Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG): what's the catch?

[futuredvm297]

Hey all,

I just attended a lecture about this new emergency company called VEG, and it seems too good to be true as to what they offer. Do any of you have any insight regarding their contracts or how it really is? Feel free to PM me!

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[deleted1075187]

PMing you.

 

[Blueangel7]

Feel free to ask me any questions. I worked with them this past summer as a veterinary student and have done multiple externships with them. Happy to share my experience with them and answer any questions you may have.

 

[WonderingStudent]

PMd you!

 

[Foxtales]

Hi! I also sat through a lecture with them, and am wondering the same. Can someone share the catch with me as well?

 

[Vet2022-20224]

mee too please!

 

[futuredvm297]

From what I have gathered, the doctor-client interface is WAY more involved with VEG than a normal practice. Essentially, clients can call the hospital and speak to a doctor directly as a "come in" or "wait and see", and they are brought straight into the back with their pet. Procedures can have the clients there with their pets during all stages of hospitalization, so there really isn't a private interface between nurses and doctors. There are some exam rooms if a dog/cat is worked up, but otherwise, it is an open floor concept.

 

[WonderingStudent]

From what I have gathered, the doctor-client interface is WAY more involved with VEG than a normal practice. Essentially, clients can call the hospital and speak to a doctor directly as a "come in" or "wait and see", and they are brought straight into the back with their pet. Procedures can have the clients there with their pets during all stages of hospitalization, so there really isn't a private interface between nurses and doctors. There are some exam rooms if a dog/cat is worked up, but otherwise, it is an open floor concept.

Pretty much. Those are the “pillars” that VEG stands by that they try to drill into their employees

 

[CoffeeQuestionMark]

I also just attended a lecture from VEG. I'm interested not as someone who wants to go work for them long-term, but just as someone who has worked in the ER and thinking about the hospitals comparatively.

Some things that hit me as bizarre included that people could stay with their animals the whole time, that the doctors are ones answering any medical questions, and that there is no wait time.

These are huge points. Reasons that I cannot fathom them working 1) chatty clients interfering with team's ability to work 2) liabilities 3) conflict between clients 4) ability to effectively treat patients 5) common constraints (say there is just one doctor on shift and they need to do an intense or urgent procedure, while maintaining the promised wait time) 6) inter-workplace drama + more

Yet, they claimed that people love working there and every student extern they've had would recommend the program. I've googled several individual hospitals and they all have phenomenal user ratings (I haven't seen one with a rating lower than 4.7/5)

Does it actually work? Or is it a model that might do okay at first, but then crash and burn?

 

[WonderingStudent]

I also just attended a lecture from VEG. I'm interested not as someone who wants to go work for them long-term, but just as someone who has worked in the ER and thinking about the hospitals comparatively.

Some things that hit me as bizarre included that people could stay with their animals the whole time, that the doctors are ones answering any medical questions, and that there is no wait time.

These are huge points. Reasons that I cannot fathom them working 1) chatty clients interfering with team's ability to work 2) liabilities 3) conflict between clients 4) ability to effectively treat patients 5) common constraints (say there is just one doctor on shift and they need to do an intense or urgent procedure, while maintaining the promised wait time) 6) inter-workplace drama + more

Yet, they claimed that people love working there and every student extern they've had would recommend the program. I've googled several individual hospitals and they all have phenomenal user ratings (I haven't seen one with a rating lower than 4.7/5)

Does it actually work? Or is it a model that might do okay at first, but then crash and burn?

You can PM me if you want to hear about my experience working full time at two VEG hospitals. tldr; it does work most of the time!

 

[Blueangel7]

I also just attended a lecture from VEG. I'm interested not as someone who wants to go work for them long-term, but just as someone who has worked in the ER and thinking about the hospitals comparatively.

Some things that hit me as bizarre included that people could stay with their animals the whole time, that the doctors are ones answering any medical questions, and that there is no wait time.

