From the breakroom to the boardroom, from the classroom to the courtroom, and from the exam room to the comfort room, female veterinarians are blazing trails from coast to coast.
The remarkable women profiled here might work in varied areas of veterinary medicine, but their shared determination and commitment to innovate, open doors and elevate everyone around them caught our attention as worthy of public acknowledgment and praise, to say the very least.
We share with you the stories of 22 outstanding female veterinarians and how they became driving forces in their areas of expertise. We honor their noteworthy accomplishments and briefly explore their journeys.
With any “Best” list, we had to be selective, and it was a challenging task. Anyone forging a path in veterinary medicine in today’s complex world is heroic in our eyes. We hope our choices inspire you.
STACY LYNN ANDERSON, DVM, DACVS-LA, Ph.D., MVSc
Dean of Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Stacy Lynn Anderson has a passion for teaching, which ultimately took her to the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine, where the student-centered education model closely aligned with her experiences. She graduated with honors in 2004 from the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After a brief career as a professional horsewoman, Dr. Anderson completed two equine/large animal internships, one at a private practice near Chicago and the other at the University of Tennessee. In 2012, she completed a large animal surgical residency and a master’s of veterinary science at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She remained at Western to complete a doctorate in which she investigated equine neutrophil lifespan in equine inflammatory conditions. In 2016, she became Lincoln Memorial’s director of large animal clinical skills. In August 2019, she was named the interim associate dean of academic affairs and, a year later, the veterinary college’s dean.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Ride dressage, including starting a young warmblood under saddle this summer. Also, take care of my small farm and teach my daughter to ride horses.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I work very efficiently so that I do not have to work after hours. I stay on top of email and other projects so I can focus on being a dean rather than getting buried in the number of daily tasks and meetings the position requires. I rely heavily on my amazing team of faculty and staff to keep the organization running like a fine-tuned machine. I prioritize ending the day promptly at 5 p.m. so that I can go home and do the things that I love best: Ride horses, be with my family and be at my farm.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Find a work culture that fits you. If coming to work is not fun and enjoyable, then find somewhere else. That being said, you contribute to the work culture, so realize that your actions have a huge impact on those around you.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would not change anything. My career path has been a winding road highlighted by unique opportunities that I decided to take a risk to pursue. I would never in a million years have thought that this is where I would be today. I have enjoyed every bizarre turn of events that led me down a seemingly random path. My take-home is to go with what interests you and take risks in life because you never know where you will end up.
MIA SU CARY, DVM
CEO of Cary Consulting and Pride Veterinary Medical Community
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Mia Su Cary looks at her career as a series of phases. During the first phase, she focused on research, spending six years on marine mammal projects from the Dominican Republic to Barrow, Alaska. The second phase was clinical, spent before and during veterinary school as an uncredentialed veterinary assistant and then, after graduation from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, as an associate veterinarian in a small animal practice. Her third phase was in industry, including five years at Novartis Animal Health and nine years at Boehringer Ingelheim, including roles in sales, marketing, technical support and executive leadership. After that, she entered the association phase, which included leading educational offerings and strategic partnerships at the North American Veterinary Community and the American Veterinary Medical Association. All those experiences led her to her current entrepreneurial phase as the CEO and change agent for Cary Consulting. She presents, facilitates and consults on topics such as leadership, inclusion and collaboration. In addition, she serves as the CEO of the Pride Veterinary Medical Community and is a Today’s Veterinary Business columnist.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to be in motion outdoors, preferably in, on or near water. Stand-up paddleboarding is one of my favorite well-being activities.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I do not think work-life balance is achievable. I prefer to think of it as work-life integration. A few integration smartcuts that work well for me include utilizing the Todoist app, blocking time in my calendar for activities beyond meetings, and identifying the most important activity I wish to accomplish each day and doing that first. A current favorite smartcut, since the weather is turning nicer, is going for walks during virtual meetings when I am not the host.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Make time to regularly reflect on what makes you excited about getting up in the morning, and do more of that.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would add more personal days to as many work trips as possible. I started doing it more midcareer and realized how many cool places I did not take the time to explore in my early career. It’s such a great way to see the world and one of the many benefits of intentional work-life integration. Yes, I would explore more.
JILL CLARK, DVM
Founder of and chief visionary officer at Ignite Veterinary Solutions
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Veterinary medicine is a second career for Dr. Jill Clark, who before enrolling in veterinary school had a 17-year run as an assistant director in film and television. Ready for a change, she graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996 and practiced medicine in a six-doctor hospital before joining National PetCare Centers, a group of eight hospitals that grew to 80. She eventually was promoted to vice president of operations. Next up, she served 12 years with VCA in hospital operations, overseeing 22 general and specialty practices, and then as the vice president overseeing the doctor recruitment team, campus relationships and intern/resident placement. In 2010, she took on the responsibility of creating VCA’s corporate academy, WOOF University, which has trained over 24,000 veterinary learners and today is VCA’s primary training vehicle. Dr. Clark’s passion for learning is a big part of why she started Ignite Veterinary Solutions in 2016 with the goal of teaching veterinary teams to enhance their well-being and the well-being of patients and clients.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Showing my string of quarter horses.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
My husband and fellow veterinarian, Bob Murtaugh, and I live on a small ranch near Austin, Texas. Our menagerie of animals demands that we carve out time for them. We love tending the garden, feeding the cows and riding the horses. It is therapeutic and gives us renewed energy to get back to the day-to-day challenges of our businesses.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
The first thing is to set goals. So often as new veterinarians, we get caught up in the day-to-day challenges and don’t really think about setting life goals, but it is so vital to your well-being and success.
