Team-building ideas win national prize

Each day at the University of Adelaide's Roseworthy Campus, Diane Whatling applies her 34 years of experience to veterinary care.

Ms Whatling, who is the Practice Manager with the University's Companion Animal Health Centre, has won a national award for sharing part of her experience and insight.

She won the inaugural "In the Black" competition run by the Australian Veterinary Business Association, sponsored by veterinary pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim.

The competition was run to find the best business ideas from veterinary practices around Australia.

Ms Whatling won the award for an essay on the importance of building a team culture in veterinary practice, and providing a case study of how to do it.

"I have been involved in the veterinary industry for 34 years and still believe that team players are the most important asset in veterinary business," Ms Whatling wrote.

"Encouraging a hunger for continuing education, self-improvement, enthusiasm and general workplace satisfaction is a starting point in supporting a team ethos."