Clients expect test results faster than ever before. Learn the benefits for the patient, client, practice and clinician of keeping testing in-house. Source: Vet Practice, September 12, 2019. Link. The animal diagnostic market is a major and flourishing sector; it accounts for 22 percent of the entire veterinary market and is worth US$4.2 billion globally. INSIGHTS: Newer … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2019
Hate distractions? Good. Your perception of reality is at stake
If you’re trying to pay attention to multiple things, you’re not going to be as good at it versus if it were one at a time. It’s not just being slowed down . . . it might affect what you’re perceiving in the moment.” We are constantly inundated with push notices, texts, flashing signs, banners or the next tab. All this distraction may come at a massive cost. It’s not only to … [Read more...]
Lead employees by coaching
Employees don't need a pat on the head once a year. Nor do they need hand holding every step of the way. Successful businesses achieve goals through regular, effective feedback. Source: Forbes, January 30, 2018. Link. Leaders and direct supervisors provide the primary example and outlet of learning for employees. Employees don’t expect to sit back and wait forever for … [Read more...]
5 questions for the first day of work (infographic)
One of the most important, yet toughest things to do while moving into a new job or role is letting go of assumptions. This makes it extremely important to ask the right questions and be open to unlearn and relearn even seemingly trivial things. Source: HBR Ascend, September 12, 2019. Link. Every workplace has its own culture—how things are done, what is valued, and how … [Read more...]
Understand your voice
Your voice makes a big impression. Its pitch, speed and volume determine how people view your professionalism, whether to trust you and if you’re emotionally stable. How you sound may be more important than your words, writes Susan Berkley. She discusses improving our vocal persona, while improving how we use our voice. . . . your voice can either enhance the impact of what … [Read more...]
More veterinary technicians = higher practice efficiency
Recent AVMA analytics reveals that veterinary hospitals with more technicians and other non-DVM staff are likely to operate more efficiently. The optimal mix of non-DVM and DVM staff depends on several factors, including: practice type and size the demand for veterinary services in an area the availability of qualified veterinary professionals: professional and … [Read more...]
Veterinary technicians; heroes, heroines in scrubs
It’s been said, “the poop rolls downhill.” In most vet clinics, the technicians catch it. But these talented professionals frequently make the day, save a case and step in to help animal owners understand what’s going on. Kudos to the dvm360 staff for collecting some real-life experiences as the 2019 National Veterinary Technician Week approaches October 13-19. Source: … [Read more...]
The real meaning of customer-centricity and how to develop it (includes video)
Like a well-written elevator speech, Denise Lee Yohn discusses how to implement a customer-centric operating model. She promotes cultivating a culture that embraces a customer-focused mindset and values. Beyond “a customer is always right,” customer centricity is about identifying your most valuable customers and then organizing and operating around them. Source: SmartBrief, … [Read more...]
Feeling in control can help prevent burnout
There are lots of reasons people feel burned out at work, writes Elizabeth Grace Saunders, a time management coach. An overstuffed to-do list, tasks that seem meaningless or a lack of connection with others are easily identified. If you don’t have autonomy in your job or a say in the decisions that affect your professional life, it can take a toll on your well-being. One of … [Read more...]
Embarrassment is fuel. Use it.
Anthony Moore says most people are living on someone else’s terms. They live to avoid fear, risk and embarrassment. He offers ideas to stop being afraid of looking stupid and consistently live the life you want. Source: The Ascent, May 20, 2019. Link. Just because you fail doesn’t make you a failure. So much of this life is process; getting a little better/smarter every … [Read more...]
We ARE being watched
'Who is watching you?”' is the cover story of the current issue of Consumer Reports. Our increasingly digital world has created mountains of data and there are few laws to safeguard the information. There are ways to take better charge of your privacy. We’re sharing three topics below that are available without subscriptions. Source: Consumer Reports, October 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Opinion – Raising the next generations at home, at work
Kids < people > who recognize their choices in life feel more confident in their ability to create a better future for themselves. It sometimes seems young folks entering the workforce lack understanding of how the world works. We can either growl about it or engage our leadership skills to help them grow. Amy Morin’s article, “A psychotherapist shares the 7 biggest … [Read more...]
Eating healthy for busy pros
Laura Baltodona, DVM, describes the challenges busy professionals face getting proper nutrition . Whether practitioner, veterinary technician, sales representative or office worker, animal health pros may spend more time ensuring their pets’ eat than themselves. Batodona says the key for healthy eating is: 1) set an intention and 2) know it doesn’t need to be fancy. Despite … [Read more...]
Burdock plants and cows don’t mix
Eye problems in livestock can be caused by foreign material. One of the more challenging problems is burdock slivers, according to Heather Smith Thomas. A tenacious and invasive weed, burdock is readily spread to new areas by burrs stuck to animals or clothing. When ripe, the burrs release hundreds of microscopic barbed slivers that contain tiny seeds. If a sliver gets into an … [Read more...]
Feed tags offer nutritional information
Every bag of livestock feed and mineral sold has a tag attached that offers an analysis of the product, ingredients and feeding directions. This may seem like basic information. But, for youngsters or those starting out in the livestock business with no background, these labels are a good start to ensure their livestock get a sound nutrition regimen. Source: Noble Research … [Read more...]