Second, once you know what you want to accomplish, make those goals known. You never know whom you may connect with who can play a role in your success. Be persistent and loud. The more you think about what your success looks like and make connections, the more likely it is to happen.
Third, keep an open mind to opportunities. If someone had told me after graduation what I would be doing today, I wouldn’t have believed them. Veterinary medicine can take you in so many wonderful directions. Be open to ideas that will challenge you. They may turn out to be the best decisions you have ever made.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I’m not sure I would do anything differently. My career track was not a straight line but more of a winding trail. I love that about my journey and the people I met and the challenges I encountered. So many people have helped me in this great profession, and I’m now in the place in my career where I get the greatest enjoyment by giving back to others. Veterinary medicine is amazing in that way.
LINDA FINEMAN, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
CEO of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Linda Fineman’s career path started in college when her beloved cat got cancer, ultimately leading her to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, an internship and residency training. She enjoyed working as an oncology specialist, which culminated in practice ownership with a group of partners. That experience in management and leadership laid the groundwork for her becoming the medical director of a multispecialty hospital. She then moved to the Ethos Veterinary Health hospital network, where she was the vice president of learning and development. She now explores a different aspect of the profession as the CEO of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love outdoor activities, especially birdwatching, hiking and cross-country skiing. It’s hard to think about work when you observe and note what is around you.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
As my career progresses, I’ve learned to set boundaries when I look at or respond to emails. With the remote work environment resulting from the pandemic, I found it easier to work during my most productive times of the day, fitting household responsibilities and family time into my schedule around work commitments.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Take time to connect to people when you cross paths. We are a small profession, and you never know with whom the person you are speaking may be connected. The corollary here is to be careful about what you say, as we are all just a degree or two of separation apart. Secondly, I would encourage young people to focus on their relationship-building skills as they will get you farther than any bit of knowledge you memorize.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have taken business classes early on. When I started, I never wanted to be a practice owner and didn’t see myself as a leader. I missed some opportunities for entrepreneurship early on because of self-imposed limitations.
HEATHER N. FOWLER, VMD, ACVPM, Ph.D., MPH, PMP
Director of producer and public health at the National Pork Board
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Heather N. Fowler earned her veterinary medical degree in 2010 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and followed up with a master’s in public health in applied biostatistics and epidemiology from Yale University and a doctorate in environmental and occupational hygiene from the University of Washington. As a veterinarian board-certified in preventive medicine, she has expertise in zoonotic disease, public health, worker safety and health, and One Health. In 2017, she went to work at the National Pork Board, where she oversees public health and occupational safety and health issues related to swine production. A lifelong learner, she earned certification in 2020 from the Project Management Institute.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spending time with family, going to movies, hanging out with friends and going for walks around my neighborhood.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
Weekends are the perfect time for me to unplug but also recharge for the coming week. During that time, I like to just relax, read a book and enjoy me time.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Be open to new adventures. I thought I’d be in a very different place right now in my career, but I’m very happy where I am, and that’s because I was open to new opportunities, ones I didn’t even know existed and thus didn’t plan for.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I try not to focus too much on the past. If anything, I share my learnings with the next generation so they can learn from my experiences. I’m driven to give back and mentor new and future veterinarians and scientists-researchers.
MARY GARDNER, DVM
Co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and an author
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Mary Gardner was a software designer for about a decade before her dog’s death led her to reconsider her career path. She entered veterinary school in her 30s at the University of Florida and after graduation, practiced at a South Florida clinic. Not having the impact she desired, she joined UF classmate Dr. Dani McVety in 2010 in creating a peaceful end-of-life experience for pets and their families. A sought-after lecturer and speaker, she has written numerous articles on end-of-life care and a textbook focused on geriatric medicine. In addition, her passion for pets inspired the idea for Monarch Pet Services, an Aquamation aftercare service.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Golf
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I don’t. It is never in balance. Right now, at this age and stage in my life, work is my priority. I love it. I love the impact we make, and I’m having a great time doing it. I just have to be an alchemist and make the time for both. It’s OK to be a little off-balance in either direction as long as you are happy.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Set goals you are willing to work toward. If a family is your priority, that’s fine. If building a company is your goal, that’s great, too. You don’t have to do it all or all at the same time. As my coach reminds me, “If it is not a ‘Heck, yes!’ then it’s a ‘No!’” This helps me not take on more than I can handle.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
One time I tried being a brunette. Nothing!
