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Navigating the Rising Tide of Pet Supplements: A Practical Guide for Veterinarians typography
Doctor Karen Kline: A Niche for Neurology & a Talent for Teaching

June / July 2024

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR PET HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

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June / July 2024

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Copyright June 2024. PetVet Magazine is published bimonthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Pet Vet Magazine c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com

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ADVISORY BOARD

Meet our EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD!

PetVet’s advisory board is here to help ensure quality content to motivate & educate Veterinarians and their staff.
Picture of Courtney Campbell
Courtney A. Campbell
DVM, DACVS-SA
“My passions ultimately drove me towards becoming a veterinarian, but when I was growing up I briefly flirted with the idea of becoming a magician. As a veterinarian, the ability to save lives, keep animals healthy, and strengthen the human–animal bond makes me realize there’s nothing more magical than that.”
Picture of Jenifer Chatfield

Jenifer Chatfield
DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM

“People should be so lucky as to get to be a veterinarian. The broad-based education empowers us to be successful in multiple fields and affords us the opportunity to choose how we spend our professional time.”
Picture of Julie Legred
Julie Legred
CVT
“I have worked in many areas of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology over the last thirty five years, and it is amazing how far our profession has grown and paved the way for the betterment of animals’ lives and happiness, as well as improving public health issues. It is an honor for me to be a part of this advisory board to offer additional education and opportunities to grow in our profession.”
Picture of Lisa Powell
Lisa Powell
DVM, DACVECC
“I have had the privilege of working with a variety of animals in my career and my passion has allowed me to be involved in teaching veterinary students, interns, residents and other veterinarians. I continue to enjoy going to work every day to help critically ill dogs and cats, and love the client interactions as well. I am proud to be a part of this advisory board to help teach and spread my love for this profession to others in the veterinary community.”
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Kathryn Primm,
DVM, CVPM
“Animals mean so much to the human condition. It is my privilege to make lives better every day! I cannot imagine myself in any other career.”
VETERINARIAN LIFE ADVICE
“It is out responsibility as clinicians and specialists to make sure that we follow our veterinary oath and provide quality care for all of our clients, regardless of financial strata or demographic disparity.” typographic image

– Karen Kline,

DVM, MS DACVIM (Neurology),
NAVC Board President 2024-2025
BEST PRACTICES
Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Selling Your Veterinary Practice to a VSO typography

By Eric White & Virgil Ochoa

S

elling your veterinary practice is a significant milestone, marking the transition to a new chapter in your career. If you’re considering selling to a Veterinary Services Organization (VSO), sometimes called consolidators or corporate owners, careful planning and strategic decision-making are essential. The following serves as a comprehensive guide to assist veterinary practitioners looking to sell their practice to a VSO partner.

illustration of hand holding pen above a notebook with other writing tools and glasses scattered on a blue surface
Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Selling Your Veterinary Practice to a VSO typography

By Eric White & Virgil Ochoa

S

elling your veterinary practice is a significant milestone, marking the transition to a new chapter in your career. If you’re considering selling to a Veterinary Services Organization (VSO), sometimes called consolidators or corporate owners, careful planning and strategic decision-making are essential. The following serves as a comprehensive guide to assist veterinary practitioners looking to sell their practice to a VSO partner.

Determining Your Purchase Price
Valuing your veterinary practice accurately is crucial for a successful sale. Consider factors such as client base, client demographics, revenue, profitability, location, equipment and reputation. Consulting with professionals experienced in veterinary practice valuation can help ensure you receive a fair and competitive price.
Choosing Your Buyer
Selecting the right VSO partner is vital for a smooth transition and the preservation of your practice’s legacy. Look for a VSO with a strong reputation, a commitment to exceptional patient care and a compatible practice culture. Evaluate how their values and operational approach align with your own.
Structuring Your Deal
The structure of your deal will have significant implications for the outcome of the sale. Work closely with legal and financial advisors to explore different transaction structures, such as asset sales, equity rollovers or mergers, taking time to consider your financial goals, tax implications and long-term objectives.
Protecting Your Purchase Price During Due Diligence
Prepare your practice for the due diligence process by ensuring meticulous record-keeping and transparency. Be ready to provide documentation regarding financial performance, client demographics, regulatory compliance and operational procedures. Address any potential concerns proactively to protect your purchase price.
Mitigating Your Purchase Agreement Risk
Crafting a solid purchase agreement is crucial for protecting your interests and minimizing post-sale disputes. Negotiate terms related to post-closing price adjustments, indemnification provisions, non-compete agreements, and transition assistance to ensure a smooth change of ownership and to protect your investment.
Equity Participation for Associate Veterinarians and Staff
Consider how the sale will impact your associate veterinarians and staff members who may have equity or employment agreements with your practice. Communicate openly about the transition and explore opportunities for them to participate in the new ownership structure, fostering continuity and commitment during the transition.
Getting to Closing
As the closing date approaches, collaborate closely with your advisors and the VSO’s representatives to ensure all necessary documentation is in order and any outstanding issues are resolved. Maintain open communication to facilitate a smooth closing process and transition of ownership.
Enlisting Legal Assistance
From structuring the deal and negotiating favorable terms to navigating regulatory compliance and facilitating a smooth transition, it will be in your best interest to seek counsel with a deep understanding of the veterinary industry landscape and regulatory environment in order to guarantee that you have a seamless legal transaction. Choosing the right legal partner will ensure that you can confidently navigate the complexities of selling your veterinary practice and unlock a new chapter of success.

Selling your veterinary practice to a VSO presents an opportunity for growth and expansion. By leveraging the expertise and support of experienced advisors and aligning with a reputable VSO partner, you can navigate the process with confidence and secure a bright future for your practice and your patients.