Beef bulls + dairy cows can compromise milk production
Unable to return a surplus of female calves, dairies are assertively seeking to breed and sell surplus calves for meat production. However, many strongly antagonistic traits associated with calving performance and carcass merit can be detrimental to the cows’ ability to calve and re-establish pregnancy early postcalving without any compromise in milk production. Researchers … [Read more...]
New foot-and-mouth disease vaccine granted license by The Pirbright Institute
The Pirbright Institute has granted MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the U.S.) an exclusive commercial license for a new vaccine to protect livestock against several serotypes of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. Offering greater stability than current FMD vaccines, it’s less reliant on a cold chain during distribution which is hugely beneficial in regions … [Read more...]
A good bed can improve dogs’ health and well-being
Providing pets with a high-quality bed or blanket can be a crucial building block for health and well-being. The most important benefits of beds and blankets are: They improve sleep quality They speak to dogs’ nesting instincts They offer security on-the-go Source: Animal Wellness, September 6, 2019. Link. When choosing a bed for a pet, how the pet sleeps helps … [Read more...]
Farm-wise parasite control strategies
Mares midway in their second trimester makes them a top parasite control priority on horse farms. It is important to consider all the horses on the farm, but remember each horse has its own needs , writes Sarah Evers Conrad. Avoid blanket parasite control strategies. They have led to widespread drug resistance in parasite populations. There’s really no way to build a parasite … [Read more...]
Protect horses from lyme disease
Fall brings a fervent tick quest < link > that reinforces the need to limit horse exposure to ticks. There is no lyme vaccine approved for use in horses. However, some veterinarians have vaccinated horses with canine vaccine < link >. Laurie Bonner shares ways to reduce horse exposure to ticks including daily removal, pasture care and using tick repellent on … [Read more...]
Smartphones help teach clinical ophthalmology
Lucien V. Vallone, DVM, DACVO, shares various applications using of smartphones for teaching ophthalmoscopy skills in veterinary medical training programs. He outlines techniques for fundus and anterior segment imaging that generally do not require the purchase of accessory equipment. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2019. Link. Advancing smartphone technology is allowing … [Read more...]
8 tips to help get your video game plan on
Eighty percent of Internet traffic comes from people streaming videos. As video has exploded, so have the tools to create and share them. Have you got your video game plan down? Falcon.io’s Maxwell Gollin shares pro tips on eight video formats. Source: Falcon.io. August 13, 2019. Link. With live video, "build anticipation by leading into something you’ll … [Read more...]
CAPC Top Ten Cities Report for the month of August
The Top Ten Cities report for August 2019 shows the cities with the highest percentage increase in positive heartworm tests: Orange, CA Paul, MN Fontana, CA Cleveland, OH Omaha, NE Syracuse, NY Milwaukee, WI Tacoma, WA San Jose, CA Cary, NC Source: CAPC, September 10, 2019. Link. Although these cities are broadly disseminated across the United … [Read more...]
Malone’s call to action
Pat Malone challenges distributor representatives to augment selling skills and approach each customer from a different perspective. He sites the decreasing market share coming direct from the veterinarian as a problem to help solve. “ a problem isn’t a problem until there is the realization that it is a problem” Practice managers attending the upcoming VHMA convention can … [Read more...]
More helping – less selling = success
I have just alienated every sales manager out there. But, our industry needs less selling and more helping. Your customer is trying to decide whether to buy or not. HELP THEM. Stop regurgitating features and benefits in the hope that something sticks. Source: Veterinary Advantage – Companion Edition, August 14, 2019. Link. For too many distributor representatives, objections … [Read more...]
Opinion – Vet student communication skills training programs need help
Research from Colorado State University suggests support for communication skills training programs and recognition of their value continue to grow. However, a lack of resources, faculty expertise, validated methods for outcomes assessment and leadership remain as challenges. As animal health pros, this research confirms what we’ve known for years. Therefore, working with … [Read more...]
AAHA releases Implementing Preventive Care Protocols publication
AAHA’s newest publication will help more practices learn how they can increase benefits for clients, patients and themselves by implementing preventive care protocols, according to Janice Trumpeter, DVM and AAHA Deputy CEO. Developed with an educational grant from Idexx, the expanded set of preventive care protocols includes using routine diagnostic screenings. Expanding the … [Read more...]
Lead contamination risks in backyard poultry
Rearing backyard chickens carries some zoonotic concerns and potential risk for the birds being exposed to chemicals or heavy metals like lead. These can get passed on to consumers through eggs or meat. Birds may pick up lead from various sources, such as contaminated water and feed. But, the main source of lead exposure for backyard poultry is likely contaminated … [Read more...]
Suicide prevention tips for employers
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It is the perfect time to be proactive and learn more about supporting your employees who are struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts. Knowing the signs and offering immediate access to help are two keys to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Read on to discover how to provide training to the … [Read more...]
Recovering from losing our cool at work
It doesn’t matter where the stress comes from. But when it builds to a blow-up at work it is time to approach the situation with humility and intention. Beginning with self assessment, Patricia Thompson offers steps to recover from the incident and repairing your reputation. . . . negative experiences are processed more thoroughly than good ones, and negative impressions are … [Read more...]