Most Important Skills For A Vice President At The Vets
Beyond strong medical and surgical skills, a successful veterinary professional like Zach needs "good communication, listening skills, empathy, and compassion" to build trust quickly with clients. Further, strong business acumen in areas like finance, marketing, and organizational behavior—skills not typically emphasized in veterinary school—are vital for career advancement and success in the field.
Communication, Empathy, Business Acumen, Veterinary Medicine, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zach Mills
Vice President; LTC
The Vets; US Army Reserve
Kansas State University (1994)
Colorado State University (Epidemiology); University of Georgia (MBA); Kansas State University (DVM); Kansas State University (MPH)
Biology & Related Sciences
Government & Public Sector, Military
Medical
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for building trust and rapport with clients quickly.
2. Business acumen, including finance, accounting, marketing, and organizational behavior, is vital for success in veterinary leadership roles.
3. Continuous learning and professional development are essential to stay current with both medical advancements and business skills needed in the field
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
The skill question always comes up. I believe there are certain things that are table stakes. You have to be good at your job, good at medicine and surgery.
But beyond that, you need to be a good communicator and a good listener. You need to have empathy and compassion. Good listening skills are essential to understand what people are doing and put them at ease.
In our business today, we don't have the luxury of a second chance. Building trust quickly is crucial to allow people to express themselves and form a partnership. This allows you to deliver the medical skills you've learned.
Veterinary school doesn't do a great job of teaching business skills. Business acumen, whether in finance, accounting, marketing, or organizational behavior, is absolutely vital to the job we do.
There isn't enough time in a veterinary curriculum, even over eight years, to cover all of this. My advice to anyone is to pursue continuing education even after graduating. It's vital to drive these skills forward and identify your gaps. Seek out that information. It might not just be surgical techniques or medical diagnostics; it could be outside of the skills you were taught.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/zachmills