Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

varanus · Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 469

Just to ask some of you guys opinion on a vet.

When you bring you pet's to see a vet, do you prefer a friendly vet or a serious looking vet. I mean vet very friendly, easily approachable and talk to you like a friend. Or a vet who looks very professional, serious, talk also very professional?

I ask this because a few of us have some "arguement" on which on is a better vet, in terms of PR and assuming their skill and knowledge is the same.

Appreciate you comments. Thank you

Mytaninn · Joined: 16 Dec 2005 Posts: 28

Hi Varanus,

If the assumption is they have same skill and knowledge, for me personally I will choose the one that is easy to approach/friendly. The reason is that I tend to ask a lots of question (and some of the question maybe just stupid question :oops: ) I also tend to 'prefer to involve' in the 'treatment', I mean I like to know what is happening and how my pets will be treated...

p/s: that is just my opinion. However, I actually didn't visit Vet so frequently... just few times a year...

Dr csh · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 425

The funny thing about being a vet is that PR is ranked higher in most people's eyes. I have some students whose father owns a practice and there are several vets there. One was an Ivy league graduate super smart but not very good with PR and there was another vet who was not really good in fact, his words were "sketchy" knowledge and skills but amazing PR. Every month, the PR guy made more money for the practice and had loyal clients that absolutely LOVED him. The smart guy had tons of complaints and although he had the best record in terms of case success, people didn't really want to see him. Eventually the smart guy was assigned to manage the wards and did not see much clients. When a technician's parents dog got sick, the technician advised the parents not to see this PR guy but once they met him, they would not listen to their own flesh and blood's advise and insisted on seeing the PR guy.

The moral of the story, PR skills does cover for a lack of vet knowledge and skills. Of course you cannot be a completely empty vessel. The strangest thing is I recieved more 'thank you' cards when I failed to save an animal than when I do manage to save them. Perhaps the emotional state of the owner when the animal dies is more dramatic compared to when a complete recover is achieved... who knows.... Those are just thoughts.

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

I think a lot of people value honesty. Even if their animals fail to recover, but they still value your honesty in telling them the truth and your dedication in trying the best that you can, even if the outcome is not satisfactory.

Fifie · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 6:13 pm Post subject:

i prefer the friendly vet just like how i prefer to meet a friendly doctor :lol: Animals have feeling so they want a smiling and friendly vet to treat them and not make them afraid coz they are already sick when they meet the vet :) also, i prefer a vet who is not using a lot of jargon coz i have problems about jargon although some words are already common in the society. so, friendly vet using words that are easy to understand is better than serious vet. this is my own opinion :)

varanus · Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 469

Fifie wrote: i prefer the friendly vet just like how i prefer to meet a friendly doctor :lol: Animals have feeling so they want a smiling and friendly vet to treat them and not make them afraid coz they are already sick when they meet the vet :) also, i prefer a vet who is not using a lot of jargon coz i have problems about jargon although some words are already common in the society. so, friendly vet using words that are easy to understand is better than serious vet. this is my own opinion :)

Noted. Good information and feedback. Thank you.

varanus · Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 469

I once read a book. It says no matter how great you are, the pet can't tell the owner how he was treated. But the first impression of the practice and vet means a lot. A first timer who step into the clinic and know nothing about the place and vet will feel more comfortable and confidence if the first impression is good. Provided the vet has certain level of skill and knowledge to cure the pet or worst case scenario to heal the client.

Dr Bigguy · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Posts: 8 Location: Kuching Sarawak

PR may be important but knowledge and skill are the substances that differentiate a competent clinician from just a talker especially when handling difficult and complicated cases. A group practice that sees wide spectrum of clients from all level of income group and background (at least at my locality), may find that certain group of the clients does not mind whoever the clinicians are, whether with good PR or not, handling their cases. They are more concern about cost of treatment. Of course there are clients who prefers friendly vets who understand their need of human touch and compassion for their pets. This is the group of clients who will become your loyal clients. They are more forgiving in the event that treatment of their pets did not turn up well. We also have clients that only want the best clinician in terms of clinical/surgical skills to treat their pets. This is where substance prevails over PR.

Dr Dunker · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 463 Location: Puchong,Selangor

In deed thats true big guy, but thats where things get tricky. the best vets from the owners point of view and the best vet from the vets point of view may b different. it boils down to how well u convince the clients. thats why in the end, sadly pr is impt. but having said that, ones reputation, track records and a little luck will reflect ones true capabilities. that, however takes time to build. one supplier of dog food told me once after an arguement with another person," u got mouth and he got mouth, both can talk, so what? there is a reason why u have a dr in front fo ur name and he dont. let ur deeds and service talk for u and to hell with the rest."

but then, personaly, i tend to visit dr.s that are friendly and make me confortable. the last thing i need is a dr thats belittle me or acts like a god i the consultroom. face it, we all want to see dr.s that show a little caring for us. the same should go to vets too, i think. indeed, whats wrong with "good day, how r u doin" and a smile when a pet owner pops in

varanus · Joined: 12 Feb 2006 Posts: 469

Ya. I once visited a MD after I got ear infection after swimming. The first thing the Dr said was,"You bugger never clean your ear!" I never go to the clinic anymore.

Dr. TanDY · Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:13 pm Post subject:

Oh you have smelly ears varanus?? (wink wink - just joking) haha