The Veterinary Support Team (Pocket practice guides)

Veterinary support personnel come in many forms, veterinary technicians, receptionists, administrators, and office staff. These unsung heroes and heroines of the veterinary profession provide client care, office support, IT assistance, nursing, dispensing, and bookkeeping services. They play the roles of diplomat, politician, debt collector, social worker and counselor, utilizing their skills, experience and knowledge to benefit clients and the veterinary team.

This useful book covers the duties of these vital personnel and highlights the background information they need, including sales and marketing, basic finance, veterinary ethics, and basic clinical skills. The author emphasizes teamwork and explains how to create a successful working atmosphere. Short remarks by working support staff provide insightful running commentary at the end of each chapter.

Veterinary Support Team is the first book dedicated entirely to the training needs of support staff. It is a comprehensive and practical tool for:

• Trainers of new veterinary support personnel recruits
  
• Human resource managers delivering staff training and development programs in vet practice
  
• Veterinarians who want their support team to achieve its full potential
  

The book also provides valuable insight for those considering a career in veterinary practice at a time when skills and commitment of support staff are becoming increasingly important.

Maggie Shilcock, BSc, CMS, is a zoology graduate with postgraduate qualifications in information science and management. She has worked in veterinary practices for 12 years, is the vice president of the Veterinary Practice Management Association, and edits Veterinary Management for Today.