Real Talk - Time Stress in Vet Med
Time is one of the most valuable resources in veterinary medicine. But it’s also often the most mismanaged resource. Between no-shows, overbooking, and the constant barrage of interruptions, many vet med professionals feel like they’re running on empty before lunch. Let’s get real about the time stress that’s silently burning out our profession and talk about how to push back with practical, boundary-setting strategies.
At VetBadger, we have an insider’s understanding of the time troubles that can overwhelm you and your staff. We’re here to help tame the time chaos for your whole practice. Here are some of our top tips for doing just that.
Avoid the No-Show Strain
No-shows aren’t just annoying, they’re costly. That suddenly empty 30-minute block was time that could’ve gone to a sick patient, a much-needed staff break, or to catch up on charts. Multiply that by a few missed appointments a week, and you’ve got a big chunk of lost productivity.
Here are some ideas for managing the no-show situation:
- Use Your Tools: Select a practice management software that sends automated texts or emails leading up to appointments to reduce forgetfulness.
- Implement Fees: Develop and communicate (frequently!) a clear no-show policy with a fee to discourage absenteeism.
- Double Confirm: A quick personal call for high-risk no-shows (such as new clients or repeat offenders) can make all the difference in protecting your time.
Be Aware of the Overbooking Trap
It’s nearly always tempting to squeeze in “just one more” patient. While you may need to accommodate occasional emergencies, when overbooking becomes routine, there’s a problem. At that point, it’s not about patient care anymore—it’s about poor systems.
Overbooking leads to its own set of problems, like shortened and hurried exams, stressed staff members, and a higher risk for error.
Instead, of trying to fit in all the patients, consider these tips:
- Hold space for same-day needs. Block out one or two “urgent care” slots daily to give flexibility without chaos.
- Be honest about scheduling realities. A 30-minute slot isn’t long enough for everything. Tailor time blocks to the appointment type, and utilize your practice management platform’s scheduling capabilities.
- Empower your team to protect the clinic’s time. Your receptionists and front desk employees are the first line of defense. Train them on how to respond to urgent cases and how to firmly state, “We’re full for today, but let’s find you the soonest time available.” (Be sure they also know where to refer for true emergencies your practice cannot handle at the moment.)
Protect Against Interruptions
In veterinary medicine, interruptions can become so common you hardly notice them for what they are - productivity killers. Perhaps it’s a tech knocking on the exam door to ask you, “Can you check this patient real quick?” Or maybe your phone buzzes with a text from a vendor. Or the lab calls with a question.
The interruptions never end, and while many seem urgent, most are not. And over time, they fracture your focus and add to decision fatigue.
To help combat this situation, try these steps:
- Create team communication protocols. Decide what counts as “interrupt-worthy” and then communicate it clearly and frequently to your staff.
- Batch your responses. Choose a few windows of time each day to return non-urgent messages, emails, or calls. Scheduling a couple of 20-minute sessions for this task will help you stay focused the rest of the day.
- Give your team tools. Choose a practice management system that allows your staff the autonomy to follow workflows and handle common issues without constant doctor input.
Time Stress in Vet Med Is Real—and Fixable
Veterinary professionals are enthusiastic, compassionate caregivers. But they’re also buried in an asymmetrical system that doesn’t always respect time as the limited, precious resource it is. The good news? We can regain control. As Micheal Altshuler said, "The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot."
To begin “piloting” your time and regaining your mental wellness, start small. Set one boundary this week—say no to a squeeze-in, start charging no-show fees, or turn off your phone during exams. Then build from there. You and your team deserve a workday that runs with purpose and intentionality, and it is absolutely doable.