Eric White headshot
Virgil Ochoa headshot
Eric White and Virgil Ochoa are members of Dykema, a law firm providing a full array of services to veterinarians and veterinary service organizations. Dykema has decades of experience in working with managed service organizations and are skilled at addressing questions regarding the VSO model. Whether it is through continued ownership, selling your practice, setting up a VSO, affiliating with a practice or exploring growth opportunities, they are uniquely qualified to assist with deal negotiations to help them go as smoothly as possible. www.dykema.com
BUSINESS TRENDS
illustration of dog with fur made of purple, blue, and pink supplements and a blue wave in the background
Navigating the Rising Tide of Pet Supplements: A Practical Guide for Veterinarians script and serif typography
By Jeremy Adjovi-Boco, DVM
I

n an era where pets are increasingly recognized as integral family members, the lingering effects of a global pandemic have underscored their role as indispensable companions for many Americans. The heightened emotional connection coincided with an increased interest in improving pet wellness, particularly dietary supplements. However, the lack of stringent regulatory oversight in this booming market necessitates a discerning approach from veterinarians to guide pet parents through a maze of available options.

State of the Pet Supplement Market
In 2016, the pet supplement sector was valued at approximately $580 million, experiencing a robust annual growth rate of 11% between 2017 and 2022, ultimately surpassing the $1 billion mark. Despite economic headwinds, the market is expected to continue at a 5.8% growth rate for the next seven years.1 This trend is not fleeting; pet supplements are here to stay and set to expand further.

This phenomenon is not just isolated to pet care. As you read these lines, there is a high likelihood that you’re among the 74% of Americans integrating dietary supplements into your health regimen.2 With the U.S. human supplement industry reaching $51 billion in 2022,3 it’s no wonder pet owners increasingly seek analogous solutions for their furry companions. This also corresponds with a larger trend toward natural and organic solutions, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards products that mirror the care and attention they give to their own health.

This mimicry extends to emerging trends such as CBD, which, despite regulatory challenges, garners over 144,000 monthly pet searches in the U.S. alone, reflecting its growing significance among pet health considerations. Additionally, emerging awareness of the gut microbiome’s critical role in overall health has propelled the popularity of probiotics among pet parents. Supplements targeting joint mobility, skin and coat vitality, immune support, dental health, heart wellness and stress relief are also in high demand.

The domain of human medicine offers a glimpse into potential trends within veterinary practice; notably, energy and weight management supplements have captured a significant portion of the human market, with their demand representing more than 30% of the total market in 2023.3 The pet industry could witness a similar pattern, especially considering that 59% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese.4 The significant success of semaglutide as a weight management drug in human medicine since 2021 and the overall trend for sports are also signals for a growing interest in this category that could impact our pets in the next few years.

Science in Pet Supplements: A Critical Analysis
While supplements are not subjected to the rigorous five-phase development process of pharmaceuticals (discovery, preclinical studies, clinical development—which is divided into four phases, including several thousand individuals in human medicine for the last phase—FDA review, and FDA post-market monitoring),5 their formulation and manufacturing process can mimic that of pharmaceutical products when the manufacturer aims to deliver quality products. However, this does not preclude the expectation of scientific validation behind supplement ingredients and, by extension, the products themselves.

The trustworthiness of an ingredient, and by extension, of a supplement, grows with the body of research supporting it. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are now part of AAHA’s arthritis management recommendations, reflecting this principle.6 As veterinarians we must demand that companies continuously provide evidence supporting their ingredients’ and products’ efficacy and safety.

The landscape of joint health supplements illustrates the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry. A 2022 review highlighted the limited efficacy of traditional options like glucosamine and chondroitin,7 contrasting with the supportive data in favor of undenatured type II collagen. This shift, supported by a growing body of evidence, signifies a broader evolution in veterinary practices toward more scientifically substantiated solutions that have already happened in markets in other countries, like France.

wave
pill and supplements illustration

The trustworthiness of an ingredient, and by extension, of A supplement, grows with the body of research supporting it.

pill and supplements illustration
Selecting the Optimal Supplement for Your Practice

As the pet supplement market expands, pet owners increasingly seek advice from veterinarians regarding online offerings. Time constraints limit the feasibility of exhaustive product evaluations, necessitating a focused approach to selection. So, as a veterinarian, what should you be looking at?

It may come as a surprise, but many online supplement companies do not test the quality of their products, leaving them without concrete proof of their supplements’ contents. Encourage your customers to inquire about third-party analyses to ensure they aren’t inadvertently giving their pets placebos. Additionally, verify that the dosages align with those used in studies demonstrating beneficial results. Another vital document to request is the Certificate of Analysis for the ingredients, especially the active ones. Also serving as a hallmark of product quality is The NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) seal, which is particularly noteworthy.

As veterinary professionals, our dedication to evidence-based solutions shapes our recommendations, ensuring we endorse products that withstand critical examination for the wellbeing of our patients and their families. By elevating our standards, we create a demand for rigorously tested, proven solutions, setting a precedent the industry should adhere to. The scientific foundation of a product is irreplaceable. Always read the labels and scrutinize the listed ingredients.

Since pet parents are increasingly searching for supplements that mirror the quality and ethos of their own health choices, consider, from your own perspective, what criteria you use when selecting a supplement or food. Current trends include:

  • A preference for organic ingredients.
  • Minimal inactive components for a clean formula.
  • A desire for products made in the U.S. as a guarantee of quality.
  • Environmental considerations, such as sustainable packaging.

In conclusion, as veterinarians, we must attune ourselves to the evolving needs of pet parents, while also ensuring the products we endorse for our patients are safe and scientifically validated against their claims. As such, it is incumbent upon manufacturing entities to underpin their offerings with robust scientific evidence. This expectation of ongoing research underscores our collective responsibility to remain at the forefront of advancements within veterinary science, thereby ensuring our patients benefit from the latest, evidence-based care paradigms.

