ALVMA President Russell Encourages Communication

As your representative I was able to attend the AVMA convention in Washington.  In one of our “free times” we toured the Pentagon.  Leaving the building the old slogan “Loose Lips Sink a Ship” was on a kiosk by the exits…the importance of proper communication.  In a recent publication of The Alabama Board of Veterinary Examiners it is stated the #1 cause of problems being presented before this group is miscommunication.  In fact these communication issues represent over 90% of all complaints with veterinarians. 

In our day to day busy practices it is easy to be focused on the work left to do rather than the client standing in front of us.  Most people would agree there are five major points to good client communication.  It all begins with listening:  really hearing the client and their concerns before offering a diagnosis.  Then, we as professionals should provide a clear diagnosis (or rule-outs), followed by treatment plans, estimates of cost and of course prognosis.  Clearly the better we communicate these principles the better value our clients perceive. 

Let me communicate to you the desire of your officers and executive board members to represent your interests this term.  We are listening.  There are many opportunities and challenges ahead for our association and profession.  At the Leadership Sessions in Washington, leaders from their state VMA’s expressed similar issues in their state as ours.  The great news is with challenge comes the opportunity for study and change.  We are focused on the future of veterinary medicine and are working to enhance our profession. 

This year your association is planning to increase our communication in several ways:

• Training additional Media trained veterinarians,
• Speaking and display booths during the Centennial of AL
• Emergency Preparedness Procedures are being written and formed
• Economic Issues of veterinarians will be addressed in regional meetings
• Veterinary student communications are being strengthened
• And many others exciting issues are being deliberated.
• Stay tuned the prognosis for veterinary medical practitioners in our state look good.
• In the interest of good communication let me know your concerns on how we might serve you better.
  

Respectfully,

Mark

 Russell5@comcast.net

256-882-0950office