316: It's time for evidence-based continuing education for CSRs

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Veterinary Medicine was a 2nd career for Jill Clark, DVM, who had a successful 17-year career as an Assistant Director in film and television production that followed her early start in that profession as a child actor. Looking for a change, she was accepted into veterinary school and graduated from Oklahoma State University with her DVM (’96). Clark practiced medicine in a 6-doctor practice as an associate and then Medical Director of a satellite practice for 10 years before joining a group of 8 hospitals that grew to 80, National PetCare Centers, eventually taking on the Vice President of Operations role. Next up, she served 12 years with VCA in hospital operations, managing 22 General and Specialty Practices, and then as a vice president at the VCA home office in Los Angeles, overseeing VCA’s doctor recruiting team, campus relationships, and intern/resident placement. In 2010, she was responsible for creating VCA’s award-winning corporate university, WOOF-U, which trained and developed over 24,000 veterinary learners and is still VCA’s primary training vehicle today.

Clark founded IGNITE Veterinary Solutions in 2016 with the singular goal of elevating the role-specific knowledge and capabilities of veterinary teams to enhance their well-being and the well-being of the patients and clients they serve. Her passion for the underserved learners in our profession is obvious in IGNITE’s focus on CSRs and their advancement. Clark and her co-author, Kristi Fisher, CVT, created the Veterinary Receptionist Certificate of Excellence (VRCE), which has made a material difference in the lives of more than 5,000 CSRs and growing. Her passion for elevating CSRs to a new level led her to create the non-profit North American Association of Veterinary Receptionists (NAAVR) in 2024 with Debbie Boone, CVPM, and Rhonda Bell, CVPM, PCM, CDMP. This association advocates for CSRs, normalizes and creates continuing CSR education tracks at state and national conferences, and provides the tools necessary for CSRs to thrive in their role. Her nearly 30-year career in veterinary medicine has been dedicated to constantly improving veterinary outcomes and operations. It has created many opportunities for the professional growth of the incredible people who make up our profession.

Clark’s other passions are showing American Quarter Horses and spending time with the love of her life and fellow veterinarian Bob Murtaugh, DVM, MS, and their 7 dogs, 9 horses, 4 cats, 4 goats, 4 mini-Belted Galloway cows, and 4 chickens on their ranch outside of Austin, Texas.