References:
  1. United States Pet Food Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts Up to 2029. (2022). Mordor Intelligence. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/pet-food-market-in-the-us-industry.
  2. Three-quarters of Americans Take Dietary Supplements. (2023, October 5). CRN USA. https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/three-quarters-americans-take-dietary-supplements-most-users-agree-they-are-essential
  3. U.S. Dietary Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report. (2023). Grand View Research. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-dietary-supplements-market-report
  4. 2022 State of US Pet Obesity Report. (2023). Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. https://www.petobesityprevention.org/state-of-pet-obesity-report
  5. The Drug Development Process. (2018). FDA. https://www.fda.gov/patients/learn-about-drug-and-device-approvals/drug-development-process
  6. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. (2023). AAHA. https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/pain-management/
  7. Barbeau-Grégoire, M., et al. (2022, September 8). A 2022 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enriched Therapeutic Diets and Nutraceuticals in Canine and Feline Osteoarthritis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9499673/
Dr. Jeremy headshot
Dr. Jeremy is a graduate of the French vet school of Toulouse, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse. He externed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Colorado State University. After clinical work, he transitioned into the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, holding various roles and consulting for companies such as Zoetis and independent veterinary clinics. His nutraceutical expertise led him to co-found Jope, a company dedicated to advancing pet wellness through scientifically backed nutraceuticals.
Jope logo
What if glucosamine isn't the best option for your patients? typography
a package of Jope Hip & Joint Dog Chews
Undenatured Type II Collagen icon
Includes UC-II ®
(Undenatured Type II Collagen)
EPA & DHA icon
High doses of EPA & DHA and curcumin
Veterinarian-owned small business icon
Veterinarian-owned small business
Third-party guaranteed analysis icon
Third-party
guaranteed analysis

“We founded Jope to offer evidence-based supplements and promote healthier lives for your patients.”
Dr. Christine Colamonico, DVM

Dr. Christine Colamonico smiling while holding a large Frenchie
Dr. Christine Colamonico smiling while holding a large Frenchie

“We founded Jope to offer evidence-based supplements and promote healthier lives for your patients.”
Dr. Christine Colamonico, DVM

 
petvet profile
 
Doctor Karen Kline typography
Karen Kline posing in front of a chart
A Niche for Neurology & a Talent for Teaching typography
Karen Kline headshot
By Rebecca Shipman
Photos provided by Dr. Karen Kline
“S

o, long story short—a toad in the backyard and a Band-Aid, and the rest was history,” answers Karen Kline, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), when asked what early experiences pointed to a career as a veterinarian. “I was eight years old. The poor toad had been hit by a lawnmower and I attempted to help heal his/her wound by the application of the Band-Aid.

Fast forward, and I completed my undergraduate degree at Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology,” she continues. “I then applied for veterinary school and did not get in, as I did not have enough large animal experience. So, I took the year off and worked as a veterinary technician at a small animal practice in Ohio. If I had not been accepted into veterinary school, my plan was to be a teacher either in middle school or high school and to teach the sciences. Thankfully I was accepted into The Ohio State University CVM after working as a technician for one year.”

Once in veterinary school, Dr. Kline had aspirations to own her own practice but experienced a change of tune when she completed a preceptorship at St. Marks Veterinary Hospital in New York City with Dr. Sally Haddock, who introduced Dr. Kline to the Animal Medical Center (AMC) in NYC.

“My path forward and career began in a fantastic way,” she shares. “From there, my journey was an internship and residency in neurology at AMC, a clinical instructorship at the University of Missouri CVM, professorship at Iowa State University CVM, and specialty practice as a board-certified neurologist at two VCA hospitals in Seattle and in Portland. Now I am part-time faculty at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine (WSUCVM). The journey has come full circle as my love of teaching has.”

As a specialty that most veterinarians are uncomfortable with, Dr. Kline says this is one of the reasons she chose to focus on neurology. In addition, she also wanted to learn more about how intricate the nervous system is and how her patients manage to survive such incredible injuries and illnesses, and it allows her to perform surgery.

vets performing surgery on an animal
close up of surgery being performed on an animal
as a speciality that most veterinarians are uncomfortable with, typography
Dr. Kline says this is one of the reasons she chose to focus on neurology.
“This specialty is challenging but is also quite rewarding in that I can make paralyzed animals walk again and improve their quality of life,” she adds. “We can localize where the lesion is in our patients just by observation and the neurologic examination.”

A typical day for a veterinary neurologist is unpredictable, as neurologic animals can present as emergencies at any time of day or night. Dr. Kline’s main focus, along with teaching the veterinary students, is to present all available diagnostics and treatment options for her clients when their beloved pets are ill and need help.

“In both of my hospitals, I have in-depth conversations with my clients after a full neurologic and physical examination of their pet and then we discuss options for diagnostics and care,” she explains. “From there we will admit the pet and proceed on with necessary testing and interventions as needed.

“When I am at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and in my private specialty practice job, I teach the students, interns, and house officers various neurologic topics,” Dr. Kline continues “I also perform neurosurgery on animals that have brain and spinal cord disease.”

In an ever-evolving world, the specialty of veterinary neurology is trying to keep pace with new innovations. Over the last 25 years, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has become the standard of care.

“I do think it is possible that other technologies that are used in human medicine, such as photon emitted tomography (PET scan) and CyberKnife radiation therapy, are in the forefront,” Dr. Kline notes. “With the emergence of AI, it is possible that this technology could augment teaching, patient care, data management and collection, and communication in the future.”

The core of neurology is the ability to localize the lesion in the patient so when the general practice veterinarian discusses the referral with a neurologist, they can describe the lesion and whether it is located in the brain, spinal cord or neuromuscular system. A plan of action can then be formulated and the veterinarian can discuss this with the owner.

