Making Hay

Making Hay


From Animal Care to Leadership With Keri Riddick (Ep. 5)

December 21, 2023

Does a passion for animals ensure success in veterinary practice management? 


Step into the intriguing world of veterinary practice management with host Marcia Miller, a finance professional from RFG Advisory, as she welcomes Keri Riddick, former veterinarian and current executive director of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, to tackle this thought-provoking question.


Listen in as Keri recounts her journey from aspiring equine surgeon to leading a mixed animal practice and ultimately guiding a major veterinary association. The discussion sheds light on the often-overlooked business management challenges faced by veterinarians, especially those with limited business training.


Key Highlights:


  • Business Skills in Veterinary Practice: Gain insights into how business and negotiation skills can level the playing field for veterinarians
  • Emotional Challenges: Explore the delicate balance between emotional connections with animals and the pragmatic aspects of veterinary practice management
  • The Value of Support: Find out why a knowledgeable business advisor or partner is indispensable for making informed decisions in veterinary practice
  • Educational Insights: Follow Keri’s educational journey, highlighting how accounting classes were pivotal in her transition to a leadership role in veterinary medicine
  • Open Communication: Learn the importance of asking insightful questions and fostering open dialogue for growth and understanding in the veterinary field
  • Challenges in Veterinary Medicine: Dive into critical issues like staffing shortages and professional identity crises, and how organizations like GVMA are providing essential support
  • Networking and Community Support: Discover the transformative power of networking and relationship-building for professional development, with GVMA at the forefront of these efforts
  • And much more!

 


Resources:


Connect with Marcia Miller: 


Connect with Keri Riddick: 


 


About Keri Riddick: 


Dr. Keri Riddick received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in 1997 from Auburn University and her DVM from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. After veterinary training, she went to Birmingham, Alabama where she practiced mixed animal medicine for 2 years and then emergency medicine for 5 years. In 2008, she purchased a small animal hospital in Columbus, Georgia. Dr. Riddick has been an active member in the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) and following the sale of her practice she joined the GVMA team and has been serving as the Executive Director for the GVMA since 2022.