ELEANOR M. GREEN, DVM, DACVIM, DABVP
Veterinary consultant and senior adviser and consultant at Animal Policy Group
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Eleanor M. Green’s career has spanned practice ownership, education, academic leadership and consulting. After earning her DVM from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, she became board-certified in large animal internal medicine (equine) and certified in equine practice. She spent years teaching at Mississippi State University, the University of Missouri, the University of Tennessee and the University of Florida. In 2009, she was appointed the Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, a position she held until 2020. Dr. Green served as president of four national organizations: the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians. She was the first female president at three of them. Partnering with the North American Veterinary Community and its Veterinary Innovation Council, she helped establish the Veterinary Innovation Summit. At Texas A&M, she helped create the Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy with the goal of engaging veterinary students nationwide in innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Green has earned numerous awards and recognitions, including the AAVMC’s 2020 Billy E. Hooper Award for Distinguished Service and the 2020 VMX Icon Award. Currently, she serves on numerous boards and consults on issues of importance in veterinary medicine, the horse industry, leadership and diversity.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My foremost hobby has always been horses. I have owned and shown horses, primarily quarter horses, since I was young. I am currently showing in the AQHA Ranch Horse Division, primarily on a horse that my husband, Dr. Jim Heird, and I raised that has won three world championships. We also own Iron Horse Farm, a small quarter horse breeding and showing operation in Millsap, Texas. Additionally, we have five children and 10 grandchildren. They love coming to the farm to ride horses, drive the tractor and enjoy farm life.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
Family first, through thick and thin, is of paramount importance. If family suffers because of work, work will ultimately suffer. I wanted a family and a successful career, so I did what had to be done. Certainly, there were challenges and times of stress and weariness. I distinctly remember deciding that the horses had to be ranked third, so my riding was delayed as necessary. Balance is about doing your best wherever you are and prioritizing — with joy.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Be happy. Happiness truly is a choice. Bad things happen, but you don’t have to be defined by them. Every day, take inventory of your life to ensure that you don’t forget the many blessings that tend to be clouded by the immediate, negative challenges.
Be yourself confidently. The most important role you will ever play is yourself. Let your light shine from within you in all your glory. Stand for what you believe in, even if you stand alone, but do so such that others are encouraged to understand and follow.
Follow your passion, chase your dreams and never give up on reaching your goals, even when they change dramatically.
Be adaptable. Adaptability is more important for today’s success than IQ or EQ.
Be mindful of the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Treat all people with kindness and compassion. Be the kind of person others want to be around and follow.
Be an inventor of the future of veterinary health care. Do not shirk that responsibility by becoming complacent with the way things are, even under the pressure from others pushing back on change.
Finally, always recognize that veterinary medicine is a magical career that allows unlimited avenues for diverse interests and constant fulfillment.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
At 89 years of age, Willie Nelson said he would not change a thing because he liked where he is today and that if he changed anything, he would not be where he is. I liked that answer.
JOYA GRIFFIN, DVM, DACVD
TV personality and a Lexington, Kentucky, veterinary dermatologist
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Veterinary dermatology is one of Dr. Joya Griffin’s greatest joys. She pursued it early in veterinary school after seeing how the doctors at Cornell University changed the life of her family dog Gizmo. According to Dr. Griffin, Gizmo was the saddest dermatologic nightmare — hairless, stinky, facial ulcerations and living daily with an e-collar. Dr. Griffin moved Gizmo to Ithaca, New York, during veterinary school and made an appointment with the dermatologic service as soon as she arrived. Within weeks, Gizmo’s infections cleared, and her itching was under control. Her skin healed, her hair regrew, and the e-collar was abandoned. The firsthand experience gave Dr. Griffin a taste of what quality specialized care could do and how it literally saved Gizmo’s life. Dr. Griffin wanted to do that for people, not only to make their pets look beautiful again but to restore the human-animal bond by giving pets a renewed quality of life. Today, Dr. Griffin practices veterinary dermatology and stars in the Nat Geo Wild TV series “Pop Goes the Vet With Dr. Joya.”
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I enjoy entertaining. We have three children: a 7-year-old boy, Caden, and boy-girl twins Coby and Carter, age 4. I enjoy working out, running with my run club, traveling and eating the delicious food my husband makes. To relax, I listen to audiobooks and watch movies.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I work extremely hard to accomplish the majority of my work-related activities while at work. Any extra work related to speaking engagements and mentoring, I do during weekday nights after the children have gone to bed and on my day off. Time-blocking helps, as does keeping a very detailed schedule of all the tasks I need to accomplish.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Don’t quit. Find a good mentor willing to help you along the way with advice, fostering connections and writing you a great recommendation letter to get you to the next step in accomplishing your career aspirations.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Not much. I love my job, and the tough experiences helped me get to where I am today. But I guess I would tell my younger elementary school self to not be so shy or self-conscious and “Don’t worry, you won’t be chubby forever.”