“It is vital to know that many neurologic cases need immediate care and treatment (like seizures or paralysis) based upon clinical signs and the breed of the patient (for example, French Bulldogs),” Dr. Kline explains.

two vets doing training exercises with a dog
“My passion is teaching and I am hoping that I can develop a more refined hybrid model typography
to benefit both academia and specialty veterinary practice.
– Karen Kline, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)
Dr. Kline highlights becoming a board-certified veterinarian through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) as one of her biggest accomplishments in her 35 years of practicing. But her envelopment with veterinary organizations doesn’t stop there. She is involved in committee work for ACVIM, is the current president of NAVC, as well as an associate editor for the AVMA journal, has been a Medical Director at two specialty hospitals and is certified in veterinary acupuncture.

In addition, Dr. Kline has had the privilege of being a professor at two colleges of veterinary medicine. “My passion is teaching and I am hoping that I can help to develop a more refined hybrid model (faculty sharing) to benefit both academia and specialty veterinary practice,” she says.

Dr. Kline has been fortunate to travel both domestically and abroad as president of NAVC and as a member of their Board of Directors, but she also enjoys her home life on her five-acre property in Oregon with her husband, a retired large animal veterinarian, and their rescue Pit bull, Voodie.

To conclude, Dr. Kline leaves us with this advice: “The future of veterinary medicine depends on collaboration between colleges of veterinary medicine and specialty veterinary practices. Access to care has been difficult for our veterinary clients and it is our responsibility as clinicians and specialists to make sure that we follow our veterinary oath and provide quality care for all of our clients regardless of financial strata or demographic disparity.”

 
industry news
 
Key Considerations for Securing Highly Competitive Internships, Externships & Residencies typography
By Dr. Brett Shorenstein, VMD
digital illustration of a woman thinking
L

ike other healthcare-related fields, veterinary medicine can be a demanding world that requires diverse skills and real-world experience. While classroom learning lays the foundation, internships and externships play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theory and practice. However, securing these opportunities has grown increasingly competitive over recent years, especially among residencies. So, why consider venturing into these postgraduate opportunities?

With options like rotating, specialty and residency programs, motivations vary and are unique to each aspiring veterinarian’s goals and desired outcomes. Regardless of your “why,” navigating today’s competitive landscape requires both strategic decision-making and the development of skillsets that go beyond the practical to ensure you stand out. Here are some key considerations to help guide future veterinarians through the process:

Select a Path that Maximizes Learning Experiences
To start your path, it’s important to grasp the key distinctions between internships, externships and residencies, and how each experience can shape your skillsets differently. From there, you can identify which personalized toolkit serves as the optimal steppingstone toward the professional you aspire to be.
Key Considerations for Securing Highly Competitive Internships, Externships & Residencies typography
digital illustration of a woman thinking

By Dr. Brett Shorenstein, VMD

L

ike other healthcare-related fields, veterinary medicine can be a demanding world that requires diverse skills and real-world experience. While classroom learning lays the foundation, internships and externships play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theory and practice. However, securing these opportunities has grown increasingly competitive over recent years, especially among residencies. So, why consider venturing into these postgraduate opportunities?

With options like rotating, specialty and residency programs, motivations vary and are unique to each aspiring veterinarian’s goals and desired outcomes. Regardless of your “why,” navigating today’s competitive landscape requires both strategic decision-making and the development of skillsets that go beyond the practical to ensure you stand out. Here are some key considerations to help guide future veterinarians through the process:

Select a Path that Maximizes Learning Experiences
To start your path, it’s important to grasp the key distinctions between internships, externships and residencies, and how each experience can shape your skillsets differently. From there, you can identify which personalized toolkit serves as the optimal steppingstone toward the professional you aspire to be.
  • Internships provide recent graduates with practical experience and opportunities to refine their clinical skills under seasoned professionals’ guidance in a clinical setting. These immersive programs expose interns to diverse cases, specialties and procedures, helping them build confidence and competence. However, the financial and time commitment can be significant factors to consider when exploring this path.

    Recent graduates typically kick-start their journey with a rotating internship, which is highly recommended for honing surgical, medical and emergency skills. This step is often a prerequisite to coveted specialty internships in cardiology, diagnostic imaging and more, where dedication and that extra year of expertise can pave the way to landing a competitive residency.

  • Externships offer students the opportunity to explore various facets of veterinary medicine in an intensive, controlled environment. These short-term placements apply educational knowledge in real-world scenarios to deepen understanding and aide in informed decision-making. Externships focus on developing specific clinical skills without the financial strain or time commitment of internships, making them a beneficial option for recent graduates. However, opportunities may be limited by individual veterinarian school offerings.

    Engaging in an externship at the prospective internship site provides valuable insights into the organization’s operations and day-to-day activities, offering a firsthand understanding of the work environment and facilitating informed decision-making about potential future roles before applying.

  • Residencies are advanced postgraduate training programs that specialize in specific areas of veterinary medicine, offering intensive, focused training. Typically spanning several years, these programs equip residents with in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience and mentorship, preparing them for advanced roles within their chosen veterinary specialty.

    To maximize opportunities, residents should take the time to fully understand treatment plan adjustments, asking senior doctors additional questions to absorb the educational experience.

Seek Opportunities for Networking, Shadowing and Mentorship
Serving as guides throughout your veterinary journey, networks, mentors, and shadowed experiences can help you navigate challenges and setbacks with confidence and understanding. The advice, emotional support and encouragement from the connections forged across these guides can make all the difference during tough times.

  • Networking is a key to success, as it fosters professional connections that can lead to collaboration, mentorship and career opportunities. A strong network can help new veterinarians understand emerging industry trends and insights and create a supportive community that enhances both personal and career development.

