• DVM360_Conference_Charlotte,NC_banner
  • ACVCACVC
  • DVM 360
  • Fetch DVM 360Fetch DVM 360
DVM 360
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care
By Role
AssociatesOwnersPractice ManagerStudentsTechnicians
Subscriptions
dvm360 Newsletterdvm360 Magazine
News
All News
Association
Breaking News
Conference Coverage
Education
Equine
FDA
Law & Ethics
Market Trends
Medical
Politics
Products
Recalls
Regulatory
Digital Media
dvm360 LIVE!™
Expert Interviews
The Vet Blast Podcast
Medical World News
Pet Connections
The Dilemma Live
Vet Perspectives™
Weekly Newscast
dvm360 Insights™
Publications
All Publications
dvm360
Firstline
Supplements
Vetted
Clinical
All Clinical
Anesthesia
Animal Welfare
Behavior
Cardiology
CBD in Pets
Dentistry
Dermatology
Diabetes
Emergency & Critical Care
Endocrinology
Equine Medicine
Exotic Animal Medicine
Feline Medicine
Gastroenterology
Imaging
Infectious Diseases
Integrative Medicine
Nutrition
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics
Pain Management
Parasitology
Pharmacy
Surgery
Toxicology
Urology & Nephrology
Virtual Care
Business
All Business
Business & Personal Finance
Hospital Design
Personnel Management
Practice Finances
Practice Operations
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Continuing Education
Conferences
Conference Listing
Conference Proceedings
Resources
CBD in Pets
CE Requirements by State
Contests
Veterinary Heroes
Partners
Spotlight Series
Team Meeting in a Box
Toolkit
Top Recommended Veterinary Products
Vet to Vet
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
By Role
  • Associates
  • Owners
  • Practice Manager
  • Students
  • Technicians
Subscriptions
  • dvm360 Newsletter
  • dvm360 Magazine
  • Contact Us
  • Fetch DVM360 Conference
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About Us
  • MJHLS Brand Logo

© 2023 MJH Life Sciences™ and dvm360 | Veterinary News, Veterinarian Insights, Medicine, Pet Care. All rights reserved.

Good business is good medicine

April 1, 2016
Joey Burt, DVM, MPH (HSA)

Veterinary medicine is my business. And business is good.

Most of us went into veterinary medicine because we're empathetic and caring, but sometimes we help in ways that hurt ourselves: we discount services or do whatever is necessary to assist the pet, but it hurts the business. Over time I've learned that a solid business foundation is the key to a successful practice.

Reach beyond your comfort zone

My first job was at a large private practice in Cincinnati, Ohio. A first job is so instrumental in shaping and forming your career. The decision to work there set me off on the correct path. After about a year, and with no business experience, I decided to start my own practice. I worked to build that hospital and make it successful, practicing there for 20 years. About eight years ago I left it, possibly at its pinnacle, to pursue a career in academia at Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, It was a leap of faith not only for me, but also for Dean Kent Hoblet. I haven't looked back.

Help yourself to help others

In another life:

If I hadn't become a veterinarian I'd be …

Advertisement

Still be in the biomedical field, or engineering.

Something no one knows about me is …

In high school and college I worked as a radio station DJ. It was something I really enjoyed, but not a lifelong career for me.

One of the things I stress to students is how it is important to be able to make a good living and have a successful business. It paves the way to be able to help the local animal shelter, or a favorite charity, without hurting the practice. To boil it down further, remember to be fair to everyone. Most of the time when you're talking about the business aspect of veterinary medicine you're talking about fees and costs, and the person you're not fair to is yourself-and your staff. So think about how you're impacting your practice.

Find mentors in unexpected places

One of my mentors is a businessman from Cincinnati named Bob Houston. Bob owned a historic restoration construction company. I met him while I was in private practice. He's the one who really inspired me. He showed me great examples of fair pricing that enabled his company to appropriately compensate staff, improve the quality of work performed by all, and, ultimately, attain exceptional customer satisfaction. Bob has been there to bounce ideas off of throughout the years and continues to offer wise counsel.

Dr. Burt and his wife.Make time for “me time”

It's extremely important to set aside time for your personal life. For me spending time with my family around water activities is how I keep things manageable. Whether it's as simple as taking a walk on the beach, or something more active like boating, spending that time with my family is important.

Dr. Joey Burt is an Associate Clinical Professor and Director of the Animal Health Center in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

 

 

 

Related Content:

Wellbeing & Lifestyle
Balancing being a mother and veterinary leader
Balancing being a mother and veterinary leader
3 Must-sees for Women's History Month
3 Must-sees for Women's History Month
Succeeding as a female business owner
Succeeding as a female business owner

Advertisement

Latest News

Pet Advocacy Network honors outstanding contributions to the pet care community

Traditional and holistic treatments for giardia

ASU trustees approve the creation of a new veterinary school

6 tips for first-time dog owners

View More Latest News
Advertisement