The 10 secrets of successful veterinarians

By /

A tale of two doctors
Dr. Shelly Grey is ready for a change. Seven years out of school and working for her third practice, she has been unhappy with her job for some time because she does not know when things will get better. The clinic has been understaffed for months, and her caseload is too high. Leadership is not doing anything about it, so she started taking control by blocking off her schedule.

While Dr. Grey enjoys complex medical cases, she feels she is not growing and finds continuing education a waste of time when she could be home reading and gardening. Grey cannot remember the last time she took time off, but there is never time to take a vacation. Since she is not getting the support she needs and feels underappreciated and underpaid, Grey is ready to go job hunting because she knows she can make a higher salary somewhere else.

Dr. John Feliz enjoys his job, where he has been since graduating three years ago. Dr. Feliz feels supported by leadership, which has boosted his confidence. Eager to enhance his surgical skills, he is planning to attend a wet lab this summer to further his expertise. While nutritional conversations with clients can be a bit of a challenge, Feliz has not hesitated to ask his colleagues for help in this area.

Feliz has taken the initiative to discuss the understaffing situation with management to see how he can help. Although he is satisfied with his compensation, Feliz is always looking for ways to grow. That is why he is collaborating with the surgical team to boost efficiency. When not at the clinic, Feliz hits the hiking trails on weekends or learns to play the guitar, and he is already counting down the days until his well-deserved Cancún vacation.

A team of four veterinary professionals discussing.
Be open to hear feedback from mentors and peers. Embracing constructive criticism is crucial for growth as it shows commitment to learn, demonstrates humility, and builds trust. Photo courtesy GettyImages/Morsa Images

The choices you make

Do you recognize either of these doctors? Would you be surprised to learn they work at the same practice? It is evident that Dr. Feliz is more content and successful than Dr. Grey, and they show up to work in very different ways. While we do not know what led to Dr. Grey’s dissatisfaction, it is clear she is making choices impacting her overall experience. I would guess Grey is not feeling very successful.

What about Feliz? His choices are having a positive impact on his career success, and you can tell he is feeling it. Having managed dozens of doctors over the years, I have observed some very clear differences between those who thrive and those who struggle to fully engage with the profession they chose, and who often move from job-to-job and are at risk of burnout or leaving the profession entirely.

While Drs. Feliz and Grey are on two ends of the engagement spectrum, we all fall somewhere in between. So, where do you fall? As you navigate your career and future, it is essential to recognize success in veterinary medicine extends well beyond medical knowledge and clinical skills.

The 10 secrets

Below is a list of behaviors that will help you win professionally, regardless of where you are in your veterinary journey. These behaviors are choices you can make each day, and you can even tackle them in small steps. I recommend starting at the top and working your way down the list over time, revisiting it often to reflect on your progress
and growth.

1) Be aligned
Working for an employer who does not align with your values leads to suffering and, eventually, separation. Aligning your job with your values is crucial for fulfilling your career purpose and vision, and it is a key component of job satisfaction. Before accepting an offer or when considering your current fit, reflect on:

  • Your values. Take time to identify and prioritize them.
  • What is important to you and what you want to avoid.
  • Using your values to assess potential jobs or your current situation, ensuring you choose wisely.

2) Have goals
Life without a goal is like being on a hamster wheel–spinning in circles without forward progress. Having a clear vision and goals provide motivation and a roadmap for success.

  • Capture your aspirational career vision. What would you do if anything were possible?
  • Transform your vision into goals that set your path. Make your goals SMART (simple, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) to build momentum and satisfaction when achieved.
  • Share your goals with trusted advisors for accountability and follow-through.

3) Have balance
It is easy to lose balance as veterinarians because the profession is driven by a calling. We can become consumed by the trials of the day in the clinic, and then home to ruminate on after-hours, which skews our perspective and makes problems bigger than they are. To balance this, prioritize time to enjoy relationships, activities, and rest

  • Prioritize your well-being by making “you time” the first thing you put on your calendar.
  • Set realistic boundaries based on your values, protecting time for nonwork priorities, and saying no when needed.
  • Practice mindfulness and letting thoughts go to stop ruminating and worrying, even though it is easier said than done.

