I have just returned from a much needed rest in the Berkshires this past weekend. Upon returning home and jumping right back into life, I stopped to reflect on PetEd’s recent past. Over the previous weekend, I attended and taught at the Keystone Veterinary Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania. While there, I was privileged to meet some 60-70 veterinary technicians from across the great state of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and surrounding states. I can’t tell you what a hoot it is to interact and meet so many vibrant technicians with the same goals. Since my subject matter deals with all things “dentistry”, their questions all deal with increasing the standard of care they get to provide for their dental patients. That is how we are going to make it so that the veterinarians are more apt to recommend this service…when they know the technician can keep their patients safe.
Can you see my reflection?
I also manned a booth in the exhibit hall for PetED Veterinary Education and Training Resources all day Friday. Conicidentally, the event planner placed my booth next to the one for C.A.R.E.S. (Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services). That gave me the rare opportunity to sit all day with Donna Steckly, the practice manager for C.A.R.E.S. What a wonderful lady. It did not take long and it was very evident why she and their practice have such stellar reputations.
But, probably one of the most touching events of the weekend occurred at the PVMA Hall of Fame dinner. Friend and co-collaborator, Bash Halow, LVT, CVPM of Halow Tassava Consulting was honored by the PVMA with the 2013 President’s Award. He was recognized for “his enthusiasm and commitment to empowering veterinary practices across Pennsylvania”.
You know, Bash got it right. Whether we, as veterinary professionals are helping families provide wellness for their pets, providing client education or emergency services, we also help each other. It sounds like Bash had valuable and caring mentors along his career path, as have I. Without that kind of support, neither of us would have the exciting careers we are experiencing at this time.
We have all heard the motto; See One, Do One, Teach One. Well, this is a reminder to all that the new technician or veterinarian needs that kind of mentorship. We all thrive better when we feel that we are supported. Be patient, provide training and then allow that new team member to test out the wings you just gave them. Maybe someday that individual will be getting an award for outstanding service all because you believed in them.