These are huge points. Reasons that I cannot fathom them working 1) chatty clients interfering with team's ability to work 2) liabilities 3) conflict between clients 4) ability to effectively treat patients 5) common constraints (say there is just one doctor on shift and they need to do an intense or urgent procedure, while maintaining the promised wait time) 6) inter-workplace drama + more

Yet, they claimed that people love working there and every student extern they've had would recommend the program. I've googled several individual hospitals and they all have phenomenal user ratings (I haven't seen one with a rating lower than 4.7/5)

Does it actually work? Or is it a model that might do okay at first, but then crash and burn?

It really does work. Also, it is not that there is no wait times. There are always wait times, especially in ER. But when you come to VEG, you are triaged by the doctor. If your pet isn't the most critical then yes, you will wait a bit until the most critical patients are stabilized.

Before I worked there this summer, I did not believe it could work either. But honestly, clients understand more and this setup really works well. Yeah, sometimes you have those chatty clients, but when they see that you have a dog that needs CPR or is bleeding out, they understand you need to work. It is an interesting dynamic that isn't for everyone but it truly does work.

I am happy to talk more about my experience working with them or getting you in contact with some of their doctors so you can ask all about why this setup actually works and works well.

 

[ChoopLoops]

@Blueangel7 @WonderingStudent i'm going to PM you, I have also been wondering about the VEG situation and the EET program

 

[nicts]

I don't understand how this doesn't run into client-patient confidentiality issues?

 

[battie]

I don't understand how this doesn't run into client-patient confidentiality issues?

From a legality standpoint, there's nothing like HIPPA for vet med unless on the state practice act level. All my confidential policies are on the hospital/corporate level. So this model is likely perfectly fine in regards to confidentiality

 

[futuredvmmb]

Hey all,

I just attended a lecture about this new emergency company called VEG, and it seems too good to be true as to what they offer. Do any of you have any insight regarding their contracts or how it really is? Feel free to PM me!

Hi, I have a video "interview" with them for the DVM4 student externship that I need to do in the next 48 hours, was wondering if you remember some of the questions asked?

 

[piscesvet]

Hi all! Recently went to a VEG event and would love if someone could PM me with their experiences and opinions on working for them and their EET program.

 

[Chihuahualove22]

I am also interested in hearing peoples opinions, I really like their values and how they treat their employees, but I have not externed at a VEG yet!

 

[WonderingStudent]

I am also interested in hearing peoples opinions, I really like their values and how they treat their employees, but I have not externed at a VEG yet!

If you have any questions about VEG, you can PM me. I'm happy to answer any of your questions!

 

[Blueangel7]

Feel free to PM with any questions about VEG. I worked for them during a summer break, became an ambassador, externed with them and have now signed an offer for an EET slot with them. They are an absolute amazing company

 

[Lupin21]

Talk with current employed vets for any hospital you consider applying to. Each hospital will have its own culture.

 

[allygator13]

Feel free to PM with any questions about VEG. I worked for them during a summer break, became an ambassador, externed with them and have now signed an offer for an EET slot with them. They are an absolute amazing company

Out of curiosity because I like to be in the know, what is EET?

 

[WonderingStudent]

Out of curiosity because I like to be in the know, what is EET?

Early Entry Track. Pretty much VEG’s version of an (un-official) internship.

 

[Blueangel7]

Out of curiosity because I like to be in the know, what is EET?

It is a 6 month mentorship training program. You work 3-4 shifts a week with a senior veterinarian and are oncall for surgery and scope procedures for one night a week. You do weekly "school" days where they go over a variety of topics. By month 4, you are working shifts with another EET member. After 6 months, you transition into a full time doctor with VEG. VEG pays for you to go to Colorado State for 1.5 weeks to learn advanced surgery procedures, scoping, exotics, and become Recover certified.