JENNIFER HAWKINS, DVM
Executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
After graduating from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000, Dr. Jennifer Hawkins was a small animal practitioner, a veterinary technician instructor and a contributing web copywriter for Veterinary Pet Insurance (now known as Nationwide). Before becoming the executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, she was the chief veterinarian at OC Animal Care, a municipal shelter serving 14 contracted cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County, California. She has participated in organized veterinary medicine at the local and state levels. She represents District 2 (Los Angeles and Orange counties and Antelope Valley cities) on behalf of the California Veterinary Medical Association’s board of governors.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
It may sound cheesy, but I love to spend time with my family and close friends. Sharing experiences with the people who “get” me fills my cup. I also love hiking, photography, painting, crafting and Wordling.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
If I’m being entirely honest, my life isn’t always balanced. I prioritize critical work or family needs and give myself some grace if I fail from time to time. Some of my methods to maximize productivity and spare some time for life are time-blocking my schedule, consciously planning and shifting as needed, turning off email to maintain focus, and setting alerts to ensure I don’t miss the next item on my schedule.
Also, I have an ace up my sleeve in the form of my husband, Scott. He does most of the grocery shopping and food prep, which gives me more time to focus on family when I’m not working. In my current role, I’m able to get work done early in the day, make it to school pickup on my scheduled days, answer emails and phone calls while my daughter does her homework, pause for dinner, go for a run, and close out the day’s work tasks before winding down with a glass of wine and popcorn. I could never do it all without a support system in place.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Don’t isolate yourself. It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the busyness of just applying everything you’re learning while being slammed daily with intensive cases and demanding clients. I get it — you just want to go home and put your feet up, and you definitely should do that. But you must interact with others in your profession outside of the workplace.
Attending local veterinary association meetings is an effective treatment for the chronic stress we face. At these meetings, I meet so many other people enduring the same challenges I faced every day. By getting to know the other veterinary professionals in my community, I learned about other opportunities in the industry and made connections with folks I could contact when needed.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I’d adjust my mindset sooner in my career. After graduation, I figured that everything would be so easy once I’d been in practice for the requisite amount of time. And while things did get easier, it took some time to understand that the learning never ends and that failures still happen. If I’d just had a mindset that understanding one’s journey is a marathon and not a sprint, I could have viewed setbacks as opportunities rather than beating myself up.
We are all a work in progress, and it takes intention to keep growing, learning and achieving your goals. And once you’ve achieved them, you set new goals and start the process all over. Also, it’s perfectly OK to ask for help from time to time.
Other than that, I’d do everything just the same. My experiences have made me who I am, and I wouldn’t wish to change that.
CARRIE JURNEY, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Owner of Jurney Veterinary Neurology and a founding board member of Not One More Vet
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Carrie Jurney always knew she wanted to be a doctor and always loved animals. However, it wasn’t until she started working in human medicine that veterinary medicine was the right path. Shortly thereafter, she worked as a veterinary assistant in a specialty and emergency hospital, setting the course for much of her life. After graduating from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and a residency at the University of Pennsylvania, she settled in as a board-certified neurologist in San Francisco. At that point, she was stuck in a cycle of burnout, overwork and toxic perfectionism. Unfortunately, instead of course-correcting, she kept trying to work harder and harder until one day, a good friend expressed suicidal thoughts. That moment started a paradigm shift in Dr. Jurney’s career. She began to work on her wellness and, in 2015, joined Not One More Vet founder Dr. Nicole McArthur as a Facebook moderator for the group. Eight years later, Not One More Vet has grown into the largest veterinary well-being charity globally, with programs offering peer support and education and research programs. She took over as president in 2020.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
My husband and I are metal sculptors. Hitting a piece of metal with a hammer is pretty great stress relief.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I’ve come to realize that the non-work part of my life is not optional. I’m diligent about making sure my home life, volunteer work and professional career get the time they deserve. I have regimented things, like weekends are not for work, and some things that are more flexible. I also built a catch-up day into my schedule. Fridays are the day when I get things done. I write lectures, take meetings and answer emails. That makes the other days so much less stressful.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
It’s great to have goals, but make sure they are realistic and actually what you want to do. It’s also OK to change your mind. If you had asked me in veterinary school what I was going to do, I would have told you that I was 100% going to be a surgeon. That is until I did abdominal surgery and hated it. Now I’m a neurologist and perfectly happy. The path forward is rarely a straight line. Remember to live a little and let yourself off the hook while you are on the path.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Honestly, nothing. Every hard thing I’ve been through helped me be who I am today. Every mistake was a growth opportunity. Every bump in the road gave me a new challenge to surmount. It wasn’t easy but I wouldn’t change it.
CHARLOTTE LACROIX, DVM, JD
CEO of Veterinary Business Advisors Inc.
