilities and start building your financial security for a brighter future.

By this time of year, most people's good intentions have fizzled out. To find success, veterinarians need to take a different approach.

Whether it's a veterinary team member or client, make an effort to communicate effectively with people from other cultures.

Acquiring new clients is a necessity when growing your veterinary practice, but don't overlook the importance of keeping the clients you already have.

If we can't get shelter-run medical facilities and for-profit practices to coexist, veterinarians will look bad and shelters will face mounting community pressures-but the biggest losers will be pets.

It's time to break through the glass wall that stands between veterinary practitioners and clients. Ditch the excuses and make client communication a top priority in your clinic.

Revisit the Veterinarian's Oath and reenergize your efforts to practice preventive care for your patients.

Ensuring that your veterinary practice's mission statement, vision statement and core values are aligned can make for a much easier trip.

Let's stop blaming the economy and start focusing on the real issue at hand. There are just too many veterinarians on this earth.

Are you barking up the wrong tree by leading with what you love in life, rather than what you're good at?

Understanding the difference between the action of management and the art of leadership is crucial to a successful veterinary practice.

It's easy to lose sight of why we got into the veterinary profession. But we can get our vision back.

It's easy to lose sight of why we got into the veterinary profession. But we can get our vision back.

Rather than going by society's rules, ask yourself one key question.

The smallest act of support and encouragement can change your veterinary colleague's life.

Time to make the ugly stepsister of veterinary medicine an important member of the family.

Do veterinarians know what they're really saying with the words they choose?

Dr. Michael Paul discusses the best practices for vaccine administration and what to do about declining client visits.

What competition from big box stores can mean to your veterinary practice's bottom line.

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression with your veterinary clients – so you better do it well.

Like the human-animal bond, this relationship is vital. Cultivate it and watch your veterinary practice thrive.

Too many options from a veterinarian can be confusing – streamline your clients' and eliminate their frustration.

Battling the big-box bullies.

The growing number of players competing in the veterinary marketplace poses new financial-and ethical-challenges for practitioners.