A Tale of Two Practices: A Pact to Rethink Hospital Operations

VHMA Member Price: $69; Nonmember Price: $99

Sometimes you need to step away from a practice in order to focus on it. That was exactly the case for two hospital administrative leaders who attended the 2023 VHMA Management Exchange.

A pact was made between Jake Waas, CVPM, Hospital Administrator, Covina Animal Hospital, and Jon Cunnington, MBA, CVPM, Regional Operations Director, VCA Animal Hospitals, to challenge and support one another in the implementation of significant changes within their respective practices. Together, they will boldly focus on improving efficiency and embracing and strengthening team professionalism.

Their parallel journeys toward change will start with onboarding and include skills- and cross-training. During this interactive “tell all” session, they will share their evolving experience of rethinking tasks, roles, compensation, and ways to measure the success of their initiatives.

Does a smaller team of well-trained and more highly paid paraprofessionals lead to better patient care, client service, associate engagement, and profitability? Jake and Jon believe so, and this workshop will provide a look at how they plan to prove it together.

Original Recording:

Friday, September 22, 2023

11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Credit CEU1:1.5

Tag(s) Organization of Practice

Description

Speakers: Jon Cunnington, MBA, CVPM and Jake Waas, CVPM

Jon Cunnington earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, working a few years as a Sales Representative calling on human hospitals in between. Upon completing his graduate training, he taught business courses at California State University, Chico, before entering the veterinary world and managing a three-doctor small animal hospital. Six years later, he was recruited to join a growing general/ER/multi-specialty hospital that would eventually become VCA Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic. Jon served as Hospital Administrator at Loomis Basin for 17 years, earning the distinction of Certified Veterinary Practice Manager in 2005. He took on the role of Regional Operations Director for VCA in 2017, where he now supports specialty, emergency, and hybrid practices in four states. Jon is a past president of the VHMA and a founding member of the Sacramento Valley Veterinary Practice Managers Association. Jon’s speaking engagements have included VHMA,AAHA,AVMA, WVC, UC Davis, and other local veterinary associations.

Jake Waas is a highly motivated veterinary practice owner and hospital administrator passionate about building a successful business for all stakeholders. Growing up, Jake was surrounded by the veterinary industry thanks to his mother who is a veterinarian, and his parents who together owned the practice where he currently works. This early exposure gave him a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for the work that goes into running a successful veterinary practice.

Jake Waas-After earning his bachelor's degree from UC Davis in 2014, Jake joined the family business full-time. While his parents retired in 2016, he remains committed to continuing the legacy of providing quality veterinary care. As a hospital administrator, he builds systems that support a healthy culture and a strong team. He recently earned his Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation in 2021, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in the field.

Jake enjoys staying physically active in his free time through weightlifting and playing sports. He also cherishes spending quality time with family and friends. With a solid commitment to continuous improvement, Jake always strives to make his practice the best it can be.