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Charlotte Lacroix earned her DVM from the University of California, Davis, and after completing a large animal internship at Ontario Veterinary College, worked for several years at an equine medical and surgical referral practice in northern New Jersey. Pursuing her goal to make greater contributions to the veterinary profession, she attended and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania law school. She went on to start Veterinary Business Advisors Inc., where she and her team consult with veterinarians nationwide on business and risk issues, including practice purchases and sales. She was president of the North American Veterinary Community in 2014-15 and is a current board member with the Veterinary Innovation Council and the Veterinary Virtual Care Association. As a speaker, Dr. Lacroix has presented at numerous conferences worldwide and made radio and TV appearances. She also held leadership roles with the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy traveling, long-distance biking, horseback riding, skiing, boating and socializing with my friends. My most passionate pastime is traveling with my children.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
It is an ebb and flow. Sometimes, work will need more of your attention, and sometimes, your personal life will need more of your attention. My staff would say it is because I don’t do tomorrow what I can do today.
I am pretty good at setting boundaries. For example, I go to France every year for three to four weeks and don’t open my computer.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Do not put yourself in a box. “Society” often puts labels and demands on women stating what and who we should be. Society should not define your journey; you should. Create a path that you want where you are free to follow your passions and live your best life. Be clear and disciplined about your boundaries and communicate them frequently. Think about what is really important to you.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. Life happens the way it is supposed to. Both good and bad experiences led me to where I am today. I am grateful to have the best career in the world, working with and for my veterinary colleagues.
NADINE LAMBERSKI, DVM, DACZM, DECZM
Chief conservation and wildlife health officer at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Nadine Lamberski graduated in 1990 from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and then spent a month at the Toledo Zoo in Ohio, which opened her eyes to the role of zoos in wildlife conservation. She completed an internship at the University of Tennessee and the Knoxville Zoo, followed by a residency at the University of California, Davis. She stayed at UC Davis for another year, teaching veterinary students and working at the Sacramento Zoo before going to work as a veterinarian at the Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina. Seven years later, she was recruited to be a senior veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Over the years, she was promoted to other roles, and while developing her leadership skills, she pursued opportunities in wildlife conservation. After 26 years as a clinical veterinarian, she moved into an executive role as chief animal health officer, a job that allowed her to think strategically about the zoo’s animal health programs and focus on opportunities to drive better health outcomes organizationally. After four years, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. For Dr. Lamberski, the pandemic was a wakeup call regarding nature’s delicate balance, the interconnectedness of the health of people, wildlife and the environment, and the urgency needed to address the loss of biodiversity. The urgency led to her current, and hopefully most impactful, role as chief conservation and wildlife health officer for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Be in nature, such as walking, hiking, watching wildlife and looking at the ocean, play tennis, cook, and relax with family and friends.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I work a lot, but it doesn’t feel like work. Balance comes to me by truly enjoying and being engaged and energized by my work and taking time to disconnect
and focus on the other things I enjoy. I love what I do, and I am not defined by what I do.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Know your goals and revisit them periodically. Don’t be afraid to change or alter your goals as you grow and change. The perfect career for you may be the one you have not yet learned about.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would make exercise a part of my daily routine and practice yoga regularly. It is so much harder to develop those routines when you are older. Fitness and wellness are key. I prefer to look at the past as lessons learned and focus more on what I can and should do differently today and what I can change in the future.
JUSTINE LEE, DVM, DACVECC, DABT
Co-founder and director of medicine at VETgirl
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
A board-certified veterinary specialist in emergency critical care and toxicology, Dr. Justine Lee graduated from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and completed her internship at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. A fellowship and residency in emergency and critical care were done at the University of Pennsylvania. She served as a University of Minnesota faculty member and as head of an animal poison control center. She founded VETgirl, a subscription-based podcast, webinar and continuing education service. A speaker, blogger and author, Dr. Lee appears on Nat Geo Wild’s “Animal ER Live” and is a consultant for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
High-intensity interval training exercise, ice hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, running, traveling, eating good food and hiking.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
It’s a struggle. I have to fight off “workafrolic” tendencies — working hard on things I love — while prioritizing my family. I have the philosophy of “work hard, play hard” and use techniques like learning to say no, outsourcing and delegating, and letting go.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
You have to put in a lot of work during the first few years because that’s the pivotal time for building your communication skills, technical and surgical skills, and work efficiency. If you’re willing to work hard in the beginning, I promise the skills, efficiency and balance will come. Realistically, it takes five years before you can achieve this, but give yourself grace, be humble and willing to learn, and be confident in yourself as you build your veterinary skills.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I feel so blessed and thankful for the opportunities granted to me through veterinary medicine. So, there’s not much I’d change. Live life with no regrets.
