Blog – Veterinary Practice Transition

Saving the Soul of Veterinary Medicine

I just returned from Ithaca, New York, having celebrated a veterinary college reunion (45th!) Dean Warnick blessed us with three days of perfect weather during which old memories and old acquaintances were renewed and revisited in all their youth and splendor. While the class of ’77 is now in their early 70’s, I could only visualize classmates through the eyes of a mid-twenty year old---and why not? Before, during, and since that glorious weekend, I have enjoyed ample opportunity to ponder my veterinary career with all its twists and turns, what-ifs, and why-nots. More so, I have spent many moments reflecting on our profession as a whole; where it started for me, and where I see it now. It saddens me, in no untold terms, to proclaim that veterinary medicine is quickly losing its soul. I choose this word, “soul” because for me it denotes a life-sustaining spirit, an inner force of sustenance, a vibrant, glowing core. For four decades plus, I have always viewed veterinar…

Chart of the Month: Practice ownership is linked to wellbeing

Have you ever thought about becoming your own boss? Owning your own practice has numerous benefits—including some that might have slipped your consideration. As today’s chart shows, practice ownership may have a positive impact on wellbeing. New data from AVMA research link ownership to higher levels of wellbeing in two key areas: burnout and compassion satisfaction. To read the complete article, please click on this link: https://www.avma.org/blog/chart-month-practice-ownership-linked-wellbeing

Veterinary Practice Today

By Mark Helfat, DVM. Recent articles in veterinary trade magazines and JAVMA illustrate the changing landscape of veterinary medicine today. The smaller and independent veterinary practice which has dominated our profession for years is now challenged by the new entry of corporate ownership and its ‘mega’ facility. While there is a place for both models, it is apparent that the independent practitioner has his/her work cut out when it is time to retire and hopefully pass it on. “Who will buy my practice?” and “How do I sell my practice?” are now common refrains. There must be thousands of practitioners, representing every corner of veterinary medicine, who will someday find themselves in this dilemma. Similarly, it was once the goal of every graduate to someday own a practice. Sadly, the economic debt, the ‘super-sizing’ of our practices, and the changes in lifestyle preferences now work against this dream of practice ownership and the inherent joy and fulfillmen…