Dr. Dan Siegel, clinical psychiatry professor at University of California–Los Angeles has spent much of his career investigating why “the mind has a mind of its own.” Much of the project of life, and the essence of well-being, Siegel argues, is to have a well-balanced brain and a harmonious mind. Source: Science of US, December 12, 2016. Siegel says that our relationships … [Read more...]
Feed gruel to underprivileged piglets
Gruel feeding is a management practice that targets the bottom 10 percent to 20 percent of small-for-age piglets in any weaning group, regardless of weaning age. In general, research and commercial experiences have indicated that gruel feeding offers four distinct advantages when done correctly: Enhances ingestion of nutrients, especially during the early days … [Read more...]
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on sow farm
In early December, a research team from The Ohio State University announced that they had discovered the first transmissible carbapenem-resistant enterobactericeae in U.S. livestock on a farrow-to-finish operation. This discovery is a stark reminder of the importance of having the veterinary-client-patient relationship in order as the deadline for the VFD implementation looms … [Read more...]
Veterinary well-being focus of summit
Educators, students and veterinary practitioners focused on veterinary well-being at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Veterinary Health and Wellness Summit at Colorado State University last month. Michele Gaspar, DVM, DABVP, MA, LPC, a feline veterinarian, licensed counselor and former chaplain, challenged school administrators to consider how they may … [Read more...]
Unplugged, the digital sabbatical
Two straight weeks without a phone or internet access? Whether this sounds like heaven or hell, possible or impossible, Eric Garcia wants you to join him. Unplugging isn’t one-size-fits all. “Begin by spending a day without your phone,” Garcia suggests. “Then, try a day without social media or stop answering emails after 5:00 p.m.” Source: DVM 360, November 16, 2016. Garcia … [Read more...]
Look into the ears
Ear problems rank in the top five of reasons a pet owner seeks treatment for their dog or cat. This ear cleaning image gallery will make for a good discussion about the importance of ear health. Consider using the video in a staff meeting to discuss various ear health approaches. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, October 2016. (full access requires sign-on) Ear cleaning … [Read more...]
Microbiome may hold key to antibiotic alternatives
Microbiome describes the community of microorganisms that live on the skin and mucosal surfaces of animals. Kansas State University researchers are studying the microbiome in a PRRS-endemic swineherd. As our industry seeks new alternatives to antibiotics, the microbiome holds potential for discovery. The gut microbiome houses the majority of these microorganisms and is critical … [Read more...]
Be an effective executive
It matters little if you are a sole proprietor, lead multiple companies or head up a global conglomerate with far-flung operations. The key to your success and your organization’s success lies within the role of an effective executive. Boiling that role down to a manageable number of practices makes success possible. Source: Harvard Business Review, June 2004. The first two … [Read more...]
Take a deep breath through your nose
“Take a deep breath,” it seems, is a common piece of advice. Most of the time, a long, slow inhale-exhale is thought of as a tool for relaxation, a simple way to relax physically and psychologically. Researchers now believe the way you inhale and exhale may also influence the way you react to danger. Source: Science of Us, December 7, 2016. Together, the researchers argued, … [Read more...]
Plan now to maintain the pace as boomers retire
Boomers are leaving a legacy of long tenures and true grit that has made a permanent mark on generations to come. But, as thousands hit retirement age each day, business leaders must make sure their successors are well-trained and well-read. In addition to the basics of form and function, soft skills training are also required. Source: Human Resource Executive, December … [Read more...]
How to say thanks on a budget
Two things are at play this time of year: holiday gifting decisions and planning for the coming year. Each of these activities can stress budgets. In this article, rewards programs are presented as good ideas that work for rewards and may work for the holidays too. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, May/June 2013. Team members like to know they are doing a good job, so it is … [Read more...]
Are you failing your patients in this major way?
Dawn Crandell, DVM, DVSC, DACVECC, calls for a shift in veterinary medicine. It isn’t about the medicine. It is about the way veterinary hospital teams view their patients. The shift, she says, is all about getting rid of dominance behavior. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, December 1, 2016. The pervasive silent influence of the dominance mindset is getting in the way of us doing … [Read more...]
Animal health pros positive about the future of veterinary medicine
Pointed questions were asked of veterinarians, practice managers and team members about the future of veterinary practices in the recent DVM 360 Future of Veterinary Medicine survey. The results show potential shifts in progress on the horizon. The results are presented in infographics that are easy to understand. Source: Firstline, November 29, 2016. Exclusive data points … [Read more...]
Quick-hitting thoughts from Drs. Blach and Clark
Dr. Blach shares intriguing thoughts on veterinarian accessibility in Don’t hide from your clients and reminds practice owners to fund education for staff in Educate your heavy lifters. Dr. Clark warns against some of the risks of year-end inventory deals in Year End “distributor or manufacturer buying” unintended consequences reminder. Source: Is My Practice Healthy?, … [Read more...]
17 days left to become VFD compliant
Despite tremendous educational efforts, many producers and veterinarians remain unclear on the details about using medicated feeds for prevention, control and treatment of disease in their herds effective January 1, 2017. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, December 5, 2016. FDA officials have indicated their enforcement activities will focus on education during the initial months … [Read more...]