LINDA B. LEHMKUHL, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)
CEO of MedVet
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
After graduating from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Linda B. Lehmkuhl stayed in Columbus to complete a rotating internship and cardiology residency. She served in a faculty position for six years, enjoying clinical and classroom teaching, clinical research, and clinical practice. In January 2000, she was ready for more professional growth and spending more time with her young, growing family, so she joined MedVet in Worthington, Ohio, as a cardiologist. At that time, MedVet had one specialty and emergency hospital and a team of 70. In 2010, at the urging of referral partners, MedVet expanded into new markets and now spans 16 states. Dr. Lehmkuhl stepped into the role of medical director at one hospital and then became a MedVet regional medical director, chief medical officer and, eventually, CEO. Today, MedVet has over 600 doctors and 3,000 team members delivering care at 31 specialty/ER hospitals, three urgent care clinics and five Veterinary Eye Institutes. MedVet also provides teleradiology services nationwide through its VetRad team.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spend time with my husband, three adult children and three dogs. We love to travel and hike, and I love to read fiction and nonfiction.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
Work-life balance is all about choices. At each step in my journey, I tried to make each choice with a clear understanding of its impact on me and on those important to me. There are trade-offs, for sure, and you have to get comfortable with that. I found a real synergy between work life and personal life. The choices I made as a parent and spouse made me a better cardiologist and leader, and vice versa.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Do what you love and what energizes you. Follow your passion.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I never think about that. I am grateful for the journey that veterinary medicine and MedVet have led me on. Any of the painful parts were key to me being where I am today. I focus on the present and plan for the future to the best of my ability.
ELLEN I. LOWERY, DVM, Ph.D., MBA
Director of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, a clinical professor in Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine and director of the Veterinary Oral Health Council
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Before her many faculty positions and current role as director of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Ellen I. Lowery spent 23 years at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where her increasingly important leadership positions included director of North America professional and veterinary affairs. An advocate of personal leadership and professional development, she served on the Hill’s Veterinary Leadership Task Force and helped establish the Hill’s Women Empowered Network. Away from Purdue, the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate serves as the director of the Veterinary Oral Health Council and in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates, representing the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. Dr. Lowery also volunteered as the president of the American Veterinary Dental Society and on boards such as the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, Partners for Healthy Pets, the Veterinary Innovation Council and PRIDE Veterinary Medical Community.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my human and pet family, and I really enjoy camping, hiking and gardening.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I spend time doing what I love to do. Throughout my career, my work has provided many opportunities to solve problems, lead change and make connections. I have learned that work often comes in a series of waves. There are times of intense and often long days to meet critical needs or lead change initiatives. I intentionally and purposefully carve out time to balance work — I really enjoy it — with personal time and activities that fill my bucket. Open communication and a shared calendar are two tools that I have used with my wife and family to support that balance and meet commitments.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Invest time in defining and understanding your core values, and then purposefully choose work and life activities that align with your core values. Cultivate a growth mindset and develop your emotional intelligence, which are two critical skillsets that provide a strong foundation for a successful personal and professional life. Also, you do you. Do not strive to be something that others expect you to be. Create your vision of the person you want to be, and then make the choices that get you to that goal. Try hard things, learn new things and nurture connections with others.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would ask more questions, and I would’ve said “Yes” to new adventures earlier in my life. I lived a good part of my life thinking that I had to have all the answers, that I had to have the perfect life, based on what I perceived others thought I should be, and that failure was unacceptable. I discovered the power of being my authentic self and that failing forward was a part of the journey.
VALERIE C. MARCANO GOMEZ, DVM, PH.D.
Co-founder and CEO of Pawsibilities Vet Med
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Valerie C. Marcano Gomez is a Carolinas poultry veterinarian and the co-founder and CEO of Pawsibilities Vet Med, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in the veterinary profession. She chairs the first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the American Association of Avian Pathologists and is a member of the AVMA/AAVMC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission. Dr. Marcano earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her DVM and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 and 2020, respectively. During her time at Georgia, she served on the executive board of the national Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE) and its campus chapter. She also founded the Swine, Aquaculture and Poultry Food Animal Club. She served as a student member of the board of directors at the American Association of Avian Pathologists and on the organization’s education and membership committees.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Hiking, eating, sleeping and dancing.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
I am not sure I do. Does anyone? Sleep is my first priority. Aside from ensuring I get enough sleep, I try to take time to do non-work things and not be too hard on myself when everything on my to-do list does not get accomplished.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Keep dreaming big. Find your people. You are enough.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing.
DANI McVETY-LEINEN, DVM
Founder and CEO of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Once a volunteer in human hospice, Dr. Dani McVety-Leinen had no idea it would inspire her to start a veterinary hospice service. Upon graduation from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, she practiced emergency medicine and soon started Lap of Love, thinking part-time work would help pay off her student loans. Little did she know that other doctors, like current business partner Dr. Mary Gardner, enjoyed the work, too.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Family — being together, making memories and exploring the world — is what makes the hard work worthwhile.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
Balance, to me, is a feeling you have when your life’s priorities are being met. For years, my balance required me to give up many hours of sleeping in order to be present with the kids and get my work done. Now that the company has a larger team, I’m able to work while my kids are at school, pick them up after school every day, and be present as a wife and mother.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Write down your priorities and stop apologizing for living by them. Go for it, and don’t ask permission.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
There is almost nothing I would do differently, including failing a class in veterinary school. There are a few disagreements I wish I didn’t take personally, but those, too, taught me so much.
