The VetPartners 2024 Mid-Year Conference was held August 20-22 at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Kansas City. This gathering of veterinary industry professionals provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with leaders in the field, share insights, and explore the latest trends shaping the industry. With a packed agenda featuring a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and networking events, this year’s conference did not disappoint. Here’s an overview of some of the conference’s highlights.
The history of the KC Animal Health Corridor
The conference kicked off with an enlightening session by Kim Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor, on the organization’s history. The nonprofit organization encompasses a 22-county area within a two-hour radius of Kansas City. Kim highlighted the significance of this region, where 56% of total global revenue in the animal health industry is generated.
Kim shared how the Corridor, initially funded by Bayer Animal Health, was developed to support the growth of companies in nutrition, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, technology, and distribution. Despite Bayer’s competitors also being part of the Corridor, the initiative thrives on cooperation, showcasing the strength of the collective. With a focus on innovation, public policy, engagement, and workforce development, the Corridor has established a global brand for animal health and continues to foster connections and talent in the industry.
Exploring new models for veterinary care
Moderated by Linda Markland, this session featured Wendy Hauser, DVM, and Crista Wallis, DVM, discussing various models practices can use to meet the needs of pet owners and stand apart from their competition. Dr. Hauser explored nontraditional models such as concierge services, membership models, and subscription-based services, which are gaining traction as alternatives to traditional practice models. Dr. Wallis highlighted the benefits of embracing virtual solutions, emphasizing that physical exams can indeed be performed virtually.
Getting started on the speaking circuit
VetPartners includes many industry professionals who regularly speak at national and international conferences. Stacy Pursell, BA, CPC, CERS, moderated a panel discussion featuring seasoned speakers Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA; Karen Felsted, CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM, CVA; Mary Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dentistry); and David McCormick, MS, CVA.
The panelists shared their personal journeys, offering tips on how to begin public speaking, such as starting with local veterinary medical associations or groups and expanding from there, and writing articles for veterinary publications. They emphasized the importance of building a diverse portfolio of topics, creating a speaker resume, and engaging in continuous learning to stay relevant and in demand as a speaker.
The importance of trust and empathy in veterinary practice
Anne Tomsic presented research from Colorado State University and Preventive Vet, exploring how the dissemination of preventive healthcare information affected veterinarians’ perceived trustworthiness and empathy. In light of declining veterinary visits and increasing lapsing patient numbers, this relevant research can impact the ways veterinary practices educate and retain clients.
According to the study, 80-85% of pet owners want preventive healthcare information from their veterinarian and expect their vet to be proactive about these needs. The study also revealed that trust is a top factor pet owners consider when choosing a veterinarian. Anne suggested that practices re-evaluate their pet healthcare education strategies, leverage their entire team, and create an educational resource library to enhance communication and build stronger relationships with clients.
The rise of AI
The session titled “Watch Out Dr. Google—Dr. ChatGPT is Here to Take Your Job Misinforming Pet Owners” by Craig Spinks and Sarah Rumple addressed the rise of AI and its implications for the veterinary profession. While AI has significant potential to enhance the veterinary industry, it can also provide incorrect or misleading information. The speakers urged veterinarians to familiarize themselves with AI tools, engage in open communication with clients about AI-generated information, and stress the importance of fact-checking.
The session underscored the need for veterinarians to create content that addresses AI’s limitations and provides reliable resources, ensuring that pet owners have access to accurate and trustworthy information.
Getting published in veterinary medicine
The final panel of the conference focused on how to get published in veterinary medicine. Moderated by Sarah Rumple, with insights from industry experts Ken Niedziela; Caitlin DeWilde, DVM; Bill Butler, CIC, CISR; and Mary Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dentistry), the session provided a roadmap for aspiring authors.
The panelists discussed various publication avenues. Ken, the editor of Today’s Veterinary Business, provided suggestions on how to publish articles, including pitching ideas to editors. Book authors Dr. DeWilde, Bill, and Mary discussed writing for a publisher versus self-publishing a book. They shared the process of taking an idea from conception to publication and marketing, offering practical advice for those looking to make their mark in veterinary literature.
The VetPartners 2024 Mid-Year Conference in Kansas City was a resounding success, offering a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities for veterinary industry professionals. With sessions covering a broad range of topics, the conference served as a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of the veterinary field. Attendees left with valuable insights, new connections, and a renewed passion for their work in the industry.
Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss the upcoming Annual Conference, which will be held February 27–March 1, 2025, at The Westin in Las Vegas. See you there!
Dr. Angela Beal
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