4) Know your impact
Develop self-awareness. Understanding yourself and recognizing the impact you have on your environment, colleagues, and the business you work in will enable you to adapt and grow, ultimately making a more positive contribution.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is your ability to understand your own emotions and manage your reactions, then recognize and influence the emotions of others. To develop EI:

  • Take personal assessments such as Myers-Briggs, DISC, Strength-finders, etc.
  • Read books and attend workshops on personal and professional development and EI.
  • Hire a life or professional coach to help you learn about yourself and grow quickly.

To measure your business impact, know your metrics and understand what success looks like. Ask your boss for feedback and contribute to your employer’s success by setting goals based on key metrics, such as revenue, patients seen, and average transaction charge. This will also help you grow and increase your earnings.

5) Be curious
Being a know-it-all who shares strong judgments and shuts others down is a surefire way to be difficult to work with. Instead, embrace curiosity. It opens your mind, breaks biases, strengthens relationships, enables change, sparks innovation, and makes you more fun to be around.

To be curious when presented with a different idea:

  • Set aside your opinion or judgment.
  • Explore the other idea openly.
  • Ask questions to learn more, such as, “Can you tell me more about that?”
Two volunteer veterinary professionals petting a dog.
Develop a greater sense of purpose and explore ways to give back to the community, such as volunteer work and mentorship opportunities.

6) Seek feedback
In a profession geared toward perfectionism, hearing constructive criticism can be challenging, but it is essential for growth. Be open to feedback, even if it is difficult.
Seeking feedback from others:

  • Shows commitment to providing the best care.
  • Demonstrates humility and willingness to learn.
  • Builds trust with clients, colleagues, and staff.
  • Helps identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Teaches you to accept constructive criticism gracefully.

7) Be part of the solution
You have a choice to stay “above the line”” of personal responsibility, which means you maintain a positive, accountable, and solutions-focused mindset. Maintaining this mindset fosters your growth by promoting accountability, resilience, and proactive problem-solving. This outlook enables you to seize opportunities, build strong relationships, and achieve your goals, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfillment in your life.

When you choose to go “below the line,” you are in a victim mindset of blame and negativity. A victim mindset leads to a lack of accountability, reduced motivation, strained relationships, and missed opportunities, ultimately hindering your growth. This negative outlook can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, perpetuating a cycle of pessimism and unproductive behavior in your life.

8) Do only what you can do best
In veterinary medicine, our training encourages us to be everything to everyone, mastering multiple species and disciplines. However, trying to be a jack-of-all-trades is unsustainable and stressful. Successful professionals focus on their strengths and delegate the rest.

As practitioners, your expertise lies in diagnosing, treating, performing surgery, and communicating with clients. Leverage your team to do what they do best, so you can focus on your most valuable and rewarding work, even if it means giving up some control.

Identify what you want to excel at, whether surgery, medicine, a particular species, leadership, communication, client service, or business. Become an expert in that area and let others handle the rest. Do not be afraid to soar.

9) Grow your network
Veterinary medicine is a rewarding but challenging profession with daily ups and downs. A strong support network provides perspective, balance, and wisdom to help you maintain motivation, mental health, and achieve career growth.

Build a diverse network of support with:

  • Family for grounding and emotional refuge.
  • Friends for joy, humility, and perspective.
  • Like-minded peers for empathy and understanding.
  • Mentors for wisdom and guidance.
  • Coaches for growth and goal achievement.
  • Colleagues and the professional community for opportunities and staying connected.

10) Pay it forward
Nothing is more rewarding than giving your special gifts to others. When you focus on lifting others up and making a positive difference in someone’s life, you develop a greater sense of purpose, gratitude, and personal fulfillment, and contribute to the next generation’s success.