 

[Oliver_Twist]

I’ve been accepted to the July 2022 EET class but I have similar concerns as above regarding a “catch” in terms of a) doctor QOL and training and b) patient care due to relatively young, non-specialized clinicians performing surgery/critical care. I haven’t had a chance to extern with VEG and have not visited the practice I was placed at so overall very nervous to accept this “too good to be true” offer. Any insight would be appreciated!

 

[battie]

I’ve been accepted to the July 2022 EET class but I have similar concerns as above regarding a “catch” in terms of a) doctor QOL and training and b) patient care due to relatively young, non-specialized clinicians performing surgery/critical care. I haven’t had a chance to extern with VEG and have not visited the practice I was placed at so overall very nervous to accept this “too good to be true” offer. Any insight would be appreciated!

Also don't work for VEG, but have looked into it and have spoken to several VEG docs over the last two months. Most have said that they like the model and it works well, though those in retrofitted hospitals that VEG bought (rather than built from the ground up) were more difficult to maneuver.

In regards to non-boarded clinicians performing emergency surgery and critical care, that is the norm in the general real world. Do we offer referral to clients for boarded surgeons if appropriate and critical care with a criticalist if we feel it's necessary? Absolutely. But more often than not, clients can't afford a 2500/day bill for that kind of CC or the boarded surgeon where their emergency c section is 50% more than mine. My hospital does both CC and ER surgery with no one boarded, and has done so for decades. In my 7 months as a baby vet, I've been able to convince 2 ERs to head straight for a criticalist for emergency management. Everyone else elected to stay in house.

Keep in mind the vast majority of vet surgeons and emergency doctors aren't boarded. It's not a bad thing as long as there are realistic expectations of what the practice can handle and when to know when you're put of your depth.

 

[Oliver_Twist]

Also don't work for VEG, but have looked into it and have spoken to several VEG docs over the last two months. Most have said that they like the model and it works well, though those in retrofitted hospitals that VEG bought (rather than built from the ground up) were more difficult to maneuver.

In regards to non-boarded clinicians performing emergency surgery and critical care, that is the norm in the general real world. Do we offer referral to clients for boarded surgeons if appropriate and critical care with a criticalist if we feel it's necessary? Absolutely. But more often than not, clients can't afford a 2500/day bill for that kind of CC or the boarded surgeon where their emergency c section is 50% more than mine. My hospital does both CC and ER surgery with no one boarded, and has done so for decades. In my 7 months as a baby vet, I've been able to convince 2 ERs to head straight for a criticalist for emergency management. Everyone else elected to stay in house.

Keep in mind the vast majority of vet surgeons and emergency doctors aren't boarded. It's not a bad thing as long as there are realistic expectations of what the practice can handle and when to know when you're put of your depth.

Thank you so much for your input! Honestly, that was my understanding prior to my fourth year but I've been exposed to so many specialty hospitals throughout my clinical rotations/externships I thought my world-view was incorrect. I love the idea of doing some surgery myself (under the guidance of someone experienced of course), so other similar ER mentorship programs that do not allow surgery in the practice itself are kind of deterring me. VEG seems like the perfect combination of surgery + good clinical mentorship but my school focuses highly on specializing so it's been hard to ignore that feedback. So, thank you

 

[battie]

Honestly, that was my understanding prior to my fourth year but I've been exposed to so many specialty hospitals throughout my clinical rotations/externships I thought my world-view was incorrect.

Not a problem! Fourth year is the ivory tower where you see the average case and a lot of not average cases. A lot of specialists will push specialization, and specialization has increased quite a bit. But the majority of us don't go that route, even the people that do an internship. So don't sweat having only the DVM behind your name while you're cutting a GDV at 2am

 

[Sb7044]

Hi, I have a video "interview" with them for the DVM4 student externship that I need to do in the next 48 hours, was wondering if you remember some of the questions asked?

Hi! I have a video interview scheduled with them as well. Do you have any tips?

 

[egh5047]

Hi! I have a video interview scheduled with them as well. Do you have any tips?

