Leaders from the American Veterinary Medical Association and a Pennsylvania practice owner discussed current issues in veterinary medicine, including workforce needs, education and telemedicine. The veterinary profession needs to find ways to improve efficiency and empower all members of the care team, panelists said.

As practices try to attract new clients, it’s important to have a clear value proposition: a statement explaining why customers choose that practice versus a competitor. Dr. Karen Felsted explains how this proposition should guide decision-making and form the basis of the hospital’s business plan. Hospital leaders should begin by identifying what makes them similar to competitors and what makes them unique.

Veterinary policy expert Mark Cushing gives an update of state legislature activity on key industry issues. A law recently passed in Arizona and another one moving through the California legislature could be signs of where telemedicine and the telemedicine veterinarian-client-patient relationship are headed. Lawmakers are also considering banning noncompete contract clauses, while activity on noneconomic damages has declined in recent years.