Mastering Management

The following tip is brought to you by a member of the Veterinary Leadership Group (VLG), a group of 20 management-savvy practitioners and hospital managers from across the country who meet twice a year to discuss business improvement, personal growth and social development issues for their practices.

Associate doctor introduction

MIDDLESEX, VT. — When introducing a new associate doctor to the practice, an introductory protocol can be useful to smooth the transition, says Dr. Lauren Quinn, Onion River Animal Hospital.

Create an introductory letter and distribute it to clients.

Include:

• A photo of the new doctor with a patient, personal history including education, work and family,

• Medical interests,

• Reasons for joining the team,

• Personal interests.

"The letter can do as much for staff as it does for clients," Quinn says. "By personalizing the veterinarian before joining the staff, workers feel like they know him/her."

Staff will respond to the new associate in a warm and enthusiastic way when discussing him/her with clients. This type of letter can be mailed to select clients, or it can be distributed at the practice before the new veterinarian's arrival.

"Receptionists reported clients requesting the new veterinarian based on what they read on her bio at our practice," Quinn adds.

To view the letter used by Onion River Animal Hospital, visit www.vlg.us and click on "VLG in the News".

Tip from:

Dr. Lauren Quinn

Onion River Animal Hospital

Middlesex, VT