There is about 250 miles between Susquehanna Trail Animal Hospital and Burzenski and Company’s office, which is insignificant to Drs. Wilhelm and Mildrew. “Technology makes the geographic issue irrelevant,” says Dr. Wilhelm. “Gary, Melody, Andreas, and the rest of the staff are very accessible by phone and email and the Client Portal makes data transfer fast and safe.”
Says Dr. Wilhelm, “Lori and I often say that we bought a hospital and then we bought a hospital again because of all the renovations we made. Gary and Andreas helped us navigate the purchase of inventory and equipment including ultrasound and a CO2 surgical laser. We also substantially expanded our inventory.”
He continues, “Sometimes I get emotionally invested with a situation. This was particularly true when we were starting the practice, yet Gary would listen and advise me to focus on being a doctor and not on the business or economics of the practice. He has a limitless knowledge of the veterinary industry and for seeing the big picture, yet he will explain things in terms we can clearly understand. I have gotten tremendous advice from Gary. His advice is clear and concise.”
Dr. Wilhelm adds, “We speak with Melody and Andreas on a regular basis to go over our quarterly statistical analysis reports. It’s important for us to see comparisons and fluctuations throughout the year and to see what’s normal. Melody has been instrumental in keeping us afloat despite the initial financial issues and insecurities during these past couple of years as we’ve gone from staff veterinarians to purchasing a practice and now managing a practice, a business, with a staff of 13. Melody understands the ins and outs of the veterinary industry so well and she is able to seamlessly convey that to us in a kind, caring, professional manner. She is truly a people-person!"
Adds Dr. Wilhelm, “Andreas has helped us make good business decisions. He has also helped us learn the pricing of inventory and how not to be taken advantage of due to our inexperience. He’s helped with our laboratory purchase decisions and taught us to put less effort into what’s not important but to hone in on where our decisions have the most impact on the bottom line.
“And of course, I, we, can’t thank Linda (Forgione) enough for being so patient and teaching our new office manager what to do. She was new to this position and didn’t know bookkeeping or the office manager side of things, but Linda was meticulous in her explanations and teaching."
Drs. Wilhelm and Mildrew embarked on a professional adventure of a lifetime in Fall 2015, but with two toddlers, three dogs, two cats, and extremely supportive extended families they seem to have mastered the work/life balance. With a focus on quality of care, and not necessarily quantity of care, their practice continues to grow as a trusted veterinary hospital.
Click here to learn more about Susquehanna Trail Animal Hospital.