    It is critical to start building these professional relationships early on. Consider your existing network of fellow students, recent graduates, professors, clinicians you’ve studied with, and even alumni who may be willing to support you. Additionally, joining veterinary medicine associations expands your network to gain exposure to colleagues in your area.

  • Shadowing in the veterinary field provides aspiring professionals with a firsthand glimpse into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by practicing veterinarians. This experience helps individuals confirm their passion for the profession and allows them to observe various veterinary practices and medicine specialties.
  • Mentorship also plays a pivotal role in professional growth and development by providing guidance and support at the start of your veterinary career. Established veterinarians offer a unique perspective that taps into years of experience.

    Mentors are invested because they understand the importance of starting your career on the right foot, leading to the next generation of veterinarians. Many veterinary networks are working toward creating their own internal mentorship programs to ensure that veterinary professionals are set up for early-career success.

Develop Overlooked Skills Outside of the Classroom
Aspiring vets often underestimate the significance of communication in veterinary medicine. Beyond treating a furry friend, you’re navigating the complex emotions, anxieties and hopes of concerned pet parents. While technical skills form the foundation, mastering communication and empathy can distinguish you in a competitive landscape.
While technical skills form the foundation, mastering communication and empathy can distinguish you in a competitive landscape. typography
Sharpen your communication skills both in the learning environment and your daily interactions to develop your bedside manner and embrace emotional intelligence to excel as a veterinary professional. You can do this by practicing active listening with family and friends, providing clear and concise explanations, and demonstrating empathy and compassion when understanding emotional journeys.

Depending on your goals, acquiring business skills can enhance your understanding of efficient veterinary practices and hospital operations. Many schools offer opportunities to obtain a veterinary business certificate, which serves as a foundation for learning how veterinarians play a vital role in supporting and growing the business. While not mandatory, adopting a business-focused mindset can complement your skillset and set you apart from the competition when marketing yourself as an asset to a veterinary team.

Maintain a Strong Academic Record
Maintaining a strong academic record is crucial and often a prerequisite for postgraduate veterinary opportunities. A favorable academic record positions students as competitive candidates, providing an edge in admission processes for internships, externships and residencies. Beyond these, a strong academic foundation opens avenues for pursuing postgraduate education or specialized degrees in veterinary medicine.

Veterinary professionals are held to high ethical and professional standards. Demonstrating academic excellence reflects a veterinarian’s commitment to upholding these standards throughout their career, enhancing their professional credibility. Additionally, students should maximize campus resources and stay up to date with the latest research, industry news and advancements to ensure they are remaining ahead of the curve in this evolving industry.

Charting your veterinary career path can be winding. However, approaching this journey with humility, an open mind and a positive attitude can go a long way. These experiences will not only refine your skills and build confidence; they will also elevate animal care and welfare through your knowledge and expertise.

Reflect on your “why” for choosing this career path. As the veterinary field continues to evolve, practical experiences gained through internships, externships and residencies become increasingly imperative. Staying competitive ensures optimal experiences that will enable you to deliver the best possible care to patients and their families.

Brett Shorenstein headshot
Dr. Brett Shorenstein, VMD, is a practicing veterinarian and co-founder of Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP), a growing network of veterinarian-owned and operated hospitals across nine states. Previously an investment banker in New York City, he left the industry to follow his true passion of becoming a small animal veterinarian. Combining his financial expertise with veterinary training, Dr. Shorenstein focuses on cultivating a positive workplace culture and reigniting fellow veterinarians’ passion for their work.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
pet groomer with her hands pressed to her temples
Your Practice’s Cure for the “Training Headache”
By Louise Dunn
W

e all know the benefits of a well-trained team. We all make an effort to incorporate training into the fabric of the business—from training a new hire to training on a new procedure or process. And we all become frustrated with the headaches caused by the need to train. That’s why it’s important to identify and fix the weaknesses in your training program to make the headaches go away.

SWOT Your Training Program

The SWOT acronym (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat), although commonplace in most business discussions, is sadly underused in the training arena. Why do a SWOT analysis on a training program? Well, for some it may be because the practice is experiencing high employee turnover, is in a hiring phase due to expansion or perhaps better control over training costs is needed. For many, merely alleviating the headaches caused by a subpar training program is the driving force. The key is to examine all factors leading up to the training session to mitigate anything that has the potential to create a headache.

It is vital to have a clear understanding of when the business needs to conduct training. Sure, a new hire or a poor performer comes to mind, but is there a strategic business plan for other critical situations? For example, the following:

  • Change in technology (e.g., telehealth, new equipment)
  • Change in business practice (e.g., Fear Free protocols, chronic condition care, treatment protocol)
  • Change in company policy (e.g., job duties, laws/regulations, remote work)
  • Slow-down or growth in the business(e.g., economic changes, personnel changes, client demographics)

The business side of running a veterinary practice must communicate with the management of the personnel. If the business is considering a change, the team needs to be prepared (i.e., trained) to perform any new responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to SWOT the critical parts of the current training program, including:

  • Applicable job duties (per all of your job descriptions)
  • Documentation during the training process
  • Feedback & communications
  • Training resources
  • Training methods
  • Scheduling
  • Preparing those who will do the training

When it comes to failure of a training program, it is like a three-legged stool; weakness in one leg will result in a collapse. The point of failure may be the person receiving the training due to lack of interest, information overload or an inability to connect their personal learning preference with the training method being used. The person conducting the training could also be the culprit due to competing priorities, lack of interest or poor planning. Or business/management may be the weak leg because of limited budgeting, lack of resources, poor planning or neglecting to follow up.

Performing a SWOT analysis requires taking a hard look at any failed training attempts to pinpoint areas of weakness and missed opportunities. However, it should be balanced with a look at successful training, focusing on what worked well to determine if/how it can be repeated.

