Behind every successful practice is a dedicated administrator who rarely gets the credit they deserve.
We work with a lot of practice managers, and it’s always been clear to us how critical the work they (you) do is to the outcomes of patients. So when Practice Manager Appreciation Week was established by Thrive Pet Healthcare in 2022, we were surprised there wasn’t already a recognition event for our friends and colleagues who keep clinics running so well.
Now here we are, for the 3rd year straight, celebrating the pivotal role that practice managers play within veterinary clinics.
At its core, this week is a tribute to the dedication, leadership, and adaptability practice managers demonstrate daily. As clinic leaders, they balance the needs of a dynamic team, the challenges of healthcare administration, and the expectations of pet owners who want the very best care for their animals. Practice Manager Appreciation Week acknowledges not only these responsibilities but also the compassion and resilience practice managers bring to the job. For veterinary professionals, this is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the lasting impact these managers have on the quality of care, the well-being of the clinic team, and the satisfaction of pet families.
Every clinic needs a strong practice manager
Imagine a busy clinic day without a practice manager at the helm. Clients show up for appointments and what they see is…
Their vet tech is overbooked and stretched thin
Lab results delayed, causing frustration for staff and families
A mountain of paperwork piled up at the front desk
Critical supplies running low right when they’re needed most
A good practice manager keeps all of this (and more) from happening. They’re the ones who anticipate issues and handle them before anyone even notices. Without them, there’s no way to keep up with the day’s demands. A clinic without a strong practice manager is like a ship without a rudder, where disaster is only a matter of time.
“Appreciating veterinary practice managers is not just acknowledging their hard work but recognizing their pivotal role in animal health. Their commitment to clinic operations, client compassion, and ability to maintain a positive work environment makes them indispensable to the veterinary community,” says Mariana Pardo, BVSc, MV, DACVECC in an article from DVM360.
It’s easy to overlook the job when everything’s running smoothly
Running a veterinary clinic isn’t just about scheduling appointments and filing paperwork. Practice managers face a constant push and pull of responsibilities that keep the clinic functioning at its best, often in the face of unexpected challenges.
Emergencies happen, and practice managers are the ones who adjust the schedule on the fly, ensuring every pet gets the care they need without throwing off the day for everyone else
Money doesn’t grow on trees! One of the greatest challenges in any business is balancing budget with quality. In the vet business, that job is doubly important, because the lives of furry family members are on the line.
Practice managers are often the first to notice if someone’s having a rough day or if there’s tension in the team. They step in to keep the atmosphere positive and productive, which isn’t always easy.
A visit to the vet can be emotional for families. A practice manager with unquenchable empathy is one of the greatest sources of client retention available.
How practice managers bridge care and client satisfaction
One of the most underrated parts of a practice manager’s job is managing relationships. Sure, with the team. But also with every pet owner who walks through the door. It’s no small task to make sure that every client feels heard, respected, and valued while ensuring the clinic runs smoothly.
When a pet owner calls with a question about their appointment or has a concern about their pet’s care, the practice manager is often the first person they connect with. If that interaction isn’t handled well, it can shake the client’s confidence in the entire clinic.
Practice managers bridge the gap between clinical care and client satisfaction, making sure every pet and owner feels cared for, even beyond the medical side.
A strong practice manager keeps clients happy by…
1. Anticipating common questions and concerns before they become issues
2. Making sure appointments run on time so pet owners aren’t waiting anxiously
3. Providing clear explanations of procedures and next steps
4. Setting the tone for a welcoming, caring environment
It’s this behind-the-scenes work that lets the medical team focus on pet care without distractions and ensures that pet owners feel they’re in good hands.
Meaningful ways to appreciate your practice manager
Practice Manager Appreciation Week is the perfect time to let your practice manager know how much they mean to the clinic. But appreciation doesn’t have to be elaborate or costly. Many of our customers say it’s about recognizing their hard work and showing genuine gratitude
Write a heartfelt note
Take a few minutes to express your appreciation in writing. A personal, handwritten note from the team or individual staff members can mean the world.
Plan a surprise break
Give them a chance to recharge with a surprise afternoon off or cover their duties for a few hours so they can take a well-deserved break.
Celebrate their achievements
Make a big fuss about specific accomplishments they’ve had over the past year, like successfully managing a busy season or introducing a new system that improved clinic efficiency.
Offer professional development
Many practice managers appreciate opportunities for growth. Consider sponsoring a continuing education course or workshop that aligns with their career goals.
Throw a partay!
Bring in some of their favorite treats, or organize a lunch in their honor. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just a gesture that shows they’re valued.
Take some burden off your practice manager
If a piece of equipment breaks, your practice manager takes care of the repair or replacement.
If a client has a poor outcome, your practice manager often (not always, but often!) has more face time with the distraught family.
The IVetMATE veterinary IV fluid warmer improves patient outcomes (so your practice manager has fewer challenging client events). It’s simple and reliable, so it relieves the administrative burden of managing repair schedules that other fluid warmers create.
The VetroCRI veterinary syringe pump is built on the same principles. Break less. Improve outcomes. Help everyone manage their workload.
This Practice Manager Appreciation Week, go out of your way to show your practice manager you wouldn’t be able to do your work if they weren’t so great at theirs.
Sources
https://www.dvm360.com/view/3-must-reads-for-practice-manager-appreciation-week
https://www.dvm360.com/view/celebrating-veterinary-practice-managers
https://www.dvm360.com/view/honoring-practice-manager-appreciation-week-2023
https://petdesk.com/blog/2024-veterinary-industry-stats/
https://www.liveabout.com/veterinary-practice-manager-125838