Main description:

Interest in management as a specialist subject for veterinarians and those owning and running veterinary practices has developed considerably over the last decade; and is reflected in the second edition of Managing a Veterinary Practice. Good management is essential to the success of every veterinary practice. As small businesses in a competitive marketplace, the successful practices will be those that are able to respond quickly and effectively to the ever-changing needs and expectations of their clients. Responding quickly and effectively to change in this manner requires a deep understanding of and ability to work from classic business principles.

This internationally appealing edition has been largely rewritten and contains new, updated information on leadership, the role of a manager, basic financial management, marketing, communication within the practice, and how to achieve good client compliance, as well as much sound practical advice from the author. Aimed at practice owners and managers, and those with a vested interest in understanding business management in veterinary practice, the book explains the core principles involved in running a business. 'Big Business' concepts are explained in practical and applied terms to fulfil small business needs using examples from a wide variety of sources, including internationally recognized business management experts such as Peter Drucker, David Maister, Stephen Covey and Michael Gerber.

Fully updated with a new chapter on financial management written by new co-author and economist Erik Back
Focuses on key management issues including the importance of clear leadership and communication and compliance
Creates an understanding of the philosophy and background to effective business management
Demonstrates practical applications of the essential management principles needed to run a veterinary practice
Introduction of illustrations and photographs highlight and clarify important elements in the text
Extended appendices which include guidance on conducting market surveys
Highlighted boxes used to emphasize points, show examples and give advice

Thoroughly updated to include the latest information and ideas for effective management.
Includes new chapters and new appendices for more comprehensive coverage of how to become a successful manager.
Written from a business-principles approach that relates the ideas, thoughts, and practices of management experts in practical terms.
Explains essential management principles in clear language with practical examples that make content easy to understand.
Coverage of practice finances helps the reader to keep track of their business's finances.
New second author brings over 20 years' experience as a management consultant and leader in financial and economic analysis to the book.

Contents:

1. Leading change

2. Creating a successful business

3. Managing the economy in your vet clinic

4. What leaders really do

5. What does a practice manager do?

6. Effective communication: the vital link

7. Understanding your staff - what makes people tick

8. Developing your practice team

9. Marketing your practice

10. Professional retailing in practice

11. Understanding your clients

12. Achieving excellence in client service

13. Compliance: the art of making effective recommendations

14. Role of wellness healthcare in veterinary practice

15. The future of veterinary business

Appendix 1 Telephone skills

Appendix 2 Planning and managing effective team meetings

Appendix 3 External lecturing

Appendix 4 Process mapping and quality control

Appendix 5 Setting fees in practice

Appendix 6 Practice promotional literature

Appendix 7 Conducting market surveys

Index