Town N Country is proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of our own. Samantha Furstenau has officially completed the Veterinary Reception Certificate of Excellence (VRCE), a nationally recognized credential that reflects advanced training, dedication to client service, and a deep commitment to veterinary communication. And yes, she now gets to sign her name with “VRCE” on work emails and forms, just like doctors use “DVM.” It’s a well‑earned badge of honor.
Samantha completed the 13‑week program with determination and focus. Although she had two attempts available for the final exam, she passed on her very first try. Her certificate now hangs proudly at our Gurney Street location, a visible reminder of the hard work behind her accomplishment.
While much of the material felt familiar from her years in the field, the course offered something invaluable: clarity, confidence, and confirmation that the skills she has been practicing were not only correct but exemplary. The training strengthened her ability to support the CSR team and the hospital as a whole. It also gave her insight into how other veterinary hospitals operate, sparking ideas for communication improvements and workflow efficiencies that benefit both clients and staff.
One of Samantha’s favorite parts of the program was the course on medical terminology and acronyms. Understanding terms more deeply has made it easier for her to interpret medical notes quickly and accurately. She says she spends less time Googling definitions during phone calls, giving her more confidence answering client questions.
She especially enjoyed learning directional terms like cranial vs. caudal and dorsal vs. ventral, and loves touting this knowledge by using them in her appointment notes to the doctors! And while it wasn’t new to her, she still has a soft spot for the classic acronym ADR—“Ain’t Doin’ Right.”
Samantha’s achievement reflects her dedication not only to her role, but to the clients and pets she serves every day. Her commitment to learning, improving, and elevating the standard of care at TNC has made us a better practice.
Please join us in celebrating Samantha, VRCE, for her hard work, her heart for client service, and her ongoing pursuit of excellence. We are proud to have her on our team and excited to see the impact she continues to make at Town N Country.