MELINDA D. MERCK, DVM
Owner of Veterinary Forensics Consulting
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
After graduating from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Melinda D. Merck worked in a small animal practice and later opened the Cat Clinic of Roswell in Roswell, Georgia. During that time, she volunteered at shelters and rescue organizations, and she became passionate about reporting animal cruelty before laws truly supported those animals. As her reputation grew, she was asked to join Georgia Legal Professionals for Animals, which provides free education to law enforcement, prosecutors and veterinarians on responding to, investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases. She worked with medical examiners to learn and study human forensics, since little had been published on animal forensics, and began consulting on animal abuse cases. Dr. Merck is a past president of the North American Veterinary Community and the founding chair of the board of directors for the International Veterinary Forensic Sciences Association. She authored a textbook on veterinary forensics and developed elective courses at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida. She continues to train veterinarians, attorneys and law enforcement professionals on the use of veterinary forensics in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I look to find joy in a variety of things: reading, walking the dog, watching a good show and working out with my Supernatural app on Oculus Quest.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
It’s important to decompress and separate from the horrific side of animal cruelty. Stop being a human “doing” and find value in just “being.” Be OK with focusing on yourself and giving yourself permission to find joy, even for 15 minutes. Fill your cup back up.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Be flexible and fearless, and listen to your gut. Give opportunities due diligence and your path will open to where you are supposed to go. If you do the right thing, the ethical thing, life will reward you.
If you could start all over again,what would you do differently?
I would have listened to my dad and started an IRA earlier. When you are young, planning for financial security and independence in your later years is not always a consideration. Seeing the struggles of my grandparents and mother, I know how important planning is, and it is never too late to start.
WHITNEY MILLER, DVM, DACVPM, MBA
Chief veterinarian at Petco Health and Wellness Co. Inc.
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Whitney Miller is Petco’s lead veterinary expert on standards of excellence in animal care and welfare. She provides strategic direction and medical management for Petco’s growth in veterinary services and supports the company in marketing, communications, legal affairs, merchandising and pet services. Dr. Miller also leads the Petco medical team, which supports full-service hospitals and mobile vaccination clinics at over 1,000 Pet Care Centers nationwide. Over the course of her veterinary career, she spent time in emergency and general practice, worked in pharmacovigilance reporting for Zoetis Inc. and advocated for animal welfare issues during a job in federal government relations for the American Veterinary Medical Association. She is a graduate of the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
As a busy veterinarian, I need time and activities away from the profession to balance and recharge. I am a mom to three young kids, so spending time with them fills most of my free space outside of work. As a family, we enjoy visiting the local wildlife parks, baking, playing outside and puzzling. After having my first child, I wanted to expand my hobbies to include an activity I could enjoy at home, so I dove into cooking. Before that, the fanciest meal I made was a very basic lasagna, and now, I love to challenge myself with all kinds of crazy recipes.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
My closest mentor always says the idea of balance is a misnomer. We can end up spending more time worrying about things being out of balance versus living in the moment. To me, it’s about prioritizing and being fluid and flexible. I don’t think there’s been a single day when I’ve felt everything in my life was in perfect balance. There are times when work pulls me away more than I’d like, but I counter that by stepping away from work to support myself and my family when I need to. For example, when my middle son was having health issues, I felt empowered to take time away to tend to his needs. It can be easy to feel guilty about these things, but instead, I think about the big picture and feel confident that when one area of demand is overwhelming, I can shift things around to ease other areas.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Don’t be afraid to fail and adjust your path. I recall when I was looking to make a career change. It took over a year and included multiple rejections, but I kept in mind the value of my qualifications and that every interview was ultimately career development. I would also advise aspiring veterinarians to be open to new opportunities, even if you can’t check every box on your list of requirements.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I’ve always focused on living my life without regret or wishing that things had been different. But if I had to pick something to help my colleagues, I’d say that when something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. In the past, I remained in jobs for too long, even when I knew I was unhappy. There are definitely moments when things get tough and we must push through, but it’s important not to sacrifice your well-being. Change can be difficult, but sometimes making that move is the right thing to do. The bottom line is to always trust your gut.
