Spotlight: Jaime Allred, CVPM
For Veterinary Practice Mangers Appreciation Week we are so excited to spotlight GA Practice Managers and share their stories! We had the opportunity to hear from Jaime Allred, CVPM, Practice Manger at Double Churches Animal Clinic.
What got you interested in transitioning from mental health to vet med? | “I managed a large psychological practice in Columbus, GA for about 12 years before I accepted the Practice Manager position here at Double Churches Animal Clinic. I was a bit hesitant to accept this position because I had no previous experience in Vet Med, but who wouldn't want to work in a Veterinary Clinic?! My practice owner was very welcoming and really gave me the tools I needed to make a successful transition into the veterinary field. In addition to a generous CE allowance that allows me to attend veterinary conferences each year, she also provided me with a great onboarding and training experience. When I first started working here, she took me to in-person training on managing veterinary finances, inventory, laws, etc., which was extremely helpful in understanding the differences between medical vs. veterinary management. There was definitely a learning curve but I have learned so much in the 11 years that I have been here and I am so glad I made the change to vet med!“
What was your experience getting your CVPM? | “After managing my clinic for 5 years, I considered obtaining my CVPM as the next logical step in my progression as a Practice Manager. I started studying about 4 months prior to taking the exam. I registered for the CVPM prep course that was available on VIN and I also purchased the CVPM preparation workbook from VHMA, and both were extremely helpful for preparing for the exam. I took the exam in November 2019 and I was so relieved when I passed! Overall, I would consider my experience obtaining my CVPM a good one. I learned so much and everyone was very encouraging and helpful to me while I was pursuing this goal. After getting my certification, I was given an increase in my yearly salary and also an increased CE allowance which helps me to keep up with the CE requirements for recertification”
For any in the field that may be considering working toward a CVPM, what words of wisdom could you give them? | “Use the prep courses that are available! Both VHMA and VIN have lots of resources that were invaluable to me while studying for the exam. Don't get discouraged by the amount of reading. It is doable if you make a plan for yourself. Also, join the online communities that are available to you. There are groups on Facebook as well as groups on VHMA that have a lot of knowledgeable members who are willing to share and encourage you!”
What has your experience been with vet med along the way? | “It has been an adventure! Starting as a new manager with no veterinary experience was a challenge. Particularly, earning the trust of my team. Having a supportive Practice Owner who is willing to invest in your development is so important! I am aware of how lucky I am that my Practice Owner is supportive of both my vocational goals and personal endeavors. It's important that owners and managers understand that clinic team members all have lives outside of work. Our clinic does have a very generous time off policy and we try our best to be flexible and understanding with our team members. A personal challenge for me has been creating personal boundaries and separating my at-work time from my time away from work. As a manager, sometimes you get phone calls/texts at all hours of the day and night. It's important to have time for yourself that you can use to recharge and reset in order to be at your best, both physically and emotionally. I try to respect my team's time outside of work for this reason.”
What are some of your proud accomplishments throughout your career? | “There have been so many changes since I started my career in vet med, particularly since Covid. In addition to obtaining my CVPM, I am also proud of our clinic for obtaining our Cat Friendly Practice Certification and starting our clinic Hospice program for our patients who are nearing the end. I consider it an honor to be there for our clients during such a difficult and emotional time to assist them in whatever way I can.”
What inspires you and/or what do you experience in your work that keeps you going? | “My team! Watching them learn and develop their skills and seeing their confidence grow is so fulfilling to me! Some of them have started as assistants with no veterinary experience and are now starting school to obtain their degrees. It makes me so happy and proud to see my team succeed, even if they're not here with me! I have former team members that have moved all over the country and it really makes me happy to see them successful in their respective clinics all over! I greatly value the 11 years that I have spent at my clinic. The bonds that I have developed with my team and with our clients are such a huge motivator for what I do.“
