FIVP Practice Matters

In this edition we celebrate the launch of a new exotics clinic right next door to a zoo and also look at diversity and inclusivity in practice.

Our guests are DR KEVIN EATWELL, the UK's only triple-boarded exotics specialist and his nurse colleague at Fife Exotic Vets, ERIKA FEILBERG RVN.

Take a listen - truly a diverse episode.

It's a slightly extended edition this time as we meet three guests who all have an interest in educating and

Jill Moss is the founder of the charity The Bella Moss Foundation and joining her are two of the charity’s

Dr Neil Forbes appeared on Practice Matters a couple of months ago and must accept responsibility for the incredible but unsurprising interest in his episode

We welcome back Onswitch CEO ALISON LAMBERT who has spent the past two decades in the veterinary consumer marketplace.

So what, in 2024, is "the client experience"? What are the consequences if its ignored? What are the benefits of getting it "spot on"?

This episode is packed full of practical advice - enjoy!

A bonus edition of the podcast looking at the 2024 BVNA Congress theme about 'progression', in which Ian Wolstenholme talks with KIRSTY GWYNNE about exciting developments on the Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) role in practice, JILL MACDONALD provides some insight into the VN Vision research, BEN MYRING the RCVS Policy and Public Affairs Manager explains how vet nursing statutory regulation is undergoing changes...over time! PAM MOSEDALE from RCVS Knowledge tells us about QI (no, not TV's comedy panel quiz) but Quality Improvement and how practices can learn from mistakes.

In the episode vet and entrepreneur DR KATIE FORD returns to chat about how practices can refresh that most important of client and clinic communication tools - social media. Which platforms work and what should you be featuring?

Katie provides some thought-provoking hints and tips about what works plus the protocols and policies that practices might need to maximise the effectiveness of the various SM platforms.

In this episode Ian Wolstenholme talks with guest STEVE HOWARD, Head of Clinical Services at PDSA and Secretary General of RUMA CA&E, about this year's Antibiotic Amnesty.

Now in its third year, the initiative once again takes place throughout November, and provides an opportunity for clients to return unwanted antibiotics to practices and learn more about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the responsible use of antibiotics. The World Health Organisation has classified AMR as one of the Top 10 threats for global health.

Steve explains how companion animal and equine practices can make the most of the opportunities to convey key messages to clients in many ways. You can find out more about the campaign and access valuable tools and resources at www.rumacae.org.uk and sign up to this year's Antibiotic Amnesty.

It's a welcome return to the podcast to DR ERNIE WARD - America's Pet Advocate, author, broadcaster, worldwide speaker and journalist.

Here in the UK, you can contribute to research/data and more information (as well as useful information for the practice) by visiting - www.worldpetobesity.org

A recently published study in Vet Times by Dr Neil Forbes BVetMed, DECZM, FRCVS, demonstrates that now is the time to take the subject of veterinary practice hygiene very seriously, if we want to avoid "the silent pandemic".

In this bonus edition of Practice Matters, Ian Wolstenholme is joined by the author, who is a Trustee of the Bella Moss Foundation, to look at how practices of every size can do to really 'up their game'.

As ever, if you have any comments or observations on the topic covered, we'd love to hear from you! Send us a voice note to 07709 836865 or comment on the page.

In this episode, Ian Wolstenholme catches up with FIVP member JOHN TAYLOR from new independent practice Taylor Vets of Brackley in Northamptonshire.

Why the title "Independent 2.0"? Well, John is one of those raft of veterinarians who set up a practice soon after qualifying, later sold it, but then realised that the whole experience provided him with a second opportunity to show the true value of the community-focused independent practice.

John shares some of the highlights from his journey....

No, we're not analysing canine treats (maybe a thought for another pod) but looking at the significance of the good old telephone in independent practice. Who else better to provide some "tell it as it is" food for thought, backed up with latest data, than the founder of Onswitch - ALISON LAMBERT.