About the Business Vet
Karen Bolten, DVM, MBA
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Master of Business Administration (2022)
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BS, Business Management (2020)
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Operations/Supply Chain
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Founder: Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic (2012)
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Equine Internship: Missouri CVM (2010)
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Vet School: Ohio State CVM (2009)
Animals:​ A variety pack of 3 dogs​, a herd of FIV+ shelter cats, and bettas + corresponding snails
About me
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How do you do, fellow worn-out veterinary professionals?
I, too, have experienced a lot of crazy stuff between animals, owners, and businesses. I have a background in large animal veterinary practice ownership and am an associate veterinarian at a small animal clinic. So, yes, I'm a traitor, but cats really are very similar to horses.
After an 8-year stint owning my practice, I was ready for a new direction. So, I sold my clinic, widened the horizons of my student loan account, and plunged into the business world. And you know what? I love it. I can look back on many past activities and realize I have always had a propensity for this topic. So, in 2020 I graduated with a Magna cum laude in Business Management with a focus on Operations and Supply Chain Management (and almost a marketing minor, but I had to stop somewhere). Then, in 2022, I finished my MBA. Whew.
My areas of interest in business are general business strategy and marketing strategy, and I love anything where one can use data to make better decisions. My driving force? Through innovation and education, there are answers out there for those of us that are struggling. I aim to share what I've discovered and continue my journey as a professional student.
Beyond the business angle, I'm a staunch mental health advocate. I'm eager to use my experiences and skills to promote healthier workplaces in the veterinary field and support those struggling with mental illness. It can get better.
My experience with social media started when Facebook was only open to college students (ancient history). In the Facebook-dominant days, my large animal clinic was my region's most followed veterinary page. I now concentrate primarily on Instagram to spread business education to veterinary professionals, focusing on strategy and marketing education. I'm slowly starting to contribute my geriatric millennial-ness to Tiktok. Eek.
But it doesn't stop there - I'm always looking for new ways to innovate and improve my efficiency and level of patient care within my job and business. From creating a hashtag generator to using A.I. to manage medical records more effectively, I'd prefer to be ahead of the curve.
My passions include anything ancient (dogs, horses, houses, history) and precious sighthounds. Let's be honest - I'll take in absolutely any animal. I'm a computer nerd that has transitioned my copyright-infringing 1993 Sim Horse Barn skills (IYKYK) into forcing A.I. to do my records.
My target audience? Veterinary professionals are seeking to bolster their business efficacy. So if you're looking to amplify profits, improve employee compensation, attract more clients, or refocus on the aspects of practice you genuinely love, you're in the right place.
Curious to learn more? My Instagram is a treasure trove of bite-sized business insights. For a deeper dive, check out my courses and products tailored specifically for the veterinary profession.
Looking forward to sharing this journey with you!
qualifications
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Coastal Carolina University
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MBA Candidate (2020-2022)
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Coastal Carolina University
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​BSBA (Management), 2017-2020
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Concentration in Operations and Supply Chain Management​
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Magna cum laude, GPA 3.93
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Other certifications:
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Hubspot: Content Marketing Certification - April 2019
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Hubspot: Social Media Certification - March 2019
Business Education
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Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic (2012-2018)
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Founder, grew practice to two veterinarians, two staff, and modern equipment. Special interest in dentistry, preventive medicine, geriatric care, and large zoo/exotics.
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Mixed Animal Veterinary Acupuncture Certification
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​The Chi Institute (2015-2016)
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Carolina Equine Clinic South (2010-2012)
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First associate veterinarian for new satellite solo practice. Grew practice from scratch via cold calls, canvassing, website, and social media. Bought clinic in 2012.
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University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine
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​Rotating Equine Internship, 2009-2010
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Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
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​​DVM, 2005-2009
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EPM Lab, Ohio State University (2003-2006)
Veterinary Experience
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Websites Designed
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TheBusinessVet.com (This site)
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AcuVetforPets.com - Mobile Veterinary Acupuncture
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Based on marketing research​
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Previously designed websites, no longer managed
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Myrtle Beach Equine Clinic​
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Carolina Equine Clinic South
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Ohio State Student Chapter of the AAEP
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Southwest Ohio Doberman Rescue
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St. Ursula Classics Club
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Huntington Stables
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Social Media
Last updated 9/2020