  • Volunteer in your community.
  • Perform random acts of kindness.
  • Teach on the job. Your team loves learning and want to know more.
  • Mentor an employee, student, or more recent graduate.
    Additional resources

    While the concepts presented here can take years to work on, developing yourself is a lifelong journey consisting of thousands of baby steps, and hopefully a journey you will enjoy, one made easier by learning from others. These are some of my favorite books, in no particular order, that have inspired mine:

    • The Oz Principle: Getting Results through Individual and Organizational Accountability by Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman (1994)
    • The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (1989)
    • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (1936)
    • Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jan Greaves (2009)
    • Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek (2009)
    • Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott (2017)
    • Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn (1994)

You can do this

The veterinary profession is filled with opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and success. Whether you are starting your career or already a seasoned practitioner, the 10 secrets outlined above can help you navigate the challenges and rewards of this dynamic field.

By aligning your work with your values, setting clear goals, maintaining balance, developing self-awareness, embracing curiosity, seeking feedback, staying solution-focused, leveraging your strengths, building a strong network, and giving back to others, you can create a thriving and satisfying career in veterinary medicine.

Remember, your success is largely determined by the choices you make every day. I encourage you to reflect on these secrets and start implementing them in your life, no matter where you are in your professional journey. Choose to be a Dr. Feliz, and when you are feeling like Dr. Grey, it is time to take inventory and find out why. By doing so, you will be well on your way to building a bright and fulfilling future for yourself and making a positive impact on the lives of the animals and people you serve.

Kelly Cooper, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian, author, speaker, and the founder of Reality Vet Coaching & Consulting. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, her past experiences as an independent practice owner and corporate executive have given her a broad and unique perspective to write, speak, and coach about the realities of working with people and the business of veterinary practice. Dr. Cooper serves on the AVMA Council on Veterinary Services and is a past-president of the Oklahoma VMA. Cooper lives outside Portland, Ore. with her husband, Paul, three cats, and a chi-rock-weenie named Nugget. Learn more at www.RealityVet.com.

The 10 secrets of successful veterinarians

By /

A tale of two doctors
Dr. Shelly Grey is ready for a change. Seven years out of school and working for her third practice, she has been unhappy with her job for some time because she does not know when things will get better. The clinic has been understaffed for months, and her caseload is too high. Leadership is not doing anything about it, so she started taking control by blocking off her schedule.

While Dr. Grey enjoys complex medical cases, she feels she is not growing and finds continuing education a waste of time when she could be home reading and gardening. Grey cannot remember the last time she took time off, but there is never time to take a vacation. Since she is not getting the support she needs and feels underappreciated and underpaid, Grey is ready to go job hunting because she knows she can make a higher salary somewhere else.

Dr. John Feliz enjoys his job, where he has been since graduating three years ago. Dr. Feliz feels supported by leadership, which has boosted his confidence. Eager to enhance his surgical skills, he is planning to attend a wet lab this summer to further his expertise. While nutritional conversations with clients can be a bit of a challenge, Feliz has not hesitated to ask his colleagues for help in this area.

Feliz has taken the initiative to discuss the understaffing situation with management to see how he can help. Although he is satisfied with his compensation, Feliz is always looking for ways to grow. That is why he is collaborating with the surgical team to boost efficiency. When not at the clinic, Feliz hits the hiking trails on weekends or learns to play the guitar, and he is already counting down the days until his well-deserved Cancún vacation.

A team of four veterinary professionals discussing.
Be open to hear feedback from mentors and peers. Embracing constructive criticism is crucial for growth as it shows commitment to learn, demonstrates humility, and builds trust. Photo courtesy GettyImages/Morsa Images

The choices you make

Do you recognize either of these doctors? Would you be surprised to learn they work at the same practice? It is evident that Dr. Feliz is more content and successful than Dr. Grey, and they show up to work in very different ways. While we do not know what led to Dr. Grey’s dissatisfaction, it is clear she is making choices impacting her overall experience. I would guess Grey is not feeling very successful.