The swot acronym (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat), although commonplace in most business discussions, is sadly underused in the training arena.
Common Causes of Training Headaches

When a patient is presented with vomiting and diarrhea, what are we trained to do? Assess the condition and treat the symptoms while determining the root cause. Well, the same applies to training headaches. The actual root cause of the headache or failed training program often turns out to be something that could have been prevented if steps had been taken early in the process. Consider these common causative factors of training headaches:

  • Hectic schedules/competing priorities. You know how it goes—an emergency comes in, not everyone will come in on their day off, people won’t stay after their shift is over, a backlog of phone calls or chart documentation needs to be completed….there is always some reason that prevents people from attending a training session.
  • Different learning habits. There are four or five different generations in the workforce and even more diverse learning styles within the team. While some people learn well by reading, others do better by seeing. Collaborating with colleagues is one of the best ways to learn because it allows team members to work towards a common goal, brainstorm and share knowledge.
  • Lack of engagement. There are several reasons why an employee is not interested in participating in the training program; maybe the topic is not relevant to the employee’s job, or perhaps the employee does not see the “why.” Of course, competing priorities and different learning habits may also be playing a role and should be considered.
  • Information overload. It is challenging to squeeze in an hour-long lunch-and-learn session with the team, coupled with all the material that is packed into that hour-long meeting, and you have a lot of information with no time to “digest” and ask questions (let alone inhale lunch at the same time).
  • Untrained trainer. The person who is conducting the training session must receive information on how to deliver consistent training sessions, provide and receive feedback, and track post-training performance. We are not all born teachers.
  • Lack of planning. This is pretty self-explanatory, but more information about this is in the following section.
  • Costs. Limited budget and training resources will make it difficult to deliver material and conduct a post-training assessment of the success of the session.

Some steps can be taken to treat the common causes, but there will never be a one-and-done fix. Since each training session involves different personnel and different requirements, there will always be a need to identify critical issues before starting the training session.

Create a Win-Win-Win Training Program
Once the areas of strengths and weaknesses have been identified, it is time to create a training program that provides a sturdy three-legged stool upon which to sit. To accomplish this, organize the training program, taking into account the known strengths, what weaknesses need to be shored up and where opportunities can be utilized by following these steps:

  1. Identify the needs. This includes the needs of the individual, the business and the person/supervisor doing the training.
  2. Identify how to evaluate the success. Communicate in advance how success will be measured (e.g., completed checklists, passing scores on tests, performance evaluations, business KPIs).
  3. Identify what will change. Communicate expectations such as performance improvement, acquiring a new skill or knowledge, or opportunities in the services offered by the business.
  4. Identify the impact on the business. This could include improved patient care, client service, business metrics or team performance.

In order to properly organize the training process, the following will need to be included:

  • Agreed-upon KPIs (metrics, evaluation scores, test scores, etc.)
  • Assigned personnel (trainers or subject matter experts)
  • Training processes (virtual, web-based, group or classroom, on-the-job, gamification, feedback, etc.)
  • Resources and tools (manuals, materials, SOPs, internet access, rewards & recognition, etc.)
  • Expenses/Budget (wages for the student and the trainer, materials)

For the new hire, assessing their current knowledge and acclimating them to the culture of the practice will have different requirements when compared to working with an existing team member in need of improving job performance, or when compared to training the team on a new procedure. Training is not the same across the board, although the template to organize each training program will be similar. It is in using an organized template that alleviates some of the headaches associated with training, as crucial steps are not missed.

The person who is conducting the training session must receive information on how to deliver consistent training sessions, provide and receive feedback, and track post-training performance.
Monitor the Results
Look back on creating the win-win-win, identify how success will be evaluated and communicate it to the trainer and the trainee. Knowing the rules and how the training “game” will be scored prevents penalties and fouls. Once again, measuring results will depend on the focus of the training, but can include the following:

  • New Hire. Consider using quizzes, regular huddles/debriefings to discuss progress and incorporating a “see one/do one/teach one” scenario with the trainer.
  • Performance Improvement. This is similar to the new hire but there is a performance history, so follow-up evaluations should show improvement (with visual confirmation by the trainer/supervisor).
  • New Technology, Business Practice or Company Policies. Track behavior changes, chart audit trends, charge for the new service and conduct team surveys.
  • Business KPIs. Monitor client bonding and satisfaction, employee retention and satisfaction, and new service metrics.

The veterinary industry will always have new medications, new treatments, new equipment and new procedures. It is a profession that provides opportunities for learning and personal growth. Since we know we will need to continue to conduct training of our team members, it is important that we formalize the process, address any headache-causing issues before getting started and enjoy the fruits of a successful training program.

Louise Dunn headshot
Louise Dunn is a renowned award-winning speaker, writer and consultant. She brings over 40 years of in-the-trenches experience and her business education to veterinary management. Louise is founder and CEO of Snowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting. SVMC works with veterinarians who want to develop a strategic plan that consistently produces results. Most recently Louise received many awards including the WVC Educator of the Year numerous times and VetPartner’s The Life Time achievement Award in January 2016.
WHY IT MATTERS
Recharge, Reinvent & Give Back
with the Pura Vida Life

By Mary Tan
Photos provided by Pura Vida Wellness Retreats

T

he Pura Vida Wellness retreats are a way to recharge and reset in Costa Rica where you can learn how to handle challenging times while also getting continuing education credits, and giving back to the local wildlife.

Pura Vida Wellness is the brainchild of Dr. Galina Bershteyn, who moved to Costa Rica during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 the veterinarian was working at her own practice when the government of Canada mandated closures of many businesses. Knowing she couldn’t survive the financial strain, and with her work taking an emotional toll, she decided to pursue her life-long goal of retiring in Costa Rica.

