A second portion of Dr. Ivan Zak’s dissertation reveals veterinary technicians have a dangerously low level of job satisfaction, which is substantially worse than doctors’ satisfaction rates. Source: Veterinary Integration Solutions, November 9, 2020. Link. Often, techs are the undervalued force in the clinic setting and are stretched thin with the heavy caseload, excessive … [Read more...]
Covid exposure risks outside of work increasing for clinicians
Medscape reports non-work exposures were more likely to lead to Covid-19 infections in human health care. It’s worth consideration. Source: Medscape, November 2, 2020. Link. <firewall> One-third of Covid-19 exposures among health care providers in Minnesota are due to family or community exposure, not patient care, according to a study conducted by the Minnesota … [Read more...]
Pandemics: Beyond “women and children first”
Jenifer Chatfield DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, outlines the factors involved in determining who will receive a vaccine. She discusses common questions as we wait for a Covid-19 vaccine: Who gets the vaccine first when it becomes available? Who gets it if the supply is limited? Who decides who is at the front of the line? Source: DVM 360, October 21, 2020. Link. Like … [Read more...]
The science behind the masks
Despite all the evidence face masks help protect us and others from coronavirus exposure, we occasionally run into doubters. This short animation vividly shows how even a simple mask works to reduce the virus spread. Source: The New York Times, October 30, 2020. Link. The public health debate on masks is settled, said Joseph G. Allen, director of the Health Buildings program … [Read more...]
Researchers discover a second key that makes SARS-CoV-2 so infectious
Researchers believe they have found another way the coronavirus gains entry into our cells. They discovered a receptor called neuropilin-1 gives the novel coronavirus a leg up in infecting our tissues. This particular protein is relatively abundant on cells lining the nasal cavity, making it a piece of cake for the virus to establish a home inside our bodies, raise a virus … [Read more...]
New CDC guidance, 15 minutes of exposure and what it means for you
New guidance from the CDC updates our understanding of the transmission of SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 and recognizes the ease with which this virus can spread. It suggests that there is more of a dose-response relationship between viral exposure and risk of disease. Which is to say, the more virus you are exposed to, the higher your risk, even if the exposure … [Read more...]
What to do when a teammate shares their grief
It is inevitable that someone in your workplace or network will share a difficult event they go through. Lara Hogan shares the importance of being prepared and setting boundaries to avoid: jumping into problem solving mode turning our response toward ourselves and our similar experiences responding to avoid hurting this person Hogan suggests asking open questions … [Read more...]
Learn to say, “No.”
To make the most of your time, you will need to say no to things that are not particularly aligned with your personal or professional goals. Source: Forge, September 21, 2020. Link. The question is not would I rather do this thing or nothing, it’s would I rather do this thing or everything else in my already packed life that I’m currently living. INSIGHTS: Time is a … [Read more...]
Virtual reality grant to help increase interest in animal welfare
This is great news, but I wonder, “how will the scratch ‘n sniff be deployed”? Joking aside, congratulations to Nicole Anderson for a sizeable grant to use virtual reality to increase student interest and understanding of farm animal welfare. The funds will help develop four virtual reality modules that focus on operating commercial dairy and swine farms. Source: … [Read more...]
Llamas, great for small farms
Llamas, members of the camelid family, are a growing choice of ruralpolitan farmers and small acreage owners due to the animals’ relatively small size compared to horses, ponies or cattle. Their unique digestive system and highly efficient use of forage means llamas require less acreage per animal. They are excellent guardian animals, but require planning and education for good … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet discusses colic
“Colic is an issue that strikes fear into most horse-loving hearts,” says Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. In this episode of Is this a thing,? she tackles colic as a symptom, behaviors that signal gastro discomfort and some of the ways DVMs help horses and their owners. Source: LinkedIn, October 30, 2020. Link. Find a 3-minute preview video here. Source: … [Read more...]
Considerations for breeding a dog
Industry research indicates demand for dogs will continue to increase. Shelter and rescue organizations can’t keep up and provide little support for individual breed development and continuity. The number of breeders is likely to grow with the demand leaving a common question among folks new to breeding. What is the best age to breed a dog?” Source: Breeding Business, March … [Read more...]
Top 10 cities roundworm report
Cities across the U.S. are experiencing increases in roundworm infection. The September Top 10 report emphasizes the need to continue communicating the importance of year-round broad-spectrum protection for pets against roundworms and routine testing, regardless of where pets reside. An increase in roundworm prevalence not only alerts communities to a persistent threat to the … [Read more...]
Oral care at home, COHAT in the clinic
Opinion, Sponsored Content from Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Last week I asked the question, “What ever happened to COHAT?” an acronym Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. The logic made sense and leads to reasserting the need for in-home oral health to be presented as a priority. Dental exams are a component of COHAT often required more frequently … [Read more...]
Finding someone who will choose to work for you
Complimentary Commercial Content Our industry needs more animal health professionals, especially ones who can work as veterinarians and veterinary nurses and techs. But, what does your employee wanted ad represent? is your ad all about you? Or does it express why someone will enjoy working for you? It's a Job ad, not a Job description!” That’s the premise of the … [Read more...]
FBI and DHS issue warning about ransomware, cyberattacks on hospital systems
Sponsored Content Cyberattacks don’t recognize borders, says Clint Latham, JD. Anytime health care industries are put in the cross hairs of cyberattacks, it also encompasses veterinary practices. He shares perspectives, outlines risks and discusses how to reduce possible damage. Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Security, October 29, 2020. Link. Also see: FBI warns … [Read more...]
