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Hospital of the year

2008 Hospital of the Year: Another view of reception 2008 Hospital of the Year: Canine boarding 2008 Hospital of the Year: Doctors' consultation area 2008 Hospital of the Year: Doctors' office 2008 Hospital of the Year: Exam room

VETERINARY ECONOMICS, Jun 1, 2005

Cover Story The secrets to fighting big pharmacies By Ian Morrison It was my job to sell pet owners on 1-800-PetMeds. But, the truth is, you're holding the best cards in this game. Just spotlight your strengths: service and value. Managing Smart The 10 most common hiring mistakes By Mark Opperman, CVPM Take these steps, and find that new person who fits with your team perfectly. Practice Tips Capture patients on film for your next presentation By Ellen Paul-Kuchenbrod A good example makes for a great presentation. But it's not always easy to find an image when it's time for that career talk at the high school. One solution: "Keep a camera on hand to record interesting or humorous cases," suggests Dr. Ellen Paul-Kuchenbrod of Lipton Animal Hospital in Urbana, Ill. "You can also take pictures of radiographs that show unusual foreign bodies ." Get new hires started right By Bob Levoy Regardless of his or her work history, a staff member's first day on a new job can be intimidating. For some, it's so overwhelming and confusing that they don't return for a second day. Provide employees with places to go It's essential to tell team members who they can turn to--besides you--when they encounter a confusing ethical situation. Shedding the pounds By Stephanie Pepper East Hilliard Veterinary Services in Hilliard, Ohio, started a pet weight-loss plan in October 2003. "Pets on the program have lost more than 525 pounds, with 35 pets reaching their goal weight," says Client Relations Specialist Stephanie Pepper. Six ways to put your best foot forward with your clients By Stephanie Slahor, Ph.D., JD Do you put your best foot forward with every client, every time? These six tips can help make sure you do—and that you build the strongest possible relationships with clients. Care pairs even out the workload By Jean Weaver One challenge of team management: Making sure everyone pulls his or her weight. "We found that our veterinary assistants and technicians like to congregate in certain areas of the hospital, and when someone needed help in another area, they'd kind of look at each other to see who would go," says Jean Weaver, hospital administrator at Catawba Animal Clinic, located in Rock Hill, S.C.—a seven-doctor practice with 33 support staff members. Practice Management Q&A Managing without money By Tom McFerson, CPA, ABV I own a small practice, and 2 percent to 4 percent of the gross won't support a manager. So how can I get the necessary help for such issues as personnel, financial, and facilities management? Paying team members' dues By Gary Glassman, CPA My office manager wants to join a professional association and asked if I'd pay the annual dues. Should I? Should I do the same for other employees? Are the dues deductible? Professional Gum Chewers By Marty Becker, DVM At a recent staff meeting, I said I thought it was unprofessional for our medical and administrative support staff to chew gum on the job. I was almost laughed out of the meeting. Was I off base? Quietly rolling over a 401(k) By Elise Lacher, CPA I will be receiving a retirement plan distribution when I change jobs. I intend to roll it over to my new employer's plan and have been told that such a rollover will avoid a 20 percent withholding tax. Marketing to price shoppers By Mary Ann Vande Linde, DVM When a prospective client calls to ask how much I charge for a standard visit, my receptionist explains that my fees vary depending on the nature of the visit. I suspect this answer is driving away clients who are comparing fees as they search for a new veterinarian. Should my receptionist be more specific? Growth Bulletin Case Study: Sharing Saturdays Benefits Everyone High overtime costs prompted Gerard Gervasi, hospital administrator at Collierville Animal Clinic in Collierville, Tenn., and the practice owners to look into the financial impact of being open on Saturdays--and find a new solution. Personnel Solutions Delegating for dummies By Craig Woloshyn, DVM Think you're working too much? Odds are you're not delegating enough to team members—who are hungry to help. Conquering team conflict By Katherine Bontrager Use these strategies to address discord before interpersonal issues undermine your business—and your passion for practice. Vetcetera The price—and cause—were right Bob Barker, longtime host of "The Price is Right," has always encouraged viewers to spay and neuter their pets. The majority of women prefer their pets to their partners According to a study of pet owners by BizRate Research, pampered pets may now overrule domestic partners in matters of the heart, at least for women. Army towns struggle to care for abandoned pets Animal shelters in army towns say they're feeling the pinch as U.S. soldiers ship out to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Legal briefs Recent pet-related news from the courts. Equine Solutions Rein in overactive horse owners By Carolyn Heinze Apply these five strategies to make the most of your relationship with horse owners who think they know it all.

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