Finding My Next Step

After 19 years at the same practice, I wasn’t looking to make a sudden career change.

In fact, I specifically wasn’t ready for one.

Like many veterinarians, I had built deep relationships with my clients, my coworkers, and my community. My clinic felt like a second family. At the same time, I found myself at a crossroads professionally, wondering what my next chapter might look like.

I graduated with my DVM from Cornell University in 2001 and have worked in mixed animal medicine, feline medicine, and general small animal practice. I’ve also performed accredited veterinarian duties, including international and interstate travel certificates.

I was curious about relief work, but I wasn’t ready to walk away from my full-time position.

That’s why the one-day-a-week IndeVets option was so appealing.

Testing the Waters Without Taking a Leap

I already had Thursdays off from my regular schedule.

I work four days a week at my primary clinic, and when I learned I could join IndeVets for just one day each week, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore something new without making an abrupt change.

I didn’t have to resign from my current job or walk away from the relationships I’d spent years building. Instead, I could use my Thursday to experience a different way of practicing and see whether it might fit my future goals.

One thing I appreciated right away was that IndeVets offers different scheduling options depending on what you’re looking for. Some veterinarians work one day a week, like I do. Others choose anywhere from two to five days.

For me, one day was the right starting point.

A Safety Net for the Future

One of the things I appreciate most about IndeVets is that it gives me options.

There’s a chance I may relocate in the future. I may move out of my current area, and I may even move out of state.

Right now, I don’t know exactly what the next few years will look like.

What I do know is that having a foot in another door provides peace of mind.

IndeVets gives me a sense of security because I know I have another path available if and when I decide I want to make a bigger change.

Instead of feeling like I have to make one huge decision today, I can learn, explore, and make thoughtful choices about my future.

Learning Something New

One of the most rewarding parts of this experience has been adapting to new environments.

Walking into a new hospital can be intimidating at first. Different workflows, different software, different teams, and different expectations all come with a learning curve.

It can be challenging to adapt to changing work environments, but my years of experience with different species and different practice types prepared me for adaptability.

With recurring shifts at the same clinic, I became more efficient and more comfortable with the systems and staff.

One of the things that surprised me was how quickly a sense of familiarity develops. Even in a relief role, I found myself following up on cases, seeing familiar faces, and building relationships with staff and clients.
That was important to me because continuity of care has always been one of my favorite parts of veterinary medicine.

The Support Has Been Different

The biggest surprise so far hasn’t been the hospitals. It’s been the support.

If I have a question, I know exactly who to contact.

If I need help, someone responds.

If I have feedback, I know it will be heard.

That creates a completely different work experience.

I never feel like I’m navigating challenges alone.

I’ve even been surprised by how accessible leadership is. Early on, I had the opportunity to share feedback directly with the CEO, and it was clear he genuinely wanted to hear how my experience was going.

What stands out most is that the support isn’t just about medicine. There is a genuine focus on personal wellness and making sure veterinarians are doing well as people, not just employees.

That matters.

I’ve also appreciated the emphasis on continued learning. There are webinars, journal clubs, CE opportunities, and other resources available whenever I want to keep building my skills. I’ve always loved learning, so being part of an organization that invests in that is important to me.

Whether it’s educational opportunities, wellness programming, or simply knowing there are people I can reach out to when I need guidance, I’ve found a level of support that has made a meaningful difference in my day-to-day experience.

What I’ve Appreciated Most So Far

A few things have stood out during my first months with IndeVets:

• The ability to explore relief work while keeping my full-time position
• Being able to choose the number of days I want to work while maintaining career stability
• Knowing exactly who to contact when I need help
• Feeling supported both professionally and personally
• Exploring future career options without pressure, including the possibility of long-distance travel shifts as the program continues to develop
• Feeling valued, heard, and respected

Those things have helped me feel more supported and secure as I think about what’s next.

My Advice to Other Veterinarians

If you’re curious, give it a try.

I’ve found something I wasn’t expecting: a workplace that prioritizes support, wellness, and communication.

I feel valued.

I feel secure.

And I feel confident that if I ever have a concern, someone will listen.

Whether you’re looking for one day a week or something more substantial, it’s worth having the conversation. You may discover options you didn’t realize were available.