How You Can Learn, Grow, and Lean on a Network of Experts
How You Can Learn, Grow, and Lean on a Network of Experts
Dr. John Kieckebusch
When you join an organization that truly invests in medical excellence, you feel the difference immediately. Coming from an NVA hospital, the level of commitment and aid that Livewell and Mission Pet Health provide from a medical perspective was a pleasant surprise. Their dedication to equipping GP practitioners with the most current medicine has elevated what teams like mine can offer to clients and their pets.
Clinical Tracks & Continuing Education
The first thing that stood out was how accessible and high-quality the CE opportunities are. The Clinic Tracks—especially for me being 12 years out in practice—have been a great refresher on relevant CE topics, from Cardiology and Dermatology to Oncology. They also help us stay current with the latest medicines and treatments in an ever-evolving veterinary landscape.
What truly sets these programs apart is the real, practical growth they create. Clinical Tracks give me the chance to explore my interests, build skills, and earn RACE credits at no cost. Dentistry is a great example—most vets don’t receive much hands-on training in school, especially for extractions or nerve blocks. But learning directly from board-certified dentists, free of charge, has made a tremendous impact. Not only has it strengthened my confidence, but it has also increased our dental revenue and reduced the number of cases I refer out.
Specialty Consults & Client Benefits
Another major advantage has been easy access to specialty consults—a game-changer for both our team and our clients. As veterinary costs continue to rise, being able to offer chemotherapy or a full dermatology workup in-house—without long wait times or high specialty prices—has strengthened our client relationships and expanded the care we can provide.
What does that process look like? For example, with Oncology consults, I upload the histology/diagnostic reports and clinical findings. Our Oncologist reviews everything and sends back a clear, detailed plan, including recommended treatment options and chemo protocol calculations—usually with a quick turnaround. Once I receive the plan, I execute it.
If you had told me a few years ago that I would be doing regular chemotherapy at my hospital, I would have thought you were crazy. But consistent guidance and support from our consulting specialists have given me the confidence to deliver high-quality care at a more affordable cost than a traditional referral. One of the things that attracted me to vet med in the first place is the one-stop-shop nature of care—so being able to expand that within my own hospital has been incredibly rewarding.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it’s very refreshing to be a part of an organization that truly invests in its veterinarians. The more we learn, the better care we provide—and the better medicine we practice. And ultimately, that’s what matters most: delivering top-tier care to the patients who depend on us.
