I have been practicing veterinary medicine for nearly 17 years. I graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003, a starry-eyed 24-year-old ready to start the career I’d been dreaming of since childhood. I was one of those 6-year-olds that knew she wanted to be a vet in 1st grade, and… Read More
Team Culture
The 4 Most Important Lessons I’ve Learned From Being a Manager
As a technician, I was always the go-to person. I was the one to problem solve, answer questions, place the difficult IV catheter or listen and guide my coworkers. I felt the need to point my veterinary career towards leadership and 2 years ago I made the jump and became a practice manager. I was… Read More
Why Shared Work Never Feels Equal
In the veterinary clinic, there are a ton of jobs that require a collaborative effort. It’s no news to you that in order to keep the day running smoothly, you can’t do it all alone and you need help from your teammates. So, why is it that even with technicians, assistants, receptionists and doctors it… Read More
Associate Vets Have Voices and Should Use Them
Not every vet wants to be a practice owner. But every vet is made up of more than medical knowledge and surgical skills. I’ve said before, it’s OK to want to be happy at work. We spend a lot of time there. A traditional associate veterinarian is a person who comes gangbusters out of school… Read More
What to Do When the Grass IS Greener
Guess what you guys?! After 15 years (yes you read that right 15 years!!!) at my animal hospital, I accepted a new job. I didn’t think it would ever happen, but something came along that made me want to get outside of my comfort zone for a whole lot of personal growth and even some… Read More
Why I Would Not Do an Internship Again
Last year I did a rotating internship. When I tell people about my year I have a stock response that I can dole out on demand. I have told my grandma, my new co-workers, my high school friends, and everyone in-between the same synopsis. It goes like this: “Last year I did a veterinary rotating… Read More