Laurie's Blogs.

There’s no question about it, getting started in canine rehab is tough.  You can’t assume that by just hanging up your sign and announcing that you’re open for business, that people will come or vets will refer.  I watched a great podcast on this topic recently, Developing Relationships with Physicians.

https://mikereinold.com/developing-relationships-with-physicians/

Here are some of the highlights that came up in this discussion:

•Network as much as possible.  Can you shadow the vet or surgeon?  Watch them do assessments, or a surgery, or follow-ups?  If you are watching a surgery, research it beforehand so that you can ask good questions.  Perhaps go with a patient & client to their follow up appointment (show that you care and are interested).

•Over-communicate.  Send notes.  Call.  Do it all!

•BE HUMBLE and let them know that you want to learn from them.  This is particularly important in communicating with the surgeons, but also for PTs and Techs in communicating with the general practice DVM.  On one hand, it plays to the other person’s ego, and let’s face it, we all sort of like that.  On the other hand, you might have something to truly learn as well!

•Be warned against communicating for the sole purpose of trying to get YOUR opinion across.  That’s a dead-end street!  Not only does it not foster the relationship, it has the tendency to slam the door before you even get in!  So be careful in how you word things (in a letter or a verbal communication).  It goes back to the comment to ‘be humble’.

The final comment was to be aware that building a rapport is cumulative.  So it’s going to take time, consistency, and some humility.  But it can be done!

On that note, “Go get ‘em this week!”  Do great things and impress the pants off of everyone!

Have a great week!

Cheers!  Laurie