What about Feliz? His choices are having a positive impact on his career success, and you can tell he is feeling it. Having managed dozens of doctors over the years, I have observed some very clear differences between those who thrive and those who struggle to fully engage with the profession they chose, and who often move from job-to-job and are at risk of burnout or leaving the profession entirely.

While Drs. Feliz and Grey are on two ends of the engagement spectrum, we all fall somewhere in between. So, where do you fall? As you navigate your career and future, it is essential to recognize success in veterinary medicine extends well beyond medical knowledge and clinical skills.

The 10 secrets

Below is a list of behaviors that will help you win professionally, regardless of where you are in your veterinary journey. These behaviors are choices you can make each day, and you can even tackle them in small steps. I recommend starting at the top and working your way down the list over time, revisiting it often to reflect on your progress
and growth.

1) Be aligned
Working for an employer who does not align with your values leads to suffering and, eventually, separation. Aligning your job with your values is crucial for fulfilling your career purpose and vision, and it is a key component of job satisfaction. Before accepting an offer or when considering your current fit, reflect on:

  • Your values. Take time to identify and prioritize them.
  • What is important to you and what you want to avoid.
  • Using your values to assess potential jobs or your current situation, ensuring you choose wisely.

2) Have goals
Life without a goal is like being on a hamster wheel–spinning in circles without forward progress. Having a clear vision and goals provide motivation and a roadmap for success.

  • Capture your aspirational career vision. What would you do if anything were possible?
  • Transform your vision into goals that set your path. Make your goals SMART (simple, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) to build momentum and satisfaction when achieved.
  • Share your goals with trusted advisors for accountability and follow-through.

3) Have balance
It is easy to lose balance as veterinarians because the profession is driven by a calling. We can become consumed by the trials of the day in the clinic, and then home to ruminate on after-hours, which skews our perspective and makes problems bigger than they are. To balance this, prioritize time to enjoy relationships, activities, and rest

  • Prioritize your well-being by making “you time” the first thing you put on your calendar.
  • Set realistic boundaries based on your values, protecting time for nonwork priorities, and saying no when needed.
  • Practice mindfulness and letting thoughts go to stop ruminating and worrying, even though it is easier said than done.

4) Know your impact
Develop self-awareness. Understanding yourself and recognizing the impact you have on your environment, colleagues, and the business you work in will enable you to adapt and grow, ultimately making a more positive contribution.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is your ability to understand your own emotions and manage your reactions, then recognize and influence the emotions of others. To develop EI:

  • Take personal assessments such as Myers-Briggs, DISC, Strength-finders, etc.
  • Read books and attend workshops on personal and professional development and EI.
  • Hire a life or professional coach to help you learn about yourself and grow quickly.

To measure your business impact, know your metrics and understand what success looks like. Ask your boss for feedback and contribute to your employer’s success by setting goals based on key metrics, such as revenue, patients seen, and average transaction charge. This will also help you grow and increase your earnings.

5) Be curious
Being a know-it-all who shares strong judgments and shuts others down is a surefire way to be difficult to work with. Instead, embrace curiosity. It opens your mind, breaks biases, strengthens relationships, enables change, sparks innovation, and makes you more fun to be around.

To be curious when presented with a different idea:

  • Set aside your opinion or judgment.
  • Explore the other idea openly.
  • Ask questions to learn more, such as, “Can you tell me more about that?”
Two volunteer veterinary professionals petting a dog.
Develop a greater sense of purpose and explore ways to give back to the community, such as volunteer work and mentorship opportunities.

6) Seek feedback
In a profession geared toward perfectionism, hearing constructive criticism can be challenging, but it is essential for growth. Be open to feedback, even if it is difficult.
Seeking feedback from others:

  • Shows commitment to providing the best care.
  • Demonstrates humility and willingness to learn.
  • Builds trust with clients, colleagues, and staff.
  • Helps identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Teaches you to accept constructive criticism gracefully.