JENNIFER OGEER, DVM, MSc, MBA, MA
Vice president of medical science and innovation at Antech Diagnostics
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Growing up in the Caribbean, Dr. Jennifer Ogeer dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but her family didn’t have the financial means to support her. After earning a scholarship to study at Ontario Veterinary College, she was ready to pursue her lifelong passion. She advanced her clinical and research experience with a residency/degree program in emergency medicine and critical care, and graduate studies in business management, organizational behavior and leadership. Dr. Ogeer loved teaching, research and clinical practice as a professor in academic institutions and appreciated all her opportunities to gain expertise in the corporate management sector of animal health. She believes that valuing diversity, equity and inclusion is a critical part of how the veterinary profession celebrates individuals and fellow professionals and recognizes that racial, cultural and ethnic differences only strengthen the profession. She has volunteered with the Diversity Veterinary Medicine Coalition and chairs the Veterinarians Without Borders board of directors.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spending time with my pets, all of whom I rescued, including two kittens who were part of a family of 10 kittens that I fostered during the pandemic. Also, spending time with my inner circle of friends, working out regularly — CrossFit, Pilates and yoga — gardening and going to the beach with my dog.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
This has not been as challenging for me as my professional life is. My numerous not-for-profit activities are part of my life’s journey to live with purpose and passion. Each day has been pleasurable and promising as work and life intersect with common goals on many levels. Balance has been about the personal rewards, higher love and joy that others experience when my work contributes to something meaningful. There is no greater happiness for me than to see others feel valued, supported and heard.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Stay focused on the path forward despite setbacks and disappointments. Seek out strong mentors who can guide and advise you. Remain humble and respectful. Seek opportunities for growth and development that allow you to be your authentic self. Finally, seek out nurturing environments that allow you to thrive, express gratitude, and practice higher love and humility. The human-animal bond is powerful; it transcends boundaries.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I am thankful for where I am on this journey, blessed that I get to share my successes and failures with others, and thankful that I continue to learn, grow, get stronger and help others.
RUBY L. PERRY, DVM, MS, Ph.D., DACVR
Dean of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Dr. Ruby L. Perry’s career in animal health began when she got a job as a kennel assistant at a veterinary clinic to help pay for college, where she was studying mathematics. That jump-started her love of animals, which led her to switch to biology and ultimately, earn admission to the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Having great mentors along the way, Dr. Perry was inspired by one to pursue a specialty in radiology. In fact, she became the first African American female board-certified veterinary radiologist. After years in academia at Tuskegee and Michigan State University, she returned to Alabama in 2007 as Tuskegee’s associate dean of academic affairs. In 2015, she was appointed the veterinary college’s first female dean. Dr. Perry often says she is a veterinary radiologist by discipline and an educator by passion.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Walking a nature trail or driving through a national park and enjoying the peaceful moments.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
It is not an easy task. I try to focus on being mindful of my health and well-being, and I accept the fact that I have limitations. I embrace what I can and cannot get done. This comes with graphics on my office door and in strategic places as reminders. I find the time to mentally disconnect for a set period and stick to it. Although difficult at first, the start is most challenging. I also find a friend to hold me accountable for getting out of the workplace and find that very special time and moment for self-care. I also volunteer for a meaningful community project that is not demanding but is a beneficial service to others. It’s rewarding for me to give back.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Surround yourselves with mentors, advocates and champions who want to invest in your career development and help you achieve along the way. Stay true to your purpose, and do not be afraid to take bold steps to make a difference in someone’s life or your personal or professional development. It is so important to ask for guidance and assistance from those who truly see your potential for growth.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Realizing that doing something differently would impact the outcomes, I would have learned more about leadership and management skills along my personal and professional journey, but I would not change my trajectory.
JENNIFER WELSER, DVM, DACVO
Chief medical and quality officer at Mars Veterinary Health
HER PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
After earning her DVM from the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jennifer Welser completed a rotating internship at Auburn University and an ophthalmology residency at Animal Eye Associates in Illinois, ultimately earning board certification as a veterinary ophthalmologist. Throughout her career, she has worked in diverse clinical settings, from her job as an ophthalmologist at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston to owning a veterinary practice in California to serving as a staff ophthalmologist and medical director in corporate practice. In 2014, Dr. Welser transitioned to an executive leadership role as chief medical officer at BluePearl and evolved the company’s residency and internship program. Now with Mars Veterinary Health, she leads medical affairs across the organization and partners with the chief medical officers at each practice to improve access to high-quality, innovative veterinary care.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
We are renovating a property on the Washington coast, and I enjoy puttering around the area with my dogs and partner.
How do you balance work-life responsibilities?
Striking a balance between our important work and a healthy personal life remains a challenge in our industry. It has gotten easier with age and new perspectives, but I try to remember that time is precious and that our choices matter. For the balancing act of work and well-being, I use some of the same skills we use in clinical triage — constantly prioritizing and reprioritizing — to help bring focus and clarity.
What is your best advice to a younger veterinarian about reaching her goals?
Work hard and strive to be good at what you do. There are no shortcuts. Keep learning and always look forward. Be a confident and clear communicator. Being honest about what you do and don’t know builds trust with everyone around you, along with your sense of self. Never undersell yourself, don’t underestimate the importance of networking, and most importantly, balance the hard work with your health and well-being!
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would read and live by the advice I just gave to younger veterinarians.