Hi! I also have an interview for the externship scheduled this week. Do you remember any questions/what it's like? I'm super nervous. Thanks!

 

[Vet2022-20224]

I hope to have an interview soon, I applied not too long ago, so some tips here would be nice just in case!

 

[eecoburn2994]

I’ve been accepted to the July 2022 EET class but I have similar concerns as above regarding a “catch” in terms of a) doctor QOL and training and b) patient care due to relatively young, non-specialized clinicians performing surgery/critical care. I haven’t had a chance to extern with VEG and have not visited the practice I was placed at so overall very nervous to accept this “too good to be true” offer. Any insight would be appreciated!

What was the interview process like?

 

[rawreo]

I was interested in the EENT and externed a couple months ago because I also thought VEG sounded too good to be true. They are definitely a company that treats their employees VERY well, but the quality of medicine that was practiced there was not great. I think a new grad would benefit from working with more seasoned veterinarians and could work for VEG later in their career.

The open floor concept was pretty awkward to me because the doctors would be at their desks joking around while the clients were sitting 20ft away crying over their pet it made the doctors seem very clique-y imo

 

[battie]

quality of medicine that was practiced there was not great

Just keep in mind that this quality will very hospital by hospital, doctor by doctor. This isn't a VEG specific thing.

 

[Blueangel7]

I was interested in the EENT and externed a couple months ago because I also thought VEG sounded too good to be true. They are definitely a company that treats their employees VERY well, but the quality of medicine that was practiced there was not great. I think a new grad would benefit from working with more seasoned veterinarians and could work for VEG later in their career.

The open floor concept was pretty awkward to me because the doctors would be at their desks joking around while the clients were sitting 20ft away crying over their pet it made the doctors seem very clique-y imo

Every doctor practices differently. That is the one of the beautiful things about VEG is that we don't have a specific spreadsheet or chart to follow on how to treat a case. All of our doctors have different opinions on how to treat a case and that is the same everywhere. If you ask 50 doctors how to treat a case, you will probably get over 20 different treatment plans. Not all doctors agree on how to treat something. We also have to remember that while in vet school, we are learning the ivory tower way of doing something but that is not always possible outside of a teaching hospital.

The open concept is something that is not for everyone I will admit. Some like having that privacy. I really recommend shadowing/externing/visiting a VEG for anyone who wants to work at VEG prior to applying for anything to determine if VEG is truly a good fit. We do things a little differently than most clinics and it is not for everyone honestly. I personally love the open concept, some of my vet school classmates hated it.

All VEGs have a few exam rooms for private time, fractious animals or owners that do not want to be in the chaos in the back and that is completely fine. It can feel cliquey to some and that is something that every location works on. Most of the VEG locations now have a doctors desk in the middle of the treatment area so that the doctors are literally in the middle of all of the clients. Some of the older locations have the doctor desks off to the side and that separation is something that those locations strive to get rid of.

 

[rawreo]

The doctors at the location I shadowed at were all relatively new and when I asked why they chose a certain treatment, they said that they didn't know but it was what they have always done. A classmate externed at a different location and had a similar experience. I agree that like with any hospital, it would definitely be good to shadow/extern there before committing because I'm sure some locations have more experienced doctors than others, and I think that working with experienced doctors is the best way for a new grad to build a strong foundation.

 

[Nuzhat Wahab]

Feel free to ask me any questions. I worked with them this past summer as a veterinary student and have done multiple externships with them. Happy to share my experience with them and answer any questions you may have.

Hi, I would like to get some information related to VEG

 

[battie]

Hi, I would like to get some information related to VEG

You might be better off trying to message them, but chances are they aren't still on the forum; their last post was from March 2023 and this particular post was 2.5 years ago.

 

[Blueangel7]

Hi, I would like to get some information related to VEG

Feel free to message me with any questions. I do not check this forum every day so regularly miss messages unless it is a direct message