SIG in the Spotlight: Veterinary Business Group

We’re kicking off our brand-new SIG in the Spotlight series with an insightful conversation with Veterinary Business Group (VBG) President, Janet Murray. Janet Murray is an experienced veterinary nurse, founder of an animal care and veterinary nurse training organisation, and has been part of the VBG since 2017.

In this Q&A, Janet shares the VBG’s focus areas for 2025 and beyond, discusses how technology is set to impact the profession and highlights the benefits of being a VBG member.

What motivated you to take on the VBG President role?
One of the primary motivations for me to become the VBG President was the unique opportunity our Special Interest Group (SIG) offers—allowing individuals who are not veterinarians to take on leadership roles within the AVA. As the first non-veterinarian to lead the VBG, I take immense pride in this distinction.

What are you most excited about for the future of VBG?
I am particularly excited about the potential for VBG to expand its influence and outreach within the veterinary community, especially as we continue to build on our work related to the Great Veterinary Workplaces policy and guidelines. By advocating for the implementation of the ten pillars as a standard framework in every practice, we can work towards fostering a harmonious community within our profession. As we approach our 10th anniversary as a Special Interest Group (SIG), this milestone presents a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how far we have come while also looking forward to enhancing our educational offerings and developing new programs that address the evolving needs of veterinary professionals.

What unique value does the VBG bring to the veterinary profession?
The VBG offers a valuable platform for networking, professional development, and knowledge sharing among individuals interested in veterinary business. We are dedicated to promoting best practices and advocating for our members. Our work on the Great Veterinary Workplaces initiative emphasises the creation of supportive environments that empower individuals across all roles within the sector. We strive to bring innovative industry advancements to AVA members, fostering collaboration and peer learning from students to seasoned professionals.

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What are the VBG’s key focus areas for 2025?
In 2025, the VBG will concentrate on several key areas:

• Continued advocacy for the Great Veterinary Workplaces initiative, ensuring that the ten pillars are utilised as a guiding framework for improving workplace environments.
• Development of educational resources and programs that address contemporary challenges faced by veterinary businesses.
• Strengthening partnerships with other organisations to enhance our collective impact within the veterinary community.

Additionally,  the Veterinary Business Group has 4 annual awards to recognise individuals and businesses that have demonstrated outstanding contributions and leadership in the veterinary business landscape. Nominations close 23 February 2025.  

With advancements in technology, how do you foresee the future of the veterinary profession? How can veterinary practices prepare?
The veterinary profession is poised for significant transformation due to advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence and telemedicine. These innovations will enhance diagnostic capabilities, streamline operations, and improve client communication, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient practice management.

To prepare, veterinary practices should invest in training their staff on these technologies, integrate them into their workflows, and stay informed about emerging trends. Emphasising continuous learning, change management and adaptability will be essential for success for the team, in this rapidly evolving landscape.

How does the VBG collaborate with other SIGs?
We collaborate through resource sharing, co-hosting events, and engaging in joint advocacy efforts. This collaboration fosters a multidisciplinary approach to addressing challenges within the veterinary profession, leveraging diverse expertise and perspectives to enhance our overall impact. VBG continues to advocate for free webinars for AVA members.

Further to that, how is everything going ahead of the Australian Cattle Veterinarian (ACV) / Veterinary Business Group (VBG) Conference on 24-26 March?
Preparations for the ACV/VBG Conference are progressing smoothly. We are excited about our speaker lineup and the coordination with ACV, which adds a new dimension to our conference. We are optimistic about the valuable insights and benefits this partnership will bring to our attendees.

What can new or prospective members expect to gain from joining?
By joining the VBG, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources, including educational materials, networking opportunities, and professional development programs tailored specifically to the needs of veterinary business professionals. Importantly, the VBG is not just for business owners; we wholeheartedly welcome practice managers, veterinary nurses, technicians, veterinary medicine students, and new graduates into our community, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. While business is at the core of the VBG, we offer a diverse range of resources and support that extends well beyond that focus, enriching the professional journey of all our members.

I encourage all veterinary professionals to consider joining the VBG. Together, we can make meaningful strides in improving our practices and enhancing the overall veterinary profession. Your involvement and contributions are essential to our collective success, and I cannot emphasise enough the value of utilising the Great Veterinary Workplace pillars in your clinic.

Want to know more about the Veterinary Business Group? Reach out to our Member Services team via members@ava.com.au