Medicine Section

INTRODUCTION

• Being a productive veterinary health care team member, and advocate for the pet’s best interest relies on your ability to communicate effectively. Consider this cascade: Information > Education > communication > Application. If you have information to share and provide it, that’s considered “education”. But, if you don’t take it to the next level, communication and connecting will often fail to apply your skills, talents and abilities, since pet owners will usually not agree to something they are unsure or confused about.
• “Information” can be obtained in mediums such as data, ads, references, comments, perspectives, words, pictures, movies and video. All of us filter though the information we are constantly exposed to, and retain selective amounts, which we term “knowledge.” To benefit others though, information must be translated/transfered effectively.
• Translation is a critical step for communication. The successful outcome of effective communication results in application - the client’s utilization of your practice’s products and services. Without consistent, effective communication, all of the information you convert into education does not manifest itself in positive outcomes. Thus, instead of appreciation from pet owners, other health care team members and even pets efforts become mired in “frustration.” While communication must be taken seriously and conducted responsibly, it should also be approached as an enjoyable opportunity to help the pets and people you serve.