Dear Colleagues
Have you heard of the WVC? It’s the largest most respected veterinary conference in world. It’s held in Las Vegas every year in February, and this year the term that was buzzing around was the idea of “fear free clinics”.
You can hear one of the presenters on the topic with recommendations to clients through the link here.
Like it or not – this is spreading like wildfire in the US and will rapidly make its way here. Clients expect it, and if you don’t provide it, you will be considered behind the times. Not just simple stuff like the video – but what happens from the waiting room to recovery…
Did you know that you’re more likely to have a heart attack and colon cancer if you have clinical signs of chronic stress? Do you think a patient’s anaesthetic recovery isn’t influenced by the stress it experiences in the treatment room? Did you know stress and fear are welfare issues?
There’s a huge amount of evidence to support a low-stress handling environment. I have had vets tell me that the pet physio is better liked than the vet in the same consult room.
I have had vets tell me that certain nurses manage animals better than others.
I have had vets say they hate cats and scruff them all… But you can also find published articles on it too, where “n” is bigger than my social and professional network.
It doesn’t have to be this way. And you too can change these fundamental experiences which influence your patient’s health, your staffs’ health (injuries and emotions) and your own success very easily.
You don’t have to travel to America to do it either. VetPrac is at the forefront of our professional development. The Animal Behaviour and Handling Workshop is ALL ABOUT FEAR FREE CLINICS. You don’t need someone in an American accent telling you how to run your Australian practice better. You need an Australian veterinarian with an understanding of real practice here, sharing their experience and tips and tricks so you can be a better vet, a better boss, a better nurse or a better practice manager.
Our educators are leaders in this field of animal anxiety. If you haven’t heard of them it’s because you might be 10 years behind. You know who is listening? Today tonight. And you know who watches Today Tonight?
Most Australians.
Don’t you want to be happier at work?
Registrations are still open to this workshop being held in Canberra – our nations capitol – on March 28-29th.
The Animal Behaviour & Handling Workshop is for vets and vet nurses. And if you think it’s all pheromone sprays and treats, you’re not far off, they play a big part but there’s a lot more… and like any tools in our trade, you need to use them right to get the best results… And if you think you’re doing a good job – ask around. And ask if you can do better too….. I dare you.
I have spoken to a LOT of nurses who want to attend this workshop, but think their bosses wont pay for it. I have spoken to a LOT of practice owners who want to attend this workshop, but don’t think their veterinarians consider the emotional well being of animals important enough.
I would like to think they are wrong. And I would like you to prove it to me, because welfare in this country is important. Current events have proven it and we need to lead by example in our own hospitals, every day.
Here is a free google + conversation on the topic set up by DVM360, another American group. Imagine what you’ll get in a whole weekend… Dinners included too!
I hope you or some people in your team can make this revolutionary experience. It will change your life for the better.
To book a place in our Animal Behaviour & Handling Workshop click here >>
Kind regards
Dr Ilana Mendels