I am fortunate to have worked with and learned from 30 talented, respected columnists since Today’s Veterinary Business emerged more than six years ago. Through 39 issues dating to August 2017, this magazine has presented readers (more than 55,000 of you) with nearly 700 articles from regular contributors.
Columns have come and gone over the years — Constructive Criticism, Diversity Toolbox and Selling Points, for example. Others materialized more recently, such as Dr. Ernie Ward’s Opening Shots (Page 12), Dr. Andy Roark’s Discharge Notes (Page 90), Dr. Lou Anne Wolfe’s Life in the Trenches (Page 84) and Stacy Pursell’s Talent Territory (Page 66).
In some cases, columnists took the baton from other writers. For instance:
- Caitlin DeWilde from Eric Garcia (Socially Acceptable, Page 82).
- Kellie Olah from Dr. Charlotte Lacroix (HR Huddle, Page 72).
- Peter Tanella from Nicole Snyder (Legal Lingo, Page 26).
Eight columnists have been with me since Day One. I’m looking at you, Drs. Ed Branam, Amanda Donnelly, Bob Lester, Natalie Marks and Jeff Thoren. And at you, Mark Cushing, Trey Cutler and Sandy Walsh.
I’m sad to say that Sandy, a registered veterinary technician, consultant and educator, has written her last Getting Technical column (Page 74). And if that’s not enough, also stepping away is Dr. Karen Felsted, who took over the Take Charge column in 2022. Thank you both!
As far as handoffs go, it’s happening for the second time with Take Charge (Page 68). Heather Prendergast, a consultant whose credentials include registered veterinary technician and certified veterinary practice manager, will replace Dr. Felsted starting with the next issue.
I also mentioned columns coming and going. This issue marks the debut of Let’s Talk Drugs (Page 58), written by Kelley Detweiler, an expert on the regulation and handling of controlled substances. Today’s Veterinary Business has another new column in store for you, but I’ll hold off on the details. Look for it in the February/March issue.