Starting Your Clinic Setup Journey with the End in Mind: What Does That Mean?
Ben Marcos - 23/09/2024
When it comes to setting up a veterinary clinic, it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of design plans, equipment selection, and team recruitment. But one principle that has guided us throughout this journey is simple yet powerful: start with the end in mind. What does that mean in practice?
It is about having an unclouded vision for what you want your clinic to be—how it will serve your patients, the level of care it will provide, and the unique experience you and your team will offer to pet owners. This end goal guides every decision along the way. From the layout of exam rooms, patient workflows, to the technology you invest in, your ownership structures, partnership agreements, licensing, building regulations, zoning and permits, funding capital, budget and forecasting, insurance, professional advisors, policies and procedures, HR, branding, marketing, client communication, practice management software, supplier agreements, bookkeeping, financial reporting, succession planning and your exit strategy, each choice should reflect the ultimate purpose and values of your clinic.
For us, this means designing a business plan around the existing and new services offered. We tie this into the data analysis that the location can support the size of the investment and growth over the next 5-10 years. Professionals committed to envisioning a clinic that not only treats pets but also provides peace of mind for their families through top-tier medical expertise and compassionate care are well on their way to creating a welcoming environment aligned with this goal to realise the vision.
By starting with the end in mind, we have stayed focused on a business plan, funded in a location to building a clinic that delivers excellence in every interaction, ensuring the best outcomes for pets and their owners. This clarity has been key to making our client’s vision a reality, and it can be the cornerstone of success for any veterinary practice.