Written by: Dr Keith True
My journey into the world of veterinary medicine has always felt like an adventure with two beginnings—the one where I was a kid with a big heart for every four-legged friend and the more deliberate chapter when I stepped into the field as an adult, with eyes wide open to the realities and wonders it holds. As a kid in sixth grade, my first glimpse into the vet’s world was for a school project that allowed me to shadow my uncle, a veterinarian, for the day. Back then, the answer to “Why veterinary medicine?” was pretty much a no-brainer for any animal lover.
But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and as a teen, mine came in the form of health challenges that pushed me to pause and rethink everything. That’s when the kid’s dream matured into an adult’s decision. As I healed, my passion for veterinary medicine did, too, evolving into something bigger. Suddenly, I saw the scope of what I could do in this profession—not just the hands-on healing, but also leading businesses, innovating practices, and so much more.
Here I am now, a bit further down that road, having owned and managed a few practices and an entrepreneurial spirit that keeps me on my toes. And let me tell you—there are things I’ve learned that I wish someone had whispered in my ear on day one. So, if you’re ready, let’s dive into the five insights that I believe every vet-in-the-making should have in their toolkit. Trust me, it’s the good stuff that school doesn’t always teach you, and it just might be the edge you need as you step into this wild and rewarding world.
- Leadership: More Than Just a Fancy Title You don’t need the corner office or fancy title to be a leader. Every day, as a vet, you’re already leading the charge. Whether you’re guiding a nervous pet owner through their pet’s treatment plan or rallying your team for a busy day, your role is pivotal. Leadership isn’t about being a born hero; it’s a skill like suturing—you get better the more you do it. Invest in yourself, pick up a book, attend a seminar, and keep your ears open to the wisdom around you. And remember, leadership has a place beyond your clinic’s walls, too. Veterinary medicine is a big world with a lot of conversations happening, and your voice could be just what it needs, be it in associations or shaking up the corporate ladder.
- Delegation: Your Secret Weapon for Sanity and Success Delegation is an art. It’s not about shirking duties; it’s about building a team where everyone plays to their strengths, including you. Vet school can be a solo trek where you’re juggling a dozen things at once. In real life, it’s a team sport. When you delegate, you’re not just checking things off your list—you’re giving your team a chance to shine and grow, too. And as for work/life balance, think of delegation as your magic spell for making sure you can enjoy your life outside of work! For more thoughts on this topic: check out my previous blog post.
- Business Smarts: Not Just for the Suits Vet med isn’t all puppies and kittens; there’s a fair bit of paperwork and numbers, too. Getting comfortable with the basics of veterinary business isn’t optional; it’s essential. Contract negotiations can be scary, and a profit/loss statement can look complex. But these are the tools that help you understand your worth and the health of your practice. And about business ownership—yes, it’s a big leap, but the landing doesn’t have to be hard. With so many resources out there, from online courses to mentorships, you can make it less about the fear and more about the freedom. With a nudge, you too can take the leap, and I promise it gets less scary.
- About Those Signing Bonuses… We’ve all seen those eye-popping signing bonus offers. They can be tempting, but don’t let the numbers blind you. What really matters is the day-to-day, the culture, the team, and the opportunity for growth. Great practices don’t have to rely on huge bonuses to attract and keep talent— they have the culture and opportunities that puts the team first and creates a sense of community. And if you’re looking for the real game-changer, opportunity for equity in a practice can be life-changing. That’s the kind of bonus that keeps on giving.
- Gold Standard Care: The Real MVP Lastly, but most importantly, the quality of care you provide is your biggest asset. When you’re rocking it in the exam room, providing top-tier medicine and making every client feel heard, you’re not just healing pets—you’re building a reputation. That leads to trust, and trust leads to a thriving practice (both with culture and profitability). Always listen with intent to your clients; making them feel heard and validated no matter how small the issue. Your attention to detail and dedication to excellence are what will define your career and, ultimately, the success of your practice.
With this information, I hope that you have learned something new that will change how you tackle the early parts of your career. Being a veterinarian can be rewarding, but garnering knowledge on some topics outside of the medical realm can drastically change the course of the career and the satisfaction you can get out of it. Continue to follow True Vet Potential for additional insights