I think Cody's question brings up a valid issue facing new grads and established vets (not necessarily the original question, but the responses to it). I'm a 3rd year at Georgia, and we're currently taking a class called Veterinary Practice Management that's teaching us (hopefully) how to run a successful practice. I don't think it's evil to talk about how to make money. If you can't make money you can't keep your doors open to help animals. That's not to say you should charge ridiculous prices to your clients, but you need to make a living and you need to charge for your knowledge youre worth it. We learned earlier this week that most veterinarians are undercharging on their exam fees and they're losing money because of it. We go to school for 4 years to learn veterinary medicine and I for darn sure better be able to charge my clients a fair price for me giving them my knowledge. If they think that price is too high, then it's my responsibility to show them why I'm worth that price.
My only problem with the question is that I don't think you should tailor your education solely to areas that will be profitable, but learn how to run a profitable well rounded veterinary practice. Perhaps the question wasn't intended to mean that you only want to learn/do things that will make you money, but I'm thinking maybe that's where some of the conflict is coming from? I don't know. I think the procedures that draw the most profit will vary in every practice and between communities. It depends on your particular skill set (such as if you have a particular interest in dentistry, that section of your practice could bring you increased income). I do know that 'money' shouldn't be a dirty word. Im kind of getting tired of everyone saying dont become a vet if you want to make money. Yeah, that shouldnt be your main reason, otherwise youll be miserable. But to me that sounds like people are saying that veterinarians cant make money unless they specialize, and that is certainly not the case. Of course Ill never make as much as a human neurosurgeon (and thats even if I do specialize), but I certainly have the ability to be doing what I love (veterinary medicine) and making a very decent living at it.
I didn't really answer your question either (but do think a checking out your school's VBMA (veterinary business management association) is a great suggestion), so maybe I shouldn't be replying, but I think a discussion of sound veterinary business practice would be a great one to have. Im sure if you talked to some of your professors who have been in private practice or just called up your states VMA they would more than happy to refer you to someone to discuss successful veterinary business management. If theres one thing we could use more of in this field, its a knowledge of business.
Sorry this turned into a novel, but Im getting pretty fired up about business stuff since Im taking this class. 😀
for sure).
