The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association in association with the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association will host the Great Ideas Conference in Collingwood, Ont., June 20-22. The event includes “how-to” sessions on a range of practice and life management topics, including human resources management, communication, marketing, and more. Mary Gardner, DVM, co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, is among this year’s speakers. In her lecture series, Dr. Gardner will explore the unique care of aging and geriatric patients, and discuss the role veterinarians play in preparing a client for the loss of their pet. The first installment of a three-part series by Dr. Gardner was recently featured in Veterinary Practice News (“Caring for the Geriatric Pet” can be found online here.) Other speakers include Jason Coe, DVM, Ph.D., who will discuss issues surrounding communication in the clinic, and offer strategies for how to navigate difficult conversations with clients and communicate effectively with staff, as well as Kimberly Pope-Robinson, DVM, who will host a series related to personal health and wellness, including advice on how to avoid career burnout and maintain a proper work-life balance. New this year, the conference will also feature a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager program informational session for veterinary management professionals interested in advancing their careers, gaining new skills, or acquiring a credential. To register, click here.
