Includes Commentary Time management in animal healthcare isn’t about squeezing more hours out of the day – it’s about spending the hours you have on what moves the needle, writes Brian Sullivan. His focus is on salespeople, but the guidance is universal. He asserts that it’s not time that’s scarce, it’s your focus. Agreed. Source: Veterinary Advantage, April 2025. … [Read more...]
How to give compliments and criticism for a happier work life
Researchers found that on the highest-performing corporate teams, members gave 5.6 compliments for every criticism of their peers versus 2.8 criticisms per compliment on low-performing teams. Author Arthur C. Brooks, PhD, reveals the importance of feedback, whether positive or negative. When well thought out and genuine, both can be productive. Source: Big Think, August 13, … [Read more...]
False consensus: Same buzzwords, different priorities, no actions
Commentary At first blush, this article was a pass, but advice it offers kept surfacing. Though it originates in manufacturing, we’re all trying to align our teams and focus on investing our talents and resources in the best places. Beyond the words, there is a real cost to misalignment, writes Robyn M. Bolton. She shares perspectives and actions from the Strategic … [Read more...]
The hidden costs of fear in businesses
Fear is terrible and expensive for business. If you could quantify the Total Cost of Fear (TCF) inside most organizations, the number would be staggering, shares author John Ryan. Fear-based messages don’t motivate . . . they paralyze. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, July 2025. Link. When people feel safe enough in an environment, they take interpersonal risks. That means … [Read more...]
IVAP approved by NAVTA
IGNITE’s Veterinary Assistant Program has officially earned approval from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, joining an elite group of just seven online programs nationwide. IGNITE now serves more than 22,000 members and offers membership programs tailored to practice owners, practice managers, technicians, veterinary assistants and front desk … [Read more...]
Doing pet telehealth right isn’t optional; it’s essential
Complimentary Content Telehealth should support, not compete with, local veterinarians, writes Deb Leon, founder and CEO of whiskerDocs. She asserts that the best systems relieve pressure on clinics, help triage smartly and improve access without undermining the critical role of in-person exams. Warning of the risks from cutting corners as the services grow, she outlines why … [Read more...]
When the economy suffers, the dogs and cats suffer
It’s a story heard across the country: pet owners relinquishing their animals and shelters too full to take them. Liam Stack and Olivia Bensimon share what amounts to a situation analysis of burgeoning issues in New York City’s public animal shelters. It’s non-stop and no one can keep up . . . We can’t adopt our way out.” – Katy Hansen talking about the number of surrenders in … [Read more...]
6 LinkedIn recommendation mistakes that kill your career prospects
The language you use when asking for a recommendation on LinkedIn often determines whether you'll receive something meaningful or generic. Sadly, most professionals sabotage their chances before they even hit send on that request, writes Jason Morris, owner and CEO of Profit Engine. He shares what successful professionals say instead. Source: Profit Engine. Link. Vague … [Read more...]
Understanding feline behavior for better diagnosis, stronger bonds
What a great statement, “The human animal bond is bilateral!” Christine Won shares some quotes from Dr. Carlo Siracusa’s presentation at the 2025 AVMA Convention explaining the importance of understanding feline behavior as a fundamental key to a more accurate diagnosis. He called for an integration of behavioral signs into the clinical reasoning process. Source: AVMA, … [Read more...]
Should we target longevity or extend lactation length for dairy cows?
Commentary For animal health pros who work with dairy producers or monitor elements of dairy production, this article from Stephen LeBlanc, BSc(Agr), DVM, DVSc, may challenge some of the corporate thinking being applied to the dairies you serve. His discussion of where a cow fits in dairy management decisions and how various scenarios influence culling provides perspectives … [Read more...]
Simplot study: Sage grouse, cattle can thrive together
Environmentalists take note. A decade-long research project confirms what Simplot Land and Livestock employees have observed firsthand: that sage grouse and cows can exist and have been existing together. The study also shed new light on nest predation, with coyotes, not ravens, being the main culprit. However, less predation occurred where cows were actively grazing. The … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club seeks nominations for the 2026 ICON Award
The Bridge Club ICON Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding individuals from across the profession who are driving meaningful change and elevating veterinary care. For 2026, the focus is Excellence in Veterinary Care, recognizing those who are redefining what’s possible in veterinary medicine through innovation, leadership, and compassion. Source: The … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 14, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 7, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 7, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Goodbye trial by fire, hello strategic onboarding. Link. Team successes dependent on emotional intelligence (video). Link. The ABCs of dog blood work: What the results really mean. Link. Financial strain often shapes horse … [Read more...]
Team successes dependent on emotional intelligence (video)
Some teams are superb; harmonious, efficient and high performing. Others get bogged down by bickering and missed opportunities and suffer poor outcomes, shares Daniel Goleman. What makes the difference? A team’s level of emotional intelligence and a set of emotionally intelligent norms. Source: LinkedIn, July 23, 2025. Link. Dr. Vanessa Druskat on TedX [15:51] … [Read more...]
Use the 30-Second Rule to make a lasting first impression
Making a good first impression implicitly means making yourself look good: who you are, what you do, what you’ve accomplished, writes Jeff Haden, referencing leadership author John Maxwell’s 30-second rule. People feel better and do better when you give them attention, affirmation, and appreciation . . . Maxwell’s goal is simple: Within the first 30 seconds of a conversation, … [Read more...]
