Bridging the Gap: Technician & Internist Co-Management of Chronic Disease

Presentation Description / Summary: Chronic internal medicine cases often require long-term, multifaceted care that extends far beyond the exam room. Success in managing these complex patients depends on a strong, collaborative partnership between the internist and the veterinary technician. This lecture will explore how advanced-level technicians can work side-by-side with internists to improve patient outcomes, client satisfaction, and team efficiency. Through real-world case examples, attendees will learn to identify the shared roles of the internist and technician in chronic disease management, implement advanced technician-led strategies for monitoring and client communication, and recognize early red flags for decompensation. Emphasis will be placed on practical approaches to treatment compliance, proactive patient assessment, and effective team communication. By bridging the gap between technician and internist responsibilities, this session will provide actionable tools to elevate chronic disease management and improve both quality of care and quality of life for long-term internal medicine patients.