Pets help people manage mental illness
Anyone who owns a pet knows how it can help us weather rough times. This may be even more so for those with serious mental illness. A United Kingdom study found that some people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder say pets help them manage their condition more than anything else. The study was published December 9 in the journal BMC Psychiatry. Source: NPR Shots, December … [Read more...]
Male champions foster gender parity, increased profitability
Though women make up 51.5 percent of all managers, fewer of them than men rise to the executive level. According to the Harvard Business Review, having a male sponsor helps level the playing field for women. These male champions have learned that gender inclusiveness means both men and women should advance women’s leadership. Plus, gender parity is associated with improved … [Read more...]
The agony of defeat
Nobody bats 1.000%. Nobody wins 162 games in a season. Every MLB team will win 54 games and lose 54 games. Champions are determined by how they play the other 54 games. In business, how you deal with your defeats will ultimately determine your level of success. Source: The Nice Guy Blog, June 15, 2015. If passion drives you, you will stay in the game as long as it takes to … [Read more...]
Strengths, Women vs. Men
All people have a unique combination of talents, knowledge and skills – strengths – that they use every day to do their work, achieve their goals and interact with others. Gallup has been studying the science of strengths for five decades. It has accumulated data from more than 14 million individuals worldwide who have completed the Clifton Strengths assessment. Source: … [Read more...]
Talk about feline heartworm limited
Veterinary technicians don’t talk about preventive care as much as they could, says Ciera Miller, CVT, VTS. Feline heartworm has been diagnosed in all 50 states. It was important enough that the American Association of Feline Practitioners crafted an entire campaign about it. But reluctance remains strong. Source: Vetted, November 22, 2016. Many veterinary staff members are … [Read more...]
Dr. Little talks disruption
Your AHD team enjoys sharing Dr. Adam Little’s Exponential Vet posts. His focus about disruptive technologies and their impact on the future of veterinary medicine continues. He expresses concerns about the lack of flexibility in the veterinary hospital model. Source: Veterinary Advantage, November Digital, 2016, page 16. Practices need to be able to adapt and that requires … [Read more...]
AVMA report says veterinarian market still robust
The 2016 AVMA Report on the Market for Veterinarians, released in late October examined these categories: Employment, unemployment, and underemployment Income, present value of the veterinary degree Causes of negative well-being: debt, job/career satisfaction and income Expenditure patterns Burnout scores Health Source: Veterinary Practice News, November … [Read more...]
Commit to really listening
We are more distracted than ever. Whether you are a veterinarian, retail associate, hospital staff member or sales representative, listening skills take effort and development. Too often, we get so busy or pushed that even skilled listeners just go through the motions. Dr. Moffett shares how to manage listening. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, April 2015. Genuinely listening … [Read more...]
6 holiday horse care tips
The busy holiday season and winter’s short days directs much of our attention to families, friends and work. Remember the horses are not “out to pasture” and need winter care. Source: Ride with Equo, November 18, 2016. Equo shares various horse care tips to follow for this holiday season to successfully look out for horses in the busiest time of the year: Find time to … [Read more...]
Variable pig weight remains a challenge
Variability in pig weight at slaughter age is still a major issue in the swine industry. The challenge comes when trying to standardize the final product. We found this good article that can be used by veterinarians and salespersons when calling on swine producers. Consider it for targeted e-mails and posts as well. Source: The Pig Site, December 2, 2016. Big differences in … [Read more...]
B2B buyers want more than a discount
The mindset of B2C black Friday deals is pervasive. “This culture of cheap mindset also impacts the B2B world,” says Paul Reilly. “Buyers no longer request discounts, they demand them.” This culture-of-cheap mentality can make animal health pros believe they have little to no pricing control. They may believe that discounts are required to please customers. Source: … [Read more...]
DVM 360 shares its Top-Ten lists
The Top 10 List was a regular segment of the television programs Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Show with David Letterman. Our animal health colleagues at UBM Americas, Veterinary (DVM 360) have created their own versions of the top 10 lists from their readership. They sent the links for us to share. Source: DVM 360, December 2016. Top ten lists from UBM … [Read more...]
Leadership myths muddy results
There is money to be made in the field of leadership and thus leadership is taking on an almost mystical mantle with words such as genuine, authentic and so on. We have strayed far afield from the base definition of leadership: the skill or ability to influence willing followers to achieve a desired result. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, November 19, 2016. The Marine Corps taught … [Read more...]
You’re probably a bad listener
Most people don’t think that they’re bad listeners — but they are. Are you? The first and most important step in overcoming bad listening habits is to become more aware of them. Source: Bottom Line Personal, September 15, 2016. Roger Flax, PhD, shares nine common bad listening habits, plus strategies for becoming a great listener. INSIGHTS: We especially liked how Dr. Flax … [Read more...]
13 things the mentally strong DON’T do
Whether applying to your personal, volunteer or professional life, Amy Morin’s list of things not-to-do can help us unlock our full potential. She says, “…letting go of the bad habits helps you work smarter, not harder.” Source: Veterinary Practice News, December 2016, page 33. We all have the ability to build up our mental toughness. Here are 13 things mentally tough … [Read more...]