Practice manager recognition on the rise
Sharon Lane-Kieltyka won practice manager of the year at the Petplan Awards 2014.
A significant hike was seen in the number of nominations for both practice managers and veterinary nurses in this year's Petplan Veterinary Awards.
Practice manager nominations saw a boost of 40 per cent, while nurse nominations rose by just under 25 per cent.
Former VPMA president Helen Sanderson said she was "delighted" at the upsurge and wants to encourage even more members to vote next year.
"Practice managers and nurses deserve this recognition," she said. "Both work very hard to support practice but don’t always get the acknowledgement for it…
"I think we can do even better, and I’d like to see nominations next year for both categories being closer to the numbers seen for the vet of the year category."
Similarly, BVNA president Kirstie Shield said the vet is usually at the forefront of the client's mind, and they do not see the work that goes on back-of-house.
"The professionalism and expertise of nurses and managers help drive a high standard of service and animal welfare," she added.
BVNA and VMPA launched a joint initiative this year, encouraging practice managers to nominate their nurses and nurses to nominate their manager for the awards.
Affectionately known as the Veterinary Oscars, the Petplan Awards are now in their fifteenth year. Sharon Lane-Kieltyka won practice manager of the year at the event in early April, while Kirstie Shield presented Tina Wright with the veterinary nurse of the year award.
Congratulating the winners, Ms Sanderson said: "As an association, we strive to support excellence in practice management and give managers the tools they need to do their job effectively.
"This has a knock-on effect on boosting the performance of the whole practice team and of course the end service given to clients. We look forward to working with the finalists to disseminate their expertise and knowledge to the rest of our membership."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
