Safi Chand

Safi Chand has made it his mission to improve the lives of animals across Maryland and beyond. As the proprietor of New Market Animal Hospital, he is dedicated to growing information on veterinary practices and pet healthcare so your cherished pets can live a long, vibrant life.

Through extensive experience in adapting animal emergency departments, Safi has developed various strategies and is dedicated to keeping up with progressive protocols.

Boasting a decade of experience in emergency medicine and surgery, Chand graduated from Canada before specializing even further in ER medicine and surgery since 2005.

In 2006, he was graced with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to conclude an internship in small animal medicine and emergency surgery for 12 months at Southern Massachusetts Emergency and Referral. His hard work did not go unnoticed as he was honored to become an ER clinician at CVCA and AVIM, the largest Cardiology and Internal Medicine organization of Maryland, for four years afterwards.

Growing up passionate about German Shepherds, Chand has always held a dream of becoming a veterinarian. Now an expert in the field of internal medicine and cardiology, he is also able to perform surgery with exacting accuracy as well as deliver radiology exams, soft tissue procedures, and certain orthopedic treatments.

In his free time, he enjoys spending quality moments with his family (which includes two cats and some fish), reading books, exploring new places, and horseback riding – activities that add color to an already vibrant life.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts with checking in on any overnight patients and reviewing their medical records. Then, I begin seeing scheduled appointments, which can include routine check-ups, vaccinations, and sick pets. I also may perform surgeries, such as spays, neuters, and other procedures.

In between appointments, I typically respond to phone calls, emails, and other inquiries from pet owners, as well as communicate with other members of the veterinary staff, such as technicians and assistants. I also spend time reviewing test results, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and creating treatment plans.

To make my day productive, I prioritize my tasks based on urgency and importance. I make sure to schedule enough time for each appointment and procedure, and I strive to be efficient without rushing. I also make a point to stay organized and stay on top of paperwork and administrative tasks, such as updating medical records and ordering supplies.

Lastly, I believe that staying up-to-date with the latest veterinary research and techniques is crucial for providing the best possible care to my patients. So, I dedicate time each day to reading professional journals and attending webinars, and continuing education courses.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I bring ideas to life by following a process of planning, implementation, and evaluation. This involves brainstorming ideas, setting clear goals and objectives, developing a detailed plan, allocating resources, and executing the plan. It’s also important to regularly evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure the success of the idea. Collaboration with your team and seeking input from clients can also help bring new ideas to life.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One exciting trend is the increasing focus on preventative care for pets. Pet owners are becoming more aware of the importance of regular check-ups, vaccinations, and other preventative measures to keep their pets healthy and prevent illnesses. This trend is beneficial for veterinarians as it allows them to detect potential health problems early and provide appropriate treatment before the conditions become more severe.

Additionally, the development of new technologies and treatments such as genetic testing, stem cell therapy, and personalized medicine also provide exciting opportunities for veterinarians to improve the health and well-being of animals in their care. These advancements can lead to more effective treatments, faster recoveries, and a better quality of life for pets.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

The habit of effective time management is my key to success. This involves setting clear goals and priorities for each day, scheduling tasks and appointments, and minimizing distractions. By having a structured and organized approach to my workday, I can increase my efficiency and effectiveness in providing care to animal patients and managing my business. Additionally, taking breaks and practicing self-care also helps me prevent burnout and maintain long-term productivity.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. When starting in the veterinary field, it’s important to remember that no one knows everything. It’s okay to ask for help and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues.

Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?

Many pet owners often overfeed their pets, leading to obesity and health problems, and veterinary professionals should take a more active role in educating owners about appropriate portion sizes and nutritional requirements.

While some pet owners may agree with this statement, others may be resistant to changing their feeding habits or may believe that their pets need constant access to food. Additionally, some may feel that it is not the responsibility of veterinary professionals to monitor their pets’ diets.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

I repeatedly practice and recommend everyone else prioritize preventive care for their pets.

Preventive care includes regular wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care. By staying proactive and catching potential health problems early, we can often treat or manage them before they become more serious and expensive to address.

I encourage pet owners to establish a relationship with their veterinarians and schedule regular check-ups for their furry companions. This not only helps keep pets healthy and happy but also strengthens the bond between the pet and its owner.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When I feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I take a break from whatever I am doing and engage in a stress-reducing activity. This can include taking a walk outside, practicing deep breathing or meditation, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby or activity that I enjoy.

I also prioritize tasks and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, I delegate tasks to others and seek support from my colleagues or loved ones to reduce the feelings of overwhelm.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

One strategy that has proven to be effective in growing my veterinary practice is developing a strong online presence. In today’s digital age, more and more pet owners are turning to the internet to find and research veterinary services for their furry companions.

I worked hard to establish a strong online presence by creating a professional website that is user-friendly and informative. It includes details about the services offered, staff credentials, and contact information. It also has a blog section where I share my expertise and insights on pet care and health.

Another important aspect of building an online presence is social media. New Market Animal Hospital is on all prominent media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We connect with pet owners, share photos and videos of patients, and provide updates about the hospital through our social media pages.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

One common failure that as a veterinary doctor I have faced in my career is losing a patient despite my best efforts. It was a devastating experience. To overcome that feeling of failure, I had to again recognize that death is a natural part of the circle of life and that I cannot always save every patient. I took solace in the fact that I did everything possible to save the animal and that I provided comfort and support during its final moments.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

One business idea that I can give to your readers is to start a mobile veterinary clinic. This type of business would cater to pet owners who may have difficulty traveling to a veterinary clinic, such as those with disabilities or elderly owners. The mobile clinic would provide basic veterinary care such as vaccinations, check-ups, and minor procedures, and could also offer in-home euthanasia services.

To start a mobile veterinary clinic, you would need to invest in a vehicle that can be converted into a mobile clinic, purchase equipment, and supplies, and obtain any necessary licenses and permits. You would also need to market your services to potential clients, such as through social media, flyers, and local advertising.

This business idea has the potential to be successful, as it would provide a much-needed service to pet owners who may have difficulty accessing traditional veterinary care. Additionally, it would allow for more personalized and convenient care for pets, which could lead to greater customer loyalty and referrals.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I love” ezyVet”. This software allows me to streamline my hospital’s workflow, manage patient records, schedule appointments, and handle billing and invoicing all in one place. It also provides me with tools for inventory management, employee scheduling, and reporting.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

My favorite book is Small Animal Internal Medicine by Richard W. Nelson and C. Guillermo Couto and my favorite podcast is VetGirl Veterinary CE Podcast.

Both of these are widely respected in the veterinary community for providing useful and practical information on various topics such as animal care, medicine, and surgery. The podcast keeps me up-to-date on the latest developments and advancements in my field.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently watched “The Incredible Dr. Pol. ” The show follows the life and work of a Dutch-American veterinarian, Dr. Jan Pol. The show provides an entertaining and educational insight into the daily life of a rural veterinarian and the challenges and rewards that come with caring for all kinds of animals, from large farm animals to small pets. As a veterinarian, I really enjoy watching this show, as it reminds me of my own work experiences, and also helps in learning new treatment methods, diagnoses, and animal behavior.

Key learnings

• Death is a natural part of the circle of life and a doctor cannot always save every patient.
• Prioritize tasks and break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Effective time management is the key to success.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.