Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable Discussions are among the most flexible and informal educational formats offered at VHMA educational events. Roundtable Discussions allow for extended discussion among a small cohort of professional colleagues. Roundtable Discussions are excellent venues for giving and receiving targeted feedback, engaging in in-depth discussions, and meeting colleagues with similar interests.
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To facilitate Roundtable Discussions, attendees are broken up into groups of 6 to 10 individuals per round table. A predetermined topic is assigned to each round table. The topics are provided to initiate in-depth discussion on one subject matter. A subject matter expert is assigned to moderate each round table and topic. When the program begins, attendees are instructed to start discussion on the predetermined topic at their respective table. Discussion sessions are time-limited (based on total number of attendees and topics) and may range from 15 to 30 minutes per topic. At the conclusion of each discussion session, a program moderator will announce that the current discussion session has concluded and that it is time for attendees to rotate to another table and topic. Attendees may pick and choose topic discussions they wish to participate in. Table moderators may take notes which will be made available to attendees after the event.

Human Resources: Departments of One
Lori Kleiman, SPHR

In many organizations there is one Human Resource practitioner. The Practice Owner expects you to have knowledge to manage a human resource department and employees want answers to their questions now. As the Practice Manager you may also be responsible for accounting, marketing, and running the front desk. How do you navigate to meet the needs of all your internal customers and still get the job done? You will learn practical tips, from a former sole practitioner and consultant to small businesses, to get control of your day.

Specifically, we will address laws you need to be aware of, how you pay employees properly, retain employees, use your payroll system to generate information, and learn about options in HR outsourcing.

Attendees will receive a toolkit that will help you manage critical human resources operations.

Legal Implications of Veterinary Professional Ethics

Doug Jack, LLB

More and more we find that matters before licensing boards almost inevitably include an allegation of an ethical breach by a veterinary professional. This is often in addition to allegations about breaching standards of care. The increase is a bit troubling as it seems to be more prominent than in prior years and seems to be affecting a number of younger professionals. It seems they get very little, if any ethical training in their formal education. Learn what you can do as the Practice Manager to help avoid problems in the clinic. This session will include a review of some common ethical breaches: confidentiality, reasonable billing practices, professional courtesy, the discipline process, and the top ten factors in responding to client complaints.

Lori Kleiman, SPHR 

In this session you will learn the key components of an effective performance management program. Together we will explore the requirements of the law and the needs of your employees. We will discuss the necessary steps to review the current program in your organization and develop a performance management system that will not only meet the compliance requirement, but will also change behavior in your organization. At the end of this session, you will understand the importance of performance management and how to create a program that will ensure you get the most out of your employees and create a high performing environment.

Risk Management
Doug Jack, LLB

There is no doubt that hospital manager’s play a key role in managing the practice’s exposure to lawsuits and client complaints. With appropriate policies and procedures in place, managers can effectively take steps to lower legal risk. In this session we would look at the various sources of risk including clients, regulators, suppliers, and employees. We will discuss tools that can be used to lower the potential for legal risk. In particular, we will focus on informed consent to treatment (getting and documenting it) and medical records management.

Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable Discussions are among the most flexible and informal educational formats offered at VHMA educational events. Roundtable Discussions allow for extended discussion among a small cohort of professional colleagues. Roundtable Discussions are excellent venues for giving and receiving targeted feedback, engaging in in-depth discussions, and meeting colleagues with similar interests.
​

To facilitate Roundtable Discussions, attendees are broken up into groups of 6 to 10 individuals per round table. A predetermined topic is assigned to each round table. The topics are provided to initiate in-depth discussion on one subject matter. A subject matter expert is assigned to moderate each round table and topic. When the program begins, attendees are instructed to start discussion on the predetermined topic at their respective table. Discussion sessions are time-limited (based on total number of attendees and topics) and may range from 15 to 30 minutes per topic. At the conclusion of each discussion session, a program moderator will announce that the current discussion session has concluded and that it is time for attendees to rotate to another table and topic. Attendees may pick and choose topic discussions they wish to participate in. Table moderators may take notes which will be made available to attendees after the event.

Harassment, Bullying and Other Inappropriate Behavior: A Practical Approach to Prevention and Correction
Marc J. Scheiner

Practice Managers are vital to helping maintain a workplace free from harassment, bullying and other inappropriate behavior. They are the key to both prevention and correction. In addition to discussing the traps into which managers fall regarding their own conduct, this seminar focuses on the affirmative responsibilities of supervisory and managerial employees regarding these issues. We will take a very practical and participatory approach towards understanding various types of unlawful harassment, as well as sometimes less obvious (though equally important) inappropriate workplace behaviors that have the potential to legally imperil workplaces of all sizes. This course seeks to provide practical training to pro-actively avoid harassment-based lawsuits.

Emergency Referral Fees

Darren Osborne, MA

Get the most up to date information on Emergency Referral Practices in the country. Prior to the seminar, attendees of the Emergency Referral Fee seminar will be invited to participate in a VHMA 2015 Survey of Emergency/Referral Fees. The results of the survey will be presented along with analysis of fees based on input costs, cost of living, and perceived value. Access to this 2015 fee data will help you better understand your fees and put you in a position to improve your revenues through better fees.

The Fear Free Initiative: What it is, How it Will Benefit Your Practice, and How to Implement It

Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM

Client and patient visits have progressively declined in the last several years. Studies have indicated several reasons for the decline, including (but not limited to) competition for services, sticker shock, and Dr. Google. One more reason to add to the list: pets hate coming to the vet. When pets hate coming to your practice, they become anxious, aggressive, may vomit, have diarrhea, or some other behavior, all of which increase the anxiety of the client. When the client becomes stressed about bringing their pet to see you, their relationship with the practice is damaged, compliance decreases, and the patient does not receive the proper healthcare. This session will define the Fear Free Initiative and how implementation will positively affect your practice, team members, clients, and most importantly, your patients.

Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable Discussions are among the most flexible and informal educational formats offered at VHMA educational events. Roundtable Discussions allow for extended discussion among a small cohort of professional colleagues. Roundtable Discussions are excellent venues for giving and receiving targeted feedback, engaging in in-depth discussions, and meeting colleagues with similar interests.
​

To facilitate Roundtable Discussions, attendees are broken up into groups of 6 to 10 individuals per round table. A predetermined topic is assigned to each round table. The topics are provided to initiate in-depth discussion on one subject matter. A subject matter expert is assigned to moderate each round table and topic. When the program begins, attendees are instructed to start discussion on the predetermined topic at their respective table. Discussion sessions are time-limited (based on total number of attendees and topics) and may range from 15 to 30 minutes per topic. At the conclusion of each discussion session, a program moderator will announce that the current discussion session has concluded and that it is time for attendees to rotate to another table and topic. Attendees may pick and choose topic discussions they wish to participate in. Table moderators may take notes which will be made available to attendees after the event.