In my previous blog post, I elaborated on a topic (pros and cons of in-house charities) that was borne of questions I received in a professional skill’s class at a veterinary school where I was teaching. This blog has similar roots and as we head into new graduate hiring season, I’m getting more and more […]
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Stith Keiser
Stith Keiser is the Chief Executive Officer for Blue Heron Consulting (BHC) – His team of coaches collaborates with new and seasoned practices owners alike to improve their lives and the lives of their team members while simultaneously enhancing client experience, building sustainable practice profitability and elevating the quality of care for pets.
In addition to his role at BHC, Stith speaks internationally at veterinary conferences and writes for a variety of veterinary publications. He also collaborates on the development and delivery of professional development curriculum at several veterinary schools where he serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member. Relatedly, he served through Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences on a task force working under a federal grant to explore and design strategies for successful rural veterinary practice ownership.
Stith’s volunteer experience includes serving as past-Chair of VetCAN (Veterinary Career Advisory Network), terms as President of VetPartner’s Career Development and Practice Management Special Interest Groups, ongoing participation in Washington State University’s CVM “Diagnostic Challenge” and a seat on the AVMA’s former Economics Advisory Research Council Financial Literacy task force.
His passion for our profession extends into his role as managing partner in a handful of privately owned mixed and small animal veterinary practices. In partnering with veterinarians hungering for successful practice ownership and wishing to build a legacy, Stith contributes to team development and leverage, operations, financial management and general strategy.
In his free time, Stith enjoys spending time with his wife, a small animal veterinarian, adventuring in the outdoors with their daughters, dogs and horses.
Contributors
Recent Posts
Pros and Cons of In-House Charity Programs for Veterinary Hospitals
by Stith Keiser | Feb 1, 2025 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

Spring semester is “professional skills” season for me where I have the opportunity participate in the development and delivery of professional skill’s curriculum at a few veterinary schools across the country. I’m writing this blog post on my way home from teaching at CSU CVMBS where conversations around recent industry trends related to pricing, client […]
read moreWhat Keeps Hospital Leaders Up at Night (and What To Do About It)?
by Stith Keiser | Jan 14, 2025 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

In November 2024, the VHMA released survey results gleaned from asking hospital leaders “What keeps you up at night?” While answers ranged from decreasing client visits to profitability to the election, the top three concerns, by a wide margin, included: Reduced client visits Staff dependability/reliability Shortage of staff (credentialed technicians) For those of us “in […]
read moreShould Veterinary Hospitals Reduce Prices?
by Stith Keiser | Dec 10, 2024 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

I get to wear two hats as a professional – a consultant through Blue Heron Consulting, and that of a private practice owner in my personal hospitals. As a consultant, I never thought I’d write today’s blog post – begging the question of whether hospital owners should consider actually LOWERING their prices. What’s leading me […]
read moreCreating a Mission, Vision, and Core Values for Your Veterinary Practice: A Guide for New (and Experienced) Practice Owners
by Stith Keiser | Nov 12, 2024 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

In my previous blog post for Animal Health News and Views, I addressed the pros and cons of private practice ownership and whether it could be the right fit for readers. In speaking and working with practice owners across the United States, with a range of years of experience representing a diverse cross-section of practice types, […]
read morePawsibilities Unleashed: Exploring and Navigating the Path to Practice Ownership
by Stith Keiser | Sep 4, 2024 | Veterinary Practice - Views, Views

Owning a Veterinary practice is a dream for many in the field, offering the opportunity to create a legacy, build a culture, and deliver care in a way that aligns with personal values and professional standards. However, this dream comes with its own set of challenges, misconceptions, and crucial decisions that must be navigated to […]
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