On a fluke, she applied for temporary residency to enter the country just a few months before. She was surprised when she got approval a few weeks later, and then managed to get on a repatriation flight to Costa Rica during the height of the pandemic.

These retreats will help you get your ‘why’ back so you can go home with a sense of who you are and a way of coping with the stress of being a veterinarian.
– Dr. Galina Bershteyn
group of girls following a man through a forest hike
man cliff jumping into water with misty waterfall in front of him
Once in Costa Rica, Dr. Bershteyn had nowhere to go. She had not set up anything in advance, as she was too busy selling her home and belongings in Canada. She knew about a place called the Wildsun Wildlife Rescue Center, so she went there to volunteer her veterinary services to help take care of the dozens of monkeys who lived there, and in exchange she had a place to stay. The rescue center had lost its tourist volunteers due to the pandemic, so she was welcomed with open arms.

Seeing the breathtaking beauty of land and sea, she realized that she wanted to share the experience with other veterinarians, calling it “wellness surrounded by wildlife, where everything is so healing.” The veterinary community was going through some of its most challenging times, so she created a retreat that would include continuing education credits while mixing in relaxation and headspace activities, such as yoga and meditation, to help attendees learn how to control their stressors to live a more peaceful life.

Dr. Bershteyn believes her journey really included giving back. “I came here to find my ‘why’ and I want to help others do that. These retreats will help you get your ‘why’ back so you can go home with a sense of who you are and a way of coping with the stress of being a veterinarian,” she shares.

She worked out the program with the help of the Wildsun Center, which provides accommodations and meals. Since its inception in 2022, the retreats have been a major a success, with small groups of veterinarians taking the mindfulness and de-stressing journey. Dr. Bershteyn often partners with veterinarians who are known for their expertise in wellbeing, bringing them in as guest speakers. The retreats also provide a way for the wildlife center to secure donations, with 70 percent of the proceeds going directly to the nonprofit.

Dr. Bershteyn often partners with veterinarians who are known for their expertise in wellbeing, bringing them in as guest speakers.
woman meditating while doing yoga
male presenter talking to seated people in front of projector
man and woman playing guitars while sitting at table in forest
The Pura Vida Wellness Retreats, which mean “pure life” or “simple life,” range from $4,000 to $4,500, depending on what kind of accommodations you choose. Dr. Bershteyn says while her retreats are not five star, they are very comfortable, and family and friends are encouraged to come as well. In addition, you can earn up to 15 RACE-approved continuing education credits, depending on which sessions you attend.

“Our events are designed to be simple, where you are not staring at tourists all day. You’re there to heal and learn how to better teach your body to deal with life’s challenges,” she concludes.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Pura Vida Wellness Retreats, visit www.puravidavetwellness.com

Mary Tan headshot
Mary Tan is a freelance Minnesota pet writer and a former television journalist who worked in some of the country’s largest markets. A former hard news and crime reporter, she always preferred to write about animals. She is currently the chief storyteller and founder of Whisker Media, a pet strategic communications agency, whose mission is to help homeless animals. She is a cat mom to three rescued felines: Farley, Franklin and Fleur.
LIFESTYLE
How You Can Improve Your Health by Having Fun!
By Dr. Cari Wise
A

re you putting your health at risk by not having fun? According to medical and mental health professionals, the answer is yes! Despite this, many of us put fun at the bottom of our priorities, or don’t even consider it at all. But why?

We live in a world that teaches us to seek achievement and perpetuates the idea that personal value is tied to success. This construct sets up a pattern of behavior that has us very action and outcome oriented. It also reinforces a belief that time not spent constructively (in service or task completion) is time wasted…and wasting time is “bad.”

Furthermore, the idea of fun itself has been minimized. For most of us this started early on with childhood rules, such as, You have to clean your room first, then you can go out and play. As adults we’ve applied that rule to our to-do lists—fun isn’t allowed until the to-do list is done. The problem is, whether at home or at work, the to-do list never ends, landing us in a pattern of perpetual work and resistance to fun.

As a result, many of us spend time off from work trapped in anxiety and shame over all we have to do and how little we’ve gotten done. We retreat, we hide, we buffer, and we certainly don’t have any fun. This causes our physical and emotional wellbeing suffer, feeding into a spiral that pulls us down over time.

Here’s the really cool part—
it doesn’t even matter what kind of fun you have, it all works!
The good news is we can break this habit and improve our physical and emotional health just by doing things we enjoy; by intentionally having fun! In doing this we can hack the very system that has kept us away from fun, and use it to our advantage.

Neuroscience shows us that neurotransmitters are released based on the characteristics of photon (light) storms in the brain. Those photon storms are calibrated by what we focus on and think about. So, if we put all of our attention on the overwhelming to-do list or stressful events of the day, the resultant photon storm will create neurotransmitters that keep us in overwhelm and anxiety. However, when we engage in fun activities, our focus automatically shifts and neurotransmitters for higher-level emotions are released.

This is important to consider because the way we feel day in and day out (i.e., our mood) is the net result of those photon storms. Our average mood drives our actions and outcomes. It’s impossible to create lasting positive changes in our lives and physical health if our mood is consistently low.

So, if you know what you need to do to feel better or make progress toward a personal goal but you just can’t seem to take action consistently or struggle to sustain the progress you do make, this is why. The great news is, just by intentionally making time for fun, you can break this cycle, feel better and start making sustainable progress.

Here’s How It Works:
  1. Engaging in fun activities shifts your focus away from stress-inducing thoughts.
  2. This shift elevates your emotional energy, releasing feel-good hormones and decreasing stress hormones.
  3. Higher emotional energy frequencies compound with time and repeated exposure to fun activities, shifting your average mood to a higher level.
  4. Even after the fun activities end, the higher level mood lingers.

