Hospitals are facing tougher times as team members take jobs at other practices or leave the field completely. Employees may love animals, but they can’t be expected to accept low compensation for their efforts. Here’s a look at how four hospitals are working to value their people.
The veterinary profession prides itself on addressing the health and welfare needs of its patients but that’s not always the case with employees. Professionals we talked with pointed out the impacts of these experiences and how change is overdue.
Former board member Caroline Lubeck, DVM, discusses preventive care and self-care; compliance made easy with the new 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines; 2019 AAHA-Accredited Practice of the Year finalists; and a recap of Connexity. Plus, Dear AAHA addresses whether CT machines should be repurposed for dental radiographs.
AAHA-accredited Community Animal Hospital of Royal Palm Beach holds an annual Pet Drawing Contest to engage with local elementary schools.
Brook Farm Veterinary Center Hospital Director Evan Kanouse Jr. teaches children in the community and is also a guest lecturer at the State University of New York at Delhi, where he discusses internship skills with first- and second-year veterinary technology students.
AAHA board director Mark Thompson, DVM, CCRP, weighs in on wellness plans and their importance to veterinary practices. Also in this issue: Ideas for using the AAHA publicity toolbox, a call to connect on the accredited member Facebook page, call for Practice of the Year award entries, Dear AAHA recommends resources for waiver forms, and a primer on AAHA guidelines.
With more than 18 million adults identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and 7 out of 10 being pet owners, adopting inclusive policies can lead to greater client satisfaction.
When it comes to workplace culture, it’s tempting to focus primarily on the behavior and attitudes of veterinary practice team members. But given the link between practice culture and patient safety, it’s risky to ignore the importance of client interactions, too.
Dermot Jevens, DVM, secretary/treasurer on the AAHA Board of Directors, writes on the profession’s responsibilities in terms of promoting diversity and equity. Dear AAHA looks into the question of bringing kids to work, AAHA staff thanks members to mark AAHA-Accredited Hospital Day, and the new 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats are out!
Saint Francis Veterinary Center in Woolwich Township, New Jersey, is the 2019 AAHA-Accredited Practice of the Year. The staff of the practice surprised the founder, Mark Magazu, DVM, by applying for the award and keeping the nomination a secret until Connexity by AAHA in Indianapolis, Indiana. This article explores Magazu’s vision and the legacy he inspired, featuring interviews with two of his children, members of the staff, and a loyal client of more than 30 years.
