Encouraging both excellence and fun in veterinary care

This week VetFamily Norway organized a Member Symposium that brought together around 100 participants from Norwegian member clinics. The event served as a platform for collaboration and learning, focusing on the pursuit of excellence in veterinary care.

The symposium's agenda was carefully curated to address the specific needs and challenges encountered by veterinary clinics today. Morten Aas, Country Manager of VetFamily Norway, highlighted the importance of member feedback in shaping the program. He also acknowledged the changing times affecting the veterinary industry, saying, "The program is primarily composed based on our member clinics’ feedback. We are also mindful of the challenging times that our industry is facing, and we have a strong desire to create content that can help our member clinics address the challenges many of them are currently encountering. We also know that one very important reason for our members to attend this day is to meet other independent clinics, to feel part of a community, so we have plenty of time for socializing.” The day had a series of sessions designed to equip veterinary professionals with knowledge, skills, and insights.

Dr. Hilarie Jerauld of IDEXX, engaged the audience with a discussion on the importance of preventive care to drive improved animal health. Her presentation explored how promoting preventive care diagnostics can strengthen the relationship between clinics and clients, drive practice revenue, and improve patient care. Dr. Jerauld also shared pricing strategies for preventive care diagnostics, offering clinics the means to provide better care while maintaining financial stability.

Cecilie Thunem-Saanum, an expert in time management, conducted a workshop titled "Time to Do It All," where she provided guidance on navigating the complexities of prioritization and communication in a veterinary setting where every task appears equally crucial. Participants left with practical tools, techniques for setting boundaries, and strategies to manage interruptions, enabling them to regain control over their busy schedules.

Dr. Hank Swartz from VerticalVet in the US shed light on leveraging patient health reminders to enhance client engagement, improve visitation compliance, and promote practice growth. His session covered preventive care protocols, branding, reminder strategies, and optimizing visitation rates. It was a comprehensive exploration of the vital role communication plays in veterinary care.

In addition to the sessions, the day also provided a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with VetFamily's partners. They had a presence in an exhibition area, allowing clinics to meet them, discuss products, learn about the latest news, and explore collaborative ways of working. This engagement was highly valuable for both members and partners, further enhancing the sense of community and shared knowledge.

One participant from a member clinic captured the sentiment of the event, saying, "This symposium has been fun and educational. The insights shared here are really valuable, I feel better equipped to navigate the challenges facing my clinic and provide great care to our clients. It’s also great to meet other independent clinics and share ways of working, and just have a good time together."