7) Be part of the solution
You have a choice to stay “above the line”” of personal responsibility, which means you maintain a positive, accountable, and solutions-focused mindset. Maintaining this mindset fosters your growth by promoting accountability, resilience, and proactive problem-solving. This outlook enables you to seize opportunities, build strong relationships, and achieve your goals, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfillment in your life.

When you choose to go “below the line,” you are in a victim mindset of blame and negativity. A victim mindset leads to a lack of accountability, reduced motivation, strained relationships, and missed opportunities, ultimately hindering your growth. This negative outlook can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, perpetuating a cycle of pessimism and unproductive behavior in your life.

8) Do only what you can do best
In veterinary medicine, our training encourages us to be everything to everyone, mastering multiple species and disciplines. However, trying to be a jack-of-all-trades is unsustainable and stressful. Successful professionals focus on their strengths and delegate the rest.

As practitioners, your expertise lies in diagnosing, treating, performing surgery, and communicating with clients. Leverage your team to do what they do best, so you can focus on your most valuable and rewarding work, even if it means giving up some control.

Identify what you want to excel at, whether surgery, medicine, a particular species, leadership, communication, client service, or business. Become an expert in that area and let others handle the rest. Do not be afraid to soar.

9) Grow your network
Veterinary medicine is a rewarding but challenging profession with daily ups and downs. A strong support network provides perspective, balance, and wisdom to help you maintain motivation, mental health, and achieve career growth.

Build a diverse network of support with:

  • Family for grounding and emotional refuge.
  • Friends for joy, humility, and perspective.
  • Like-minded peers for empathy and understanding.
  • Mentors for wisdom and guidance.
  • Coaches for growth and goal achievement.
  • Colleagues and the professional community for opportunities and staying connected.

10) Pay it forward
Nothing is more rewarding than giving your special gifts to others. When you focus on lifting others up and making a positive difference in someone’s life, you develop a greater sense of purpose, gratitude, and personal fulfillment, and contribute to the next generation’s success.

  • Volunteer in your community.
  • Perform random acts of kindness.
  • Teach on the job. Your team loves learning and want to know more.
  • Mentor an employee, student, or more recent graduate.
    Additional resources

    While the concepts presented here can take years to work on, developing yourself is a lifelong journey consisting of thousands of baby steps, and hopefully a journey you will enjoy, one made easier by learning from others. These are some of my favorite books, in no particular order, that have inspired mine:

    • The Oz Principle: Getting Results through Individual and Organizational Accountability by Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman (1994)
    • The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey (1989)
    • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (1936)
    • Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jan Greaves (2009)
    • Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek (2009)
    • Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott (2017)
    • Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn (1994)

You can do this

The veterinary profession is filled with opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and success. Whether you are starting your career or already a seasoned practitioner, the 10 secrets outlined above can help you navigate the challenges and rewards of this dynamic field.

By aligning your work with your values, setting clear goals, maintaining balance, developing self-awareness, embracing curiosity, seeking feedback, staying solution-focused, leveraging your strengths, building a strong network, and giving back to others, you can create a thriving and satisfying career in veterinary medicine.

Remember, your success is largely determined by the choices you make every day. I encourage you to reflect on these secrets and start implementing them in your life, no matter where you are in your professional journey. Choose to be a Dr. Feliz, and when you are feeling like Dr. Grey, it is time to take inventory and find out why. By doing so, you will be well on your way to building a bright and fulfilling future for yourself and making a positive impact on the lives of the animals and people you serve.

Kelly Cooper, DVM, is a practicing veterinarian, author, speaker, and the founder of Reality Vet Coaching & Consulting. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, her past experiences as an independent practice owner and corporate executive have given her a broad and unique perspective to write, speak, and coach about the realities of working with people and the business of veterinary practice. Dr. Cooper serves on the AVMA Council on Veterinary Services and is a past-president of the Oklahoma VMA. Cooper lives outside Portland, Ore. with her husband, Paul, three cats, and a chi-rock-weenie named Nugget. Learn more at www.RealityVet.com.

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