Pulse - October 2022 - 14

Personnel Network. She grades exams for
the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and
writes articles in veterinary literature.
Her advice for veterinary technicians?
" Don't hesitate to apply for positions
where you have no experience, " she said.
" I had never worked with a laboratory
animal in my life. Yet techniques are similar
across species. I will always give credit
to those that taught me. Animal care personnel
in research have a huge amount
of skill and knowledge. When you are
Network, Network, Network
Linda Markland, RVT
Linda Markland wanted to be a human nurse. She planned to go to University
of California, Santa Barbara. Before classes started, she saw an ad
for kennel help and thought she could make extra money while waiting
for school to start.
" I absolutely loved working with aniShe
joined a veterinary distributor and
mals, the medicine part, " she said.
After earning her RVT, she worked in a
veterinary hospital and was lead technician
for three years.
" But I wasn't allowed to do the duties I
was trained to do and were legal to do with
my certification, " she said. " I had actually
been helping teach these skills, but wasn't
allowed to perform them where I worked.
So I found a hospital that let me do what I
was trained to do.
" This is still a problem, " she noted,
adding that there are always sessions on
tech utilization at veterinary conferences.
" There was a presentation at WVC in
March on just this subject.
" There wouldn't be such a shortage of
veterinarians if they would properly use
their technicians. We aren't allowed to use
the skills learned and then don't get paid a
living wage, " she said. " We still want to feel
fulfilled. If you're not fulfilled, leave. "
At her new practice, she was lead tech
and practice manager.
" I talked to reps that came in and became
friends with them. One would say you'd fit
well in a position we have open now, but I
hadn't thought of leaving. I started listening
to them. Different reps would say the same
thing, so I started asking questions.
" I thought [a particular job] could be an
interesting position with growth opportunities,
and I could still make a difference
in the veterinary profession. I gave three
months' notice. "
"
14
did relief work for many years. She did
inside sales, ordered supplies and eventually
became inventory manager in operations.
She worked there for five years until the
company was sold.
She did consulting, eventually joining
Veterinary Pet Insurance, now Nationwide.
Her task was to rebuild some relationships
with veterinarians that had
become strained. This is her 30th year
with the company.
Today she is Veterinary Relations Specialist,
seeking opportunities to build and
maintain relationships to help Nationwide
and veterinary organizations such
as the Veterinary Hospital Managers
Association, the National Association of
Veterinary Technicians in America, VetPartners
and major conferences. She also
sits on the Viticus board of directions as a
veterinary representative. She previously
worked for WVC.
Networking is key, she reminds
technicians.
" Our profession is all about relationships,
meeting people and building relationships.
Networking helped me to be able to do
what I've done.
" Get involved, " she said. " Imagination
is the only limitation. Check out industry
positions, pharmaceutical companies, pet
food manufacturers, laboratories. Consulting
is something specific that you can share
with others. Talk to reps about positions in
their companies or others.
" Go to meetings and conferences. Talk
to all kinds of people. Find a pool of companies
you can visit and talk to find out if
it's something you would be interested in.
" Get on LinkedIn. Many offers are
made through it. "
She recommends joining local and state
veterinary organizations.
" Get involved, not just as member.
Serve on a committee. Learn how
it works, how to help it get better. It's
important and rewarding. Before I helped
start a local tech organization in Orange
County, I didn't know anyone else had
the same challenges I did. I didn't feel
like an island anymore, thinking I was the
only one.
" Share, collaborate, make things better.
It also helps you grow.
" My best advice to anyone who wants
to expand their sphere of influence? " she
asked.
" Network, network, network. " P
humble, most colleagues will be happy to
teach you their tips and tricks.
" Be willing to study, learn and stretch
your knowledge! You never know where it
can lead you or what position is waiting
for you. "
There wouldn't be such a shortage of veterinarians if they would
properly use their technicians. We aren't allowed to use the skills
learned and then don't get paid a living wage, " Markland said.
OCTOBER 2022
PULSE
Pulse - October 2022

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