DVM
Dr. Blaettner grew up in South Africa and Germany and graduated in 1988 after studying Veterinary Medicine in Berlin and Munich. She started and ran her own small animal practice before undertaking postgraduate training and coaching course at the University of Linz, Austria and then founded “Vetkom”. The company provides training to veterinarians and veterinary nurses in practice management in subjects such as customer communication, marketing and other management topics. Dr. Blaettner also is editor for two professional journals, “Teamkonkret” (for veterinary nurses) and “Veterinärspiegel” (for veterinarians).
Browse between the articles contributions from this author below.
This article (one of a series, authored with fellow veterinary management specialists Philippe Baralon and Pere Mercader) encompasses some of the financial aspects of veterinary practice. It considers why we often shy away from talking about our prices, and offers some practical ways to positively communicate with our clients about the costs of veterinary treatment.
In the second of this two-part series, the authors look at how to motivate the team and successfully design and implement protocols in veterinary practice.
In the first of a two-part series, the authors look at protocols in veterinary practice, and why they can be a key component to running an effective clinic.
“If your only tool is a hammer, all problems resemble a nail”. This section will stress the different factors required to make you a “good clinician”
Finally, some tips to improve your follow-up strategy.
This chapter will give you practical tips (what to do, what not to do, main pitfalls, etc.) on blogs, websites and social media and how to encourage clients to leave positive reviews on the web.
Based on studies on a human hospital, this chapter will outline the different steps in the pet owner journey in your practice, including the consultation that should be a “golden moment” for your client.
Internet has changed the “pet owner journey”: before telephoning a vet to ask questions or actually taking an appointment, the client will search the Internet (sometimes just to find a telephone number) and will have first information about your practice through it.
Vet practitioners are often not aware of their environment. They never stay in the waiting room of their practice for long. They sometimes even enter the practice through a different door than the one used by their clients.
Most veterinarians are not comfortable when discussing fees, or when asked to "sell" something, but this is normal! This chapter offers a method which will allow you to prescribe or recommend products and services effectively.
It’s never too early to think about the future. For many young veterinary surgeons, their job is primarily the result of a passion for pets.
Understanding the various factors involved that contribute to the income and expenditure of a veterinary clinic is key for long-term success.
