In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," the panel delves into the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in veterinary practice, emphasizing communication skills over technical prowess. The hosts explore the evolution of veterinary education and practice, discussing the shift from historically personable, community-oriented veterinarians to today’s technically adept but less communicative professionals. They propose innovative approaches to veterinary training that prioriti...
Apr 18, 2024•25 min•Ep. 21
In the latest episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," the hosts delve into the macroeconomic trends affecting the veterinary industry. The discussion highlights the shifting dynamics in veterinary practices across North America, noting a return to pre-pandemic levels of demand and exploring the implications for various business aspects such as pricing, marketing, and staffing. The conversation explores the broader economic conditions, including inflation and recession concerns, and how these af...
Apr 11, 2024•22 min
In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," the panelists delve into the critical role of Client Service Representatives (CSRs) in veterinary practices. They open by highlighting the often undervalued yet pivotal position CSRs hold as the front-line personnel who shape clients' first impressions and sustain the practice's success. The discussion acknowledges the challenges faced by CSRs, including high turnover and the common divide between front-end and medical staff. Panelists emphasize t...
Apr 04, 2024•23 min
In this episode of "Unfiltered Vet Discussions," the panel dives into the crucial topic of training within veterinary hospitals, emphasizing its importance for team cohesion and the overall success of a practice. The discussion highlights that training is an ongoing process, not limited to a new employee's probationary period but continuing throughout their tenure to foster growth and adaptability. The speakers note that many veterinary practices fall short in dedicating a portion of their budge...
Mar 28, 2024•21 min
As an industry, do we take the time to educate our professional and management teams appropriately? Managing a practice can be very reactive and education/teaching our folks on a role must be a proactive effort. How can we shift our thinking to focus on the execution of valuable education to the teams that keep our businesses running smoothly? Tools like learning management systems help eliminate previous roadblocks and get this process on the road to consistency.
Mar 21, 2024•20 min
In the latest episode of Unfiltered Vet Discussions, the hosts underscore the common pitfalls in veterinary practice marketing, highlighting the importance of an online presence, particularly a functional website. Drawing from personal anecdotes, they stress that many veterinary websites fail to provide basic information such as contact details and services offered, which can lead to lost opportunities and diminished client relations. The discussion delves into the nuances of marketing beyond at...
Mar 14, 2024•22 min
We must do BETTER with euthanasia communications and support. During the delicate and strained time for clients, our panelists explore how veterinary practices can be more compassionate and communicative with those that are experiencing a loss. Veterinary school did not leave us prepared for supporting our clients during the necessary euthanasia process.
Mar 07, 2024•21 min
We must do BETTER with euthanasia communications and support. During the delicate and strained time for clients, our panelists explore how veterinary practices can be more compassionate and communicative with those that are experiencing a loss. Veterinary school did not leave us prepared for supporting our clients during the necessary euthanasia process.
Mar 01, 2024•23 min
Transparency and collaboration can be transformative to a working environment. However, collaboration must be looked at as a multi-headed effort. By supplementing meetings with team collaboration tools to take over those housekeeping communications, topics like culture, communication, and team bonding become natural during the meetings.
Feb 22, 2024•21 min
What does convention season mean to veterinary practices? With VMX completed and WVC almost here, it can be challenging to prioritize how to spend your time, resources, and social battery. Today, we discuss how to spend your limited time at the conferences in order to maximize value for your practice and your career.
Feb 15, 2024•18 min
A month into the new year, have your resolutions begun to slide off? Perhaps being present and "in the now" is more important than lofty dreams. By narrowing our focuses and freeing ourselves from distractions (which is a hard task in and of itself), we can ensure we are living with more intent.
Feb 08, 2024•21 min
Being unhappy, even being miserable, is a choice we consciously make. Most of the time, this can be caused by fear of the unknown or fear of change. Today, we explore what causes us to make the definitive choice to be miserable.
Feb 01, 2024•22 min
The veterinary industry is wrought with unpredictable evolutions and developments! No one could have predicted COVID or how it would have affected the vet space, nor could anyone predict the ever-changing landscape in which we now find ourselves. The pandemic (pre, during, and post) challenged the veterinary space from every angle.
Jan 25, 2024•23 min
The ever-changing silver bullet in veterinary practices. What is the “quick fix” or “silver bullet?” There’s a delicate strategic balance between handling immediate problems with quick solutions and applying long-term strategic relief. “Easy button” solutions often come at a huge cost to veterinary practices.
Jan 18, 2024•19 min
Change can be frightening and uncomfortable in any capacity. But, as vets, we are groomed from the first days of our education to be perfectionists and change works counter to that. Paralysis and risk aversion are huge obstacles to change. Accepting failure is absolutely critical to the growth process.
Jan 11, 2024•25 min
Pulled levers in veterinary! Everyone practice or hospital has a set list of KPIs and monitoring points that need to be looked at regularly (or constantly) whether in the startup phase or well-established business phase. When do you need to grow, solidify your defenses, and restructure? HINT: Strategic planning plays a critical role!
Jan 04, 2024•26 min
VC (Venture Capital) and PE (Private Equity) are two of many new acronyms that have become part of the veterinary vocabulary. Unlike acronyms like TPR, ADR, VCPR, these initials are a direct reflection on the economic environment impacting companion animal veterinary practices. Never in the history of the veterinary profession has so much money been invested by NOT-veterinarians in the ownership of veterinary practices. Both US and International investors have identified the small animal clinica...
Dec 28, 2023•21 min
Uncertainty has become the new normal. We have gone from the uncertainty of the pandemic to a world of uncertainty from an economic standpoint, world wars standpoint, and even within the veterinary profession, there is a great level of discomfort. The economics of the veterinary profession which had been pretty dependable and predictable has been tested by elevated costs; more revenue; lower profitability; national corporations; employee expectations; and the list goes on. Listen to learn what i...
Dec 21, 2023•19 min
Take the time to look in the mirror. The only one you see is YOU. That is where you need to focus. It is your choice to let others cloud the view you have of yourself. Others may use anger and guilt to manipulate you but it is up to you to be the victim or the victor. The control is within YOU. If your life is a car, you are the driver. Focusing on the windshield and the future is much more effective than focusing on the rearview mirror and looking back. We can learn from our past while we can s...
Dec 14, 2023•26 min
The phrase has been used so often it might be considered overused. What is work life balance? Is it a real term or a farce? Can you really get a scale and weigh out the minutes you dedicate to each and try to equilibrate it? It is suggested that work life integration might be a better term. Our panelists discuss their personal thoughts on what is really important in life and what is really important in work. And how can we make sure to schedule time for ourselves in the face of 24/7/365 expectat...
Dec 07, 2023•28 min
Our first Unfiltered Discussion: There was a study done, that shows the part of the brain that is activated during extreme torture is the same part of the brain activated during change. What will veterinary medicine look like as we embrace change moving forward? Listen in on a casual discussion about the importance of change management for the world of veterinary medicine. The work of veterinary medicine is often more gratifying than the experience of change: how do we embrace change in the vete...
Sep 01, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 1