Here’s the really cool part—it doesn’t even matter what kind of fun you have, it all works! Is it fun for you to be outside walking, hiking or just relaxing? It will work! How about window-shopping or just wandering in public places? That will work, too! Quiet afternoons in coffee shops drinking lattes and people watching? That counts! Hanging out with enjoyable friends and family with no agenda? Great for your mood! Silly movies or comedy clubs that bring out the belly laughs? Excellent medicine! Creative activities like drawing, painting, sewing, singing or playing music? All powerful mood elevators!

The big question is, if it’s so simple, why don’t we do this more often? Well, in order for you to take advantage of this life-altering, health-improving hack, you must first give yourself permission to release the beliefs that to-do lists must be finished before fun and that time spent in fun activities is time wasted. These things are simply not true and will never help you accomplish more, improve your health or enhance your life.

Furthermore, because of the positive lingering effect that fun has on your nervous system, there are some really powerful secondary benefits that occur when fun is prioritized. For example, you become more motivated to tackle the old to-do list, work becomes more enjoyable because you are more resilient in the face of stress at work, and you begin compounding a positive state of wellbeing, therefore improving your health.

Ready to try out some “fun medicine” for yourself? Here are a few tips:

  • Keep it simple: Pick a fun activity that is easy for you to do right now and doesn’t require a lot of effort to get started.
  • Schedule it: Put a block on your calendar and reserve it for fun; don’t assume you’ll find time, because you won’t! Make the time now.
  • Amp it up: Start with just one fun session a week and work your way toward one fun session per day. These sessions don’t have to be hours long, even 15 minutes has a lasting impact.
  • Trust the process: Building a new habit of fun and experiencing the compounding positive impact fun creates doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen with consistent commitment.
  • Track your progress: Make a note daily or weekly of your mood, your weight, your blood pressure or whatever other aspect of your health you’re working to improve and notice how it changes for the better over time.

Our lives may be busy and unpredictable as veterinary professionals, but there is no reason why we can’t intentionally have fun along the way—our wellbeing depends on it!

Dr. Cari Wise headshot
Dr. Cari Wise is a Veterinarian with a master’s degree in Higher Education and certification in Life Coaching. She is Founder of Joyful DVM LLC, the Vet Life Academy program, VetMed; JOY CLUB; and The Joyful DVM Podcast. She helps veterinary professionals and teams decrease anxiety and stress, create balance, and expand personal wellbeing no matter what happens at work or in the world.
PETVET TOP 10
SEE HOW MANY YOU CAN DO!
Number 1 - Put your vaccination records requests on autopilot with VetVerifi typography with the VetVerifi logo

By providing a secure, automated way to fetch and share verified vaccination records in seconds, this service better connects vet clinics to pet services providers and cuts down on phone calls. www.vetverifi.com

Number 2 - Practice more “Big Talk.” typography accompanied by different colored overlapping speech bubbles

This refers to deepening connections through meaningful conversation. There are even products like conversation-starter games and apps to get those deep convos off the ground.

Number 3 - check out THE DOG, starring Kate Walsh of GREY’S ANATOMY. typography with an image from the film of Kate Walsh's character and a dog laying side by side
This powerful new short film explores the often-unspoken mental health struggles faced by those in the veterinary profession. Sponsored by IndeVets, the film is available at no cost to the vet industry for private group screenings. indevets.com/the-dog
Number 4 - June 17th - 23rd is... National Pollinator Week. typography accompanied by a digital vector illustration a flying bee

Do your part in keeping the circle of life rotating by planting some native flowering plants around your practice and home to attract our pollinating friends.

Number 5 - Volunteer to become a caregiver with BestyBnB.com typography with the BestyBnB.com logo and an image of a small sized black dog sitting on a residential front lawn

This organization creates crisis care and safety net pet programs to help animal welfare, domestic violence, houseless services and other social service agencies secure safe, temporary homes for pets during their owners’ time of crisis. www.mybestybnb.com

Number 6 - Head on down to the Big Easy for VETGIRL U 2024 typography with a vector illustration of the State of Louisiana in pink
Experience the excitement and cultural richness of New Orleans as well as an educational experience like no other with TED-talk-like, case-based lectures presented by the profession’s brightest minds taking place June 27th-30th. vetgirlontherun.com
Number 7 - Cut grocery costs and food waste by practicing budget cooking typography accompanied by a vector illustration of a large cook put with vegetable floating above the open top

Budget-friendly recipes often rely on simple, accessible ingredients and prioritize minimizing waste in order to stretch your dollar further. Think one-pot meals and repurposed leftovers!

Number 8 - July 10th is... national kitten day typography with an image of a grey and white short haired kitten with yellow/green eyes

It’s a good time to remind your new-kitten clients of your spay/neuter services and any upcoming clinics or specials that they can book in advance.

Number 9 - Check out Veterinary Necropsy of Dogs and Cats: A Case Based Approach typography beside the cover of Veterinary Necropsy of Dogs and Cats: A Case Based Approach by Sionagh Smith and Linda Morrsion

This practical guide to performing a necropsy, understanding anatomical connections and underlying pathological findings by Linda Morrison and Sionagh Smith is a useful resource for undergraduates, qualified vets and pathologists.

Attend WCVD10 in Boston, Massachusetts typography beside the 10th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology logo

Taking place July 25th-29th, the 10th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology has something for everyone, from state-of-the-art presentations to species-specific streams. vetdermboston.com

Helping Pet Pros Take the typography
Best Care of Your Best Friend typography
left: cover of Groomer to Groomer Vol. 30 Ed. 12; right: cover of Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine Vol. 7 Ed. 3
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2 leading trade magazines for the pet professional in your life with all the content to assist them in keeping your pet healthy, happy and beautiful.

Free subscriptions available
online or in print at www.barkleigh.com
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Thanks for reading our June/July 2024 issue!