Screaming for sweets in the supermarket - what vets think about charity work1 May 2017GARETH CROSS concludes his series on the expectations of charities and finds a groundswell of opinion from vets who dislike or avoid the work entirely
Facts v. interpretations and fake news: do we need to be more sceptical1 May 2017THE MERCURY COLUMN in which a guest columnist takes the temperature of the profession – and the world around
In pursuit of the optimal healthcare experience1 May 2017Veterinary Practice talks to Richard Nap, a Dutch vet who runs VetCoach, in advance of his presentation at this year’s VET Festival
GETTING LOST IN TRANSLATION!1 Apr 2017Dr DAVID WILLIAMS recalls a mistranslation which accidentally implied a product was causing eye disease and wonders how much of what we say to clients needs its own translation
Who’s to blame for the current culture in the profession?1 Apr 2017PERISCOPE continues the series of reflections on issues of current concern
The disparity in veterinary charity1 Apr 2017GARETH CROSS follows up his investigation into the practices of animal charities and receives some revealing responses to his leading letter
HOW HIGH HAVE YOUR PRACTICE’S ETHICAL STANDARDS BEEN SET?1 Apr 2017WHAT IS IT THAT ATTRACTS us to a certain brand or company? It may be the latest advertisement, some revitalised packaging or maybe an unusual style of communication to its customers. Whatever it may …
ISSUES OF TRUST IN VETERINARY PRACTICE1 Mar 2017I HEARD AN INTERESTING FEATURE on the radio the other day concerning trust and how it was becoming increasingly difficult to trust anyone and anything for fear of not getting the best deal. “Gettin…
Are vet charities taking the mick?1 Mar 2017GARETH CROSS asks why it is that veterinary practices can be held to ransom by some charities when they too are struggling to make ends meet
Are digital ringmasters beginning to control our actions?1 Mar 2017I SUPPOSE THE THING ABOUT STATISTICS is that you have to have some idea of the context in which they appear if they are to have any real impact. For instance, it is an almost daily occurrence to hear …
The miraculous marvels of medicine1 Mar 2017Dr DAVID WILLIAMS seeks help for his swollen feet and finds himself on a journey of discovery, where his own attempts at diagnosis meet those of his medical colleagues, with a little natural help
A memorable start to an enjoyable career...1 Dec 2016Dr David Williams reminisces about his first contacts with the profession, his interview, complete with a glass of sherry, at Cambridge, and how things have changed since the early 1980s.
How do vets fit into this brave new world?1 Dec 2016Periscope continues the series of reflections on issues of current concern.
How to move a veterinary practice...1 Dec 2016Gareth Cross describes how, despite delays with the phone systems, his practice's move into new premises took place, and praises the time and effort put in by his wonderful staff.
Will we step up to the challenge and strengthen our local appeal?1 Dec 2016No one reading this will be surprised that a dose of exogenous stress with a couple of weeks of nagging anxiety would elevate blood pressure sufficiently to trigger concern among health professionals …
Am I glad to have bitten the bullet?1 Nov 2016Dt David Williams ruminates on a sign of ageing in his eyes but wonders what the fuss is about, as life is just as much fun now as when he was 12 – or even quite a bit more so...
Sensible selection for an uncertain future1 Nov 2016Periscope continues the series of reflections on issues of current concern.
Are we too thin-skinned about complaining clients?1 Nov 2016Gareth Cross wishes he understood more about human psychology, as he deals with a client who is unhappy about being asked to pay for treatment for a recently acquired trophy dog.
Pondering on the glorious wonders of nature1 Oct 2016Dr David Williams stops to consider the ways in which humans and other species see things and the wealth of information that is instantly available
Crossed lines on the network1 Oct 2016Gareth Cross endures a lengthy and frustrating process with BT, and talks to the Vets for Choice group of disgruntled referral practices.