Maybe we don’t need so much Zoom
Zoomed out? Beyond the social connections made during Zoom calls, most activities can be done by leaders, discussed in chat or dealt with by email. Yet, organizations are defaulting to virtual meetings instead. Zooming has taken over too many calendars. This article shares a flow chart to help answer the question, “Should this be a meeting?” Source: NOBL Academy, November … [Read more...]
Turn curbside customers into loyal clients
Commentary Tony McReynolds shares results from an appropriately robust discussion with industry consultant Josh Vaisman, CCFP, MAPPCP (PgD). Truly, curbside services are uncharted territory for veterinary teams. While no one really knows exactly what works and what doesn’t, I believe the secret sauce is as close as the treatment foo-foo coffee customers get at Starbucks. … [Read more...]
VVCA series addresses telemedicine questions, challenges
Responding to feedback from veterinarians, veterinary techs and nurses, the Veterinary Virtual Care Association created a series of short videos by Mark Cushing, founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, and co-founder of the VVCA. In the first video he reviews the policies that govern veterinary telemedicine. His focus is on the basics of the veterinary client … [Read more...]
75 things you didn’t know about beef
Whether you’re an old cowhand or have never seen a live cow, you’ll enjoy this list of 75 things about beef. Compiled by the Noble Research Institute in celebration of its 75th anniversary, you’ll be amazed at how beef positively affects our daily lives. Source: Noble Research Institute, October 9, 2020. Link. Since 1945, the Noble Research Institute has supported farmers … [Read more...]
Rat bomb. . . eeekk!
Colder weather and the ongoing harvest are signals to button up buildings, businesses and residences to keep out rodents. Chris Bennett shares the destructive capacity of rats in detail from his interviews with a rodentologist known as the Rat Czar of New York City. It conjures images from the 13th century legacy of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Germany. . . . any hole where a … [Read more...]
Kitty’s worst day ever!
Personal experience Sassafras Lowrey shares fire safety and carbon monoxide reminders in the article below. Her article linked reminded me of an incident long-ago. My grandfather always had two or three cats that lived in and around his shop. The only heat for the shop was a Warm Morning wood stove near the steps to the upstairs loft. The stairs were open on one side … [Read more...]
Which is smarter, cats or dogs?
Brendan Howard returns with animal health content in a quick summary of a recent PBS NewsHour report < link >. PBS posed the question of pet intelligence to three scientists: a neuroscientist, a dog cognition expert and a cat behavior and cognition researcher. When one of these scientists counted the brain cells in these animals, there was a clear winner. Even with this … [Read more...]
Younger veterinary professionals are more vulnerable to burnout
Complimentary Content Dr. Ivan Zak released the first results of the Burnout Survey, conducted as part of his MBA dissertation. The survey reveals some predictable outcomes, proving that burnout is one of the more important issues negatively affecting the veterinary profession. Zak found a disturbing direct correlation between the age of the respondents and the burnout … [Read more...]
Help for communicating the cost of care
Complimentary Content Pet owners are frequently surprised at the cost of veterinary care. This is partly because veterinary teams are reluctant to proactively discuss the cost of a lifelong commitment to pet ownership. Further, there is a distinct difference between price of care versus cost of care over the life of the pet. Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares how being proactive … [Read more...]
Bricks and clicks; veterinary technology comes of age
Nearly a year before the onslaught of the Covid era, Bob Lester, DVM, wrote, “We are moving from bricks to clicks. Consumers are insisting, and we had better listen.” Quoting Abraham Lincoln, he advocated adopting emerging technologies sooner than later. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, February 2019. Link. Bricks have and will continue to serve a purpose, but bricks … [Read more...]
2 powerful words to empower animal owners
We received overwhelming responses to Kirk Augustine’s opinion post last week. He reflected on what he heard during veterinary tech week and identified a primary impediment blocking the full use of certified veterinary technician skills < link >. He also shared a spoiler alert for the two powerful words referenced here. Source: Animal Health Digest. Link. Asking “WHAT … [Read more...]
Opening a conversation
If you find yourself starting conversations with, “How are you?,” Bill Murphy, Jr.’s column will help you. Because it turns out there is a solid argument for why choosing a different phrase could subtly improve the ways that other people perceive you. Source: Inc., October 10, 2020. Link. Most of the time, you don't ask "How are you?" because you actually want the other … [Read more...]
Radical empathy part of 5: Other ways to rethink customer experience
Bridget Brennan’s Forbes article dovetails with discussions from the AVMA 2020 Economic Summit Day 1 theme, Transformation through Collaboration. Richard R. DeLuca, Jr., executive vice president of Merck, and president of Merck Animal Health, emphasized “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable” and “listening to the customers’ experiences.” Brennan said innovating your … [Read more...]
Virox® webinar: Recommended operational changes for veterinary practices
Sponsored Content TODAY, Thursday, 22 Oct, 2:00 p.m. EDT: Register here: LINK. Join Virox® Animal Health for a free webinar featuring a panel of four business operations advisors. They will outline human resources, OSHA safety, infectious disease and management changes for the veterinary practice 2020-2021 during Covid. Source: Virox® Animal Health. Link. Topics will … [Read more...]