(605) 270-1955

I want to participate in this program because I aspire to own my own clinic someday and want to learn more about the processes and tactics that play a role in owning and operating a successful clinic. I have worked in many veterinary clinics, but haven't spent any considerable amount of time shadowing the business and managerial aspect of the clinic. I feel it would be greatly beneficial to have both the experience of putting my newly-learned first year veterinary knowledge to use while simultaneously learning about the business aspect of a clinic and how to best manage business affairs. If I want to own my own clinic, which I do, I feel that this program can greatly shape my foundation of business and provide me with the framework and initial knowledge on the business side of the clinic. My ideal goal is to spend this summer, and hopefully future summers, learning and applying what I've learned in the classroom to the clinical setting, but also learning about what it takes to own a clinic and see how a business is run in real time. I feel this program would be greatly beneficial to my future goal of owning my own clinic and practicing as a veterinarian.

On a personal level, I am a very compassionate, motivated, and positive person that will work hard and perform each task to the best of my ability. Professionally, I can add value to a SHIP practice by being a hard working individual that focuses on good communication, problem solving, and teamwork.

I would choose to invest this money in several ways. Firstly, if the clinic is lacking in any particular area (supplies, equipment, kennels, etc.), I would invest the money into making sure the clinic remains operational and stocked with enough surgical instruments, gauze, bandages, blood test kits, and items of that nature. Next, I would look at investing the money into expanding the clinic, whether that be adding more exam rooms to see more patients or updating the current surgical areas, exam rooms, or lab areas already built. I would invest the money here to ensure the clinic is up to date on the latest technology and looks presentable and desirable for employees and clients alike. If the clinic looks outdated or rough around the edges, clients may doubt the level of care being given to their pets. Additionally, people generally enjoy working in tidy, well-kept places and may be excited to have updated amenities. Lastly, if any money remains after these improvements, I would give bonuses to the employees, as they may be motivated to keep working hard if their hard work helped lead to the profitability of the clinic. This would encourage teamwork, as the clinic succeeding and profiting means that they too would succeed and profit as well.

If my practice had a worrisome year, I would first look at the financial breakdown of expenses and determine where we lost money or failed to turn a profit. For example, if our vaccine prices were too low, I would consider raising the price marginally to increase profit while not sparking outrage from current clients at the drastic increase in price. Additionally, I would consider scheduling more surgeries or appointments to bring in more clients, which helps both the animals and owners needing veterinary care while simultaneously bringing in more money for the clinic. I would also look at investing in new equipment and advertising this to demonstrate the high level of care my clinic takes in providing for a person's pet. This investment would cost money up front, but would hopefully lead to an increase in patients and profit in the long run. Lastly, I would increase marketing or advertising strategies. I would try and get information and publicity out about my clinic, whether that be writing a weekly Q & A blog post in the newspaper, having adoption events hosted at the clinic, going to high schools or colleges to provide information about veterinary medicine and caring for animals, or other marketing strategies to increase the visibility of my clinic to the public.

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8

I am most intrigued to be a practice owner due to the opportunity to effect change on every level. I want to own my own clinic and be able to help the animals directly as one of the veterinarians on staff while also helping the animals and owners indirectly through implementing beneficial protocols, products, and services for the clients. The thought of establishing my own operating system, while undoubtedly difficult and stressful, is exciting. I hope to be the practice owner that sees her employees as talented, skilled individuals working towards a common goal of caring for animals rather than a number on a spreadsheet. While I'll undoubtedly have to make some difficult decisions, I look forward to someday running a well-respected, reputable veterinary clinic that benefits both animals and humans and a clinic where employees and clients alike experience positive atmospheres centered around animal welfare and wellbeing.

YES

I have a 10 year old female Saint Bernard mix, Molly and two guinea pigs, Biscuit and Twix. Molly is very laid back and sweet and likes to be around all people and animals. She is very low maintenance, but gets lonely being left alone for too long so I would like to be somewhere that I can let her outside to use the bathroom morning and evening. My guinea pigs are easy to care for, as they just need their cage, food, water, and hay and are good to go.

• Mixed animal
• ER

I would love to get experience working with a exotic animals or wildlife. It is my current career goal to be an exotic veterinarian, but I don't have much experience working with exotics in a clinical setting. I have owned exotic household pets my entire childhood, from ferrets to sugar gliders to hedgehogs and lizards, but haven't seen much regarding how to care for them in a clinical setting. Additionally, I am interested in wildlife medicine that may someday lead me to traveling and helping with wildlife conservation efforts, so if any clinics have affiliation with local sanctuaries, aquariums, or zoos, that would be awesome as well.