Finding Flexibility, Fulfillment, and Adventure in Vet Med

From Familiar Roots to New Possibilities

If you’d told me at vet school graduation that one day I’d be working full-time as a leader in a relief company, I would’ve been intrigued—and excited. But if you’d said that same relief company would also give me the flexibility to travel when I want and still grow as a clinician – all while feeling secure and fulfilled? I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow and said, “Prove it.”

Finding IndeVets (When I Least Expected It)

Before joining IndeVets, I was an Associate at a wonderful practice. I had an incredible mentor and a team that felt like family. If I’d stayed in Sacramento, I doubt I would’ve ever left—but I wanted to move closer to friends and family on the East Coast or in Southern California. With that in mind, I cast a wide net, searching for multi-doctor general practices in urban areas.

Enter IndeVets. You know that saying about finding love when you’re not looking for it? That’s exactly how it felt. I wasn’t considering relief work—and I’d never even heard of IndeVets—but one of their recruiting veterinarians reached out to me on a hiring platform, and I agreed to chat.

I was curious but apprehensive. Just two years out of vet school, I wanted to keep building my clinical skills. I wanted a work family like the one I was leaving. I wanted security—steady shifts, solid benefits. I figured IndeVets would be a reasonable way to try out a bunch of hospitals and see which one fit.

Growing My Skills and Finding Flexibility

As I took my first few shifts as an IndeVet, I realized there were clinical muscles I’d been neglecting. While I had a fantastic mentor at my previous hospital, I’d been missing the strength that comes from experiencing a variety of practice styles. Each hospital introduced me to new doctors, protocols, workflows, record systems, and pharmacy inventories.

I started to gain confidence in my communication skills as I connected with different teams—and the clients they supported. I also came to see how normalized it had become at my old job to stay 2–3 hours after a shift to finish records (or to take them home). That contrast helped me focus on improving my efficiency and staying on task during my shifts, which meant I could leave on time more often.

And on the harder days, when I did work longer hours, I knew I’d be compensated for that time.

What’s more, I had control over my schedule. As long as I averaged 34 hours per week over the quarter, it didn’t matter when I worked. I could flex my schedule around my personal life—whether it was a long weekend away or a weeklong vacation. I even spent a couple of months working at hospitals in another part of the country, with just a bit of advance notice to my supervisors.

What Started as a Bridge Became My Path

When I joined IndeVets, I had an open mind—it might just be a steppingstone to a full-time position at a single hospital. But it quickly became clear that this could be a long-term career, one that offered the adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle I was seeking as a young veterinarian.

I was lucky enough to find incredible hospitals where I could take on long-term placements, perform surgeries, and build lasting friendships. I travelled to Kenya, the Caymans (for CE, no less!), Greece, Mexico, Hawaii, the UK, and several states—thanks to generous PTO and a flexible schedule.

I felt sustained as an Associate IndeVet, and knew I would always be supported by my colleagues from around the country. And when the opportunity presented itself, I stepped into a leadership role as an Area Clinical Lead at IndeVets. Now, I also get to contribute behind the scenes—supporting our doctors and partner hospitals to uphold high-quality medical standards across the Northeast.

Answering the Call to California

I’ve loved getting to meet current and prospective IndeVets from across the country while representing the company at veterinary conferences. So, when I heard that IndeVets was preparing to ride the wave into the California market, I jumped at the chance to help lead the expansion.

After spending ten years on the West Coast—between undergrad at UCLA, veterinary school at UC Davis, and a couple of years in Sacramento—California had become a second home. With a long-distance relationship from Boston to San Diego, it felt like the stars were aligning for me professionally and personally.

Most of my colleagues knew all along that California was my endgame and were eager to support my move. It was incredibly rewarding to be involved in the planning and hospital outreach that led up to the San Diego launch. IndeVets gave me the opportunity to visit prospective partner hospitals in person, helping spread the word about our presence in California—and giving me the chance to build rapport with them as a doctor.

A New Chapter Begins

With my move fast approaching at the end of April, I feel fully supported by IndeVets—both financially and emotionally. A cross-country relocation is no small feat, but I’m stepping into it with confidence. I’m excited to continue growing in my role as both an Area Clinical Lead and a practicing veterinarian.

As I look ahead to this new chapter in California, I’m reminded of just how much IndeVets has shaped my career and lifestyle.

I’ve grown as a clinician, traveled the world, and taken on meaningful leadership opportunities—all without sacrificing the flexibility and freedom that make this career so fulfilling.

Vets: This Is the Career You’ve Been Waiting For

For veterinarians seeking adventure, balance, and the chance to rediscover the joy of practicing medicine on their own terms, IndeVets is the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for stability with variety, the freedom to explore, or simply a way to take back control of your time, this career path makes it all possible.

California is calling—and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads.