Resume-Dannheim.docx
I want to join this program because, from what I've heard, it provides a great mix of business education and exposure to medicine. My favorite part, and the reason I chose this field, is medicine, so getting that exposure is crucial to me. I believe I'll get that in an externship with SHIP, but I'll also learn a lot about the business side. This is the only opportunity I know of to be able to learn both business and medicine, both of which I'm passionate about and what to learn more of.
My ideal goal is to get a better sense of what type of veterinarian I'd like to be after graduation through exposure to medicine and to increase my understanding of the business side of veterinary medicine. I don't want an externship where I'll be doing a lot of tech work, but rather getting more involved in cases and applying myself more than just getting histories, drawing blood, and trimming nails. I’m applying to this program because SHIP is the perfect opportunity for me to get that healthy mix of medicine and business education.
I am an outgoing and personable student and I'm constantly seeking leadership opportunities. I'm always looking for ways to improve (both myself and things around me) and I'm not afraid to speak my mind.
The first place I'd look to spend at least part of my money would be on something for my staff. If I've had a fantastic year, it wouldn't be without them, and I'd look for a way to make sure they knew they were appreciated. Whether that's by hosting a fun team event (like a day trip to an amusement park or something akin) or by giving a small bonus I think that those gestures go a long way. Similarly, I would investigate CE opportunities for staff because it’s a known fact that employees who feel they can grow and learn at their place of employment are more satisfied and better employees. In terms of actually putting money into the practice, however, I'd look for new things that could set us apart from other clinics. A long time ago, having an in-house lab machine was that “new thing”. Assuming that this practice is with the times and has in-house blood, rads, etc. I'd look into new technology that might help elevate my practice. This could be something like Zoetis' Vetscan Imagyst which uses AI and a team of pathologists to review cytology slides, blood smears, and more. This investment could help save money in the long term as I'd have to send fewer slides out for review and could recommend it to more clients and get results quicker! The Zoetis application is just an example and I'd want to do research to see what my clinic could profit most from.
First of all, I'd need to assess my team and see how they're all doing. I think the best way to improve any business is to get my employees to buy into what I'm trying to. Maybe there's toxicity in the workplace that I don't know about that contributes to tension amongst my employees which would greatly decrease the success of a practice. Maybe some of my employees feel stagnant at work, like there's no room for growth and they're just going through the motions. Maybe an employee has become disheartened and no longer feels that our mission statement fits their beliefs and thus has started slacking off at work. By having evaluations of all employees, I think that I'd be able to find at least a few ways in which I could help improve their lives/situations which would in turn help my practice. Throughout that process, however, it would be vital for my staff to know that this isn't a witch-hunt to see who's the worst, or who's at fault. This is simply to improve our working environment and the practice as a whole.
If all of those things seem to be going well, then I would consider looking inwards and seeing if there is a flaw in my business model or if there's an area of the business where I'm hemorrhaging money (maybe prices need to be higher or lower). If all else fails I would seek advice from someone else, whether a trusted colleague or professional consultant, I think that fresh eyes and asking for help is always beneficial.
5
9
The parts of business that most intrigues me are the ability to be in charge and the ability to be a leader. I often find myself seeking leadership opportunities (such as being president of the Illinois VBMA) and I know that I'm going to be looking for those opportunities again outside of school. I know there are other opportunities for this without being an owner but being in charge of my own clinic and running it the way I want to (AKA being my own boss) is extremely appealing.
YES
Finn is a 14-month-old MC Dalmatian. He's very energetic and loves being outside and going to the dog park and running around with the other dogs. He's done very well in daycare before, and I'd like him to be able to go to daycare so that while I'm working he isn't just sitting at home alone. If I'm matched at a practice without a daycare attached (where the dogs run and play) then I'd ideally be close to a third party location.
- Small animal exclusive
- General practice
- ER
I've spent my entire life living in the Chicago suburbs and now in Urbana-Champaign. With that, I'd like to experience somewhere new and spend my summer at an externship that's not in the Midwest. If that's the best practice for me then so be it, but I'd love to be somewhere that I can spend a lot of time outside (i.e., hiking, taking walks with my dog, etc.)
