Trouble getting through to a specific doctor? Not sure whom to contact about a particular need? Having any sort of difficulty communicating with a Cornell veterinarian? Kelly Skeval is the person to call. She has recently been appointed Referring Veterinarian Coordinator, a new position dedicated to facilitating and improving relationships between Cornell’s Hospital for Animals and the referring veterinarians with whom it collaborates.
“CUHA offers a wealth of expertise and opportunities for partnership,” says Skeval. “I’m here to support communication and integration with referring veterinarians in order to provide the best possible care to patients. Veterinarians can come to me for troubleshooting or with any concerns regarding communication.”
In addition to facilitating live communication, Skeval examines communications systems already in place in order to improve them for maximum efficiency. She has recently worked to implement a new streamlined fax system that gets information where it needs to be faster. Faxes used to arrive at multiple locations, but now they all go to one line, saving time and reducing delivery error.
Skeval is uniquely suited for her role. She has worked in veterinary hospitals since she was 14, earned her associates degree at Alfred State College, and worked as a veterinary technician for six years, including four years at Cornell. Her dual experience in private practices and academia gives her insight into both worlds and opportunities for them to collaborate to offer the most appropriate medical care for the condition. With her background as a veterinary technician, she can better understand cases and relevant terminology and can communicate clearly with veterinarians about their needs.
You can contact Skeval at the Hospital any time Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm with concerns or suggestions – anything Skeval says, from contacting a “scheduled-to-the-minute” doctor to finding the appropriate resources for a specific case. Call the Hospital phone room at (607)253-3064 and ask to speak with Kelly Skeval.