In my June column, I discussed situations where communications between the dairy practitioner and client broke down, leaving the doctor "out of the loop" with disease outbreaks. Since then, I have worked on two farms where the herd veterinarian was deeply and routinely involved with herd decisions. This involvement started with participation in farm management meetings.
Dr. Bill Wilson looked blankly at Jan, his office manager.
1. Pay for subscriptions by credit card. That gives you federal Fair Credit Billing Act rights to dispute a bill for unsatisfactory advice in dealing with professional services, which you don't otherwise have. If you buy a turkey baster based on the magazine's recommendations and it turns out to be unsatisfactory, I would immediately ask for a refund of my subscription charges.
The easy way into trouble is simple; immediately jump upon, endorse, and adopt every new product, every new technique, every new concept and every new drug.
Product Focus: Diagnostic Imaging - X-ray Supplies
Dr. Michael Merrithew doesn't think he'll be quick to make any changes to his vaccine protocols despite a recent report from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) that calls for reduction in vaccinating dogs.
Playing "God" with clients is the veterinary version of "the revenge of the nerds."
Pullman, Wash.-A new tool could be at hand for "subtyping" strains of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria that cause food-borne illness, thanks to scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the United States Department of Agriculture.
Back to basics: Support yourself by providing a valuable service to clients
In the March/April issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), an Executive Summary of the 2003 Canine Vaccine Guidelines was published. A full text of the guidelines, recommendations, and supporting literature is available to AAHA members on the organization's Web site (www.aahanet.org).
DVM degree allows entry to 'spin zone' even paparazzi would envy
Ms. Karyn Gavzer identifies the barriers that prevent the veterinary team from getting clients to act on prescribed medical services.
Don't just play the blame game; remain proactive in talking about herd issues
'They Love Lucy' star blind to long-term economic problems
Since the beginning of the year, I am getting more and more calls from colleagues concerned about their financial stability, the erosion of their retirement funds and with the decline in client visits, the ability of their practice to weather this recession.
Formal reprimand, suspension, dismissal all appropriate at times
Mixed animal practitioners caught on the 'horns of dilemma'
Learn how to make lemonade out of life's lemons
Imagine yourself on a long trip. For the most part, traffic has been rolling along at 70 miles an hour on a highway with a 65-mile speed limit. You are a quarter mile behind the car ahead of you as you enter an area with a reduced speed 50 miles per hour sign, and you see a state highway patrol car just ahead with its radar pointed directly at you.
Keep your staff current with new procedures, existing protocols
Dynamic evaluation of operation can be enough to ignite change
The time has come the Walrus said to speak of many things. Of shoes and ships and sealing wax and other inconsequential things.
Knowing over-the-phone sales tactics can help you weed out helpful calls from time-wasters
Peer review system could help stymie legal actions; get involved
The initial two articles in this series on associate employment contracts dealt primarily with legal details of the contract; contract periods, renewal provisions and other esoteric elements that are commonly ignored when a new associate is considering a job offer.
Why is it that a fat chance is a much smaller chance than a slim chance? Huh?
Six animal management systems work together to drive performance
Spreading out single appointment improves diagnostics, revenue
Clients seeking 'special privileges' can suck time, money, energy from practice
Successful practices and practitioners are alive; they vibrate with positive energy and enthusiasm.