The ABCs of dog blood work: What the results really mean
It is common when reviewing articles on client feedback for pet owners to express confusion about test results and to indicate veterinary teams sometimes don’t take time to explain the results. In this article from AAHA’s Your Pet, blood work results are explained in the context of helping pet owners understand the numbers, their importance and why doing bloodwork is part of … [Read more...]
Bridging the vet-farrier communication gap
Noting differences in perspectives between farriers and veterinarians, Maclaren Krueger shares the importance of communication, shared experiences and collaborating on a treatment plan before talking with the horse owner. Ultimately, each professional is seeking to do right by the horse and owner, so seeking to improve trust and familiarity is imperative. Source: American … [Read more...]
It’s (past) time to rethink gun use when handling cattle (video)
Trey Patterson shared 2022 National Beef Quality Audit data that revealed a significant problem: 100 percent of non-fed slaughter plants reported finding foreign objects in beef, with half experiencing customer complaints about items like shotgun pellets. This is an all-cattle issue happening predominantly in the production phase, whether it be cattle gathering techniques or … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 7, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 31, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 31, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ridiculous to sublime. K-9 preventive wellness mirrors their humans. Link. Buzz off! Deer flies irritate horses and pester riders, too! Link. Timing BRD vaccines likely improves calf health, performance. Link. 7,000 steps/day is … [Read more...]
AAHA introduces four new Standards of Accreditation
Updates to the AAHA Standards of Accreditation will now address 1) nontherapeutic ear crops, 2) devocalizations and 3) feline declaws. The fourth encourages practice teams to talk to families about microchipping and to verify the chip’s functionality and location annually. Source: AAHA Trends, July 22, 2025. Link. AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary … [Read more...]
Love and leadership
And no, it’s not another Coldplay meme. Effective leadership has a direct connection to the degree you enjoy (love) your job. If you want a fulfilling leadership career, you’ve got to love the game you’re playing, shares the author, who asserts “The more you love it, the more it gives back” in this piece. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, June 2025. Link. … if you don’t love … [Read more...]
7,000 steps/day is the new sweet spot
A new study reveals that walking just 7,000 steps per day delivers the biggest gains in longevity. Piling on more may not help much. Source: Super Age, Mindset, July 25, 2025. Link. In a world where health advice often feels complicated, this research offers something refreshingly simple: Walking works. And 7,000 steps a day might just be your longevity sweet spot.” … [Read more...]
Remind employees to use their FSA benefits
There are 154 days remaining in 2025 so now is a good time to remind employees to check on and use their FSA benefits. Millions of dollars in these accounts are left unused and the money is forfeited at year end. Lee Hafner suggests sending emails, putting posters up in office breakrooms and including FSA and HSA reminders during meetings to keep these benefits top of … [Read more...]
Proposition 129: One year later
Join the conversation. Membership not required. It’s time to explore what has transpired since Colorado passed Proposition 19, what lies ahead, and what it ultimately means for veterinary medicine. Source: The Bridge Club. Join the virtual conversation here: Link. … [Read more...]
The stares we can’t ignore
The “Gen Z stare,” a long, blank and expressionless stare in a variety of social situations is getting a lot of attention. Bryan Robinson, PhD, shares some of the reasons this may be occurring with these digital natives. He advises leaders to move beyond snap judgments to look closely at how they interpret employee behavior. Wanting mentorship versus micromanagement, Gen Zs … [Read more...]
Improve employee communications by these 9 phrases
Empty platitudes, vague promises, corporate jargon and performative empathy were all part of negative feedback when Jess Zafarris queried her LinkedIn network. She shares nine phrases to retire from your leadership vocabulary and what to say instead in this article. These resonated with our AHD team: Don’t say: “We’re a family.” Don’t say: “We hear you.” (If you don’t … [Read more...]
AVMA elects new volunteer leaders for 2025-2026 term
Dr. Michael Q. Bailey was elected to serve as President of the AVMA at the 2025 AVMA Conference and is the first African American to serve in the role. Dr. Jennifer Quammen was selected as the president-elect by the AVMA board of delegates. Each individual brings considerable experience to their roles. Source: AVMA, July 21, 2025. Link. Veterinarians are vital to community … [Read more...]
Difficult customers
Sometimes there are customers you cannot seem to please, no matter how hard you try. You know the type; the folks who never seem satisfied even when they get exactly what they ask for. Source: Veterinary Advantage, August 2023. Link. Every successful conversation is a give-and-take between two or more people . . . Showing respect when respect has not been received sounds … [Read more...]
The silent career killer that high performers don’t see coming
Managers aren't just looking for task completion anymore, writes Jason Morris, a business expert at Profit Engine. The modern workplace rewards visibility as much as capability. Morris points to a fundamental shift in how leadership evaluates promotability. He explains why a heads-down work culture, avoiding meetings and staying invisible, can stall professional growth despite … [Read more...]
Decoding pet insurance: Navigating policies and client questions (podcast)
Confused about pet insurance? You are not alone, and veterinary clients probably are, too. In this podcast, Jennifer Sperry, DVM, breaks down key differences between accident, illness, and wellness policies. She demystifies deductibles and highlights what veterinary professionals need to know when talking with pet owners. Although recommending specific policies … [Read more...]