Five Years, Many Lessons

How I found work-life balance, flexibility, and renewed passion for veterinary medicine.

After nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, I thought balance was impossible — until I found IndeVets.

When I joined IndeVets five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined how much this community would come to mean to me. Through the highs of great mentorships and the lows of burnout and long hours, I’d been searching for a better way to be a veterinarian. At IndeVets, I finally found the flexibility, balance and support I’d been missing.

Now, looking back on five years with the company, I can honestly say it’s been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career. I’ve grown as a veterinarian, found stability and support during some of life’s hardest moments, and rediscovered what I love most about this profession: connecting with people and pets who remind me every day why this work matters.

From Toronto to Tufts to Tampa: A Journey in Veterinary Medicine

My path to IndeVets started long before Florida sunshine entered the picture. I grew up in Toronto, moved to Seattle with my family, and eventually earned my veterinary degree from Tufts University in 2003.

Like most new grads, I jumped straight into practice, first as an associate in a tough clinic (the kind most of us have at least one story about), then at a large, thriving hospital where I spent four years learning the ropes of fast-paced, high-quality medicine.

When my son was born, I took a few years off to focus on family. At the time, maternity leave for veterinarians was basically unheard of, so I tried to make up for it by being fully present at home — though, truthfully, I started missing the clinic life pretty quickly.

When I returned to work in Toronto, I dipped my toes into relief work as an independent contractor. On paper, it sounded great: flexibility and freedom. But the reality was far from easy. I had managed my own taxes, expenses, and malpractice insurance — all while navigating clinics that sometimes weren’t even properly run. It was a stressful, lonely, and far from the balanced career I’d envisioned.

Eventually, I went back to being an associate again, but found myself stuck — underpaid, and overworked.

A Leap of Faith (and a Move to Florida)

In 2020, my family made a big move from Canada to Florida for my son’s baseball ambitions. It was right as COVID hit, and I found myself moving to a new city, with no professional network and a lot of uncertainty.

Luckily, before the move, I discovered IndeVets on Indeed. The model immediately caught my attention: full employment, stability, and benefits, combined with true flexibility for veterinarians. I interviewed with Dr. Andrew Heller from my car on a highway in Toronto (not ideal, but memorable!), completed my onboarding remotely, and obtained my Florida veterinary license — all before arriving in the Sunshine State. I officially started as one of the first IndeVets in Florida that September. It felt like a fresh start.

Finding My Balance

The first thing that struck me was how different this felt from any other job I’d had. I could focus on being a veterinarian — not a tax accountant, benefits coordinator, or insurance administrator. IndeVets handled everything behind the scenes so I could focus on patient care and life outside the clinic.

As an IndeVet, I enjoy:

• A schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive benefits, including health coverage, paid time off, and a CE stipend
• Full W-2 employment with the security and stability of a traditional associate role
• Malpractice insurance and support from clinical leaders and our HR team, giving me peace of mind

Over time, I found a rhythm that works beautifully for me. I now spend most of my time in one clinic where I’ve been for about a year and a half. I work roughly 26 to 27 hours a week across a few consistent days. The staff there have become like family, and my friends in the community even bring their pets to see me.

That sense of belonging, while still having the broader IndeVets network behind me, has been exactly what I needed at this stage of my career.

How IndeVets Supports Veterinarians When Life Happens

One of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed with IndeVets for five years is the support I’ve received — not just professionally, but personally.

In that time, life has thrown some curveballs my way. My son, who came to Florida as a promising baseball player, suffered a serious shoulder injury that required three surgeries. Then, two years ago, my mother passed away. Those were incredibly hard times, and I’ll never forget how the IndeVets team supported me through them.

Their support looked like:

• Flexible scheduling during my son’s three surgeries
• Understanding leadership who checked in regularly
• Time and space to care for my family without guilt

That’s the kind of compassion and understanding that makes IndeVets different. Here, leadership genuinely cares — not just about your performance, but about you as a person.

Learning from Every Clinic as a Relief Veterinarian

One of the most interesting parts of being an IndeVet has been the variety of clinics I’ve worked in over the years. Every practice has its own rhythm, its own quirks, and its own community.

I’ve learned how to adapt my approach based on the needs of the clinic and the clients, whether that means gold-standard care in a high-end neighborhood or practical, creative problem-solving in places where resources are limited.

That flexibility has made me a better veterinarian. I’ve seen firsthand how veterinary medicine looks across different communities, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for the many ways we can make a difference, no matter the circumstances.

And yes — I’ve even survived learning at least ten different practice software systems! For someone who doesn’t consider herself tech-savvy, that’s saying something.

Memorable Moments (and One Escaped Cat)

Of course, no five-year reflection would be complete without a few unforgettable stories. One that always makes me laugh happened during a shadow day years ago in St. Petersburg. I was working with a clinical leader visiting from Philadelphia when a cat escaped its carrier in the parking lot and sprinted across a busy street.

Before I knew it, we were both chasing it down and eventually found it hiding in the bushes across from a church. It was total chaos, but also such a bonding moment — the kind that reminds you how unpredictable (and occasionally hilarious) veterinary life can be.

Other memories are quieter but just as special: catching up with colleagues at VMX, sharing dinners with other IndeVets, or simply seeing a client’s face light up when their pet recovers. Those moments are why I love what I do.

Why IndeVets Works for Me

At its core, IndeVets gives veterinarians what so many of us have been searching for: a way to practice medicine with balance, support, and respect.
I love having the stability of a full-time role — with benefits, continuing education support, and paid time off — while still maintaining the flexibility to structure my work life in a way that fits my needs. The CE stipend has been an especially great perk. I’ve taken advantage of it at conferences like VMX, and my next big goal is to complete an abdominal ultrasound certification so I can expand my skillset beyond just finding the bladder.

Life Outside the Clinic

When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me at my yoga studio where I practice at least three times a week. My husband and I also spend a lot of time near the water. We have a small boat, and we love heading out with friends when the weather cooperates.

And of course, there’s baseball. Even though my son no longer plays competitively, we’re still huge fans. You can usually find us at Tropicana Field cheering on the Rays.

I also love going to concerts when I can. In the past couple of years, I saw Jane’s Addiction, Love and Rockets, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers — worth every penny!

Looking Ahead

As I think about the next five years, I know IndeVets will continue to be part of my story. Whether we stay in Florida or head north again, I take comfort knowing IndeVets is growing — with opportunities wherever life leads. Professionally, my goal is to keep growing, keep learning, and keep finding joy in this work.

Advice for New IndeVets

If I could share advice with anyone joining IndeVets, it would be this:

• Be open-minded and flexible. Every clinic is different, every day brings something new, and that’s part of the adventure. Go with the flow.
• Trust the support system. Do your best and know the IndeVets team has your back.
• Remember your why. We do this work for the pets, people, and purpose that make it meaningful.

After five years, I can say without hesitation that this model works — not just for pets and clinics, but for veterinarians who want to thrive. IndeVets has given me balance, confidence, and community. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

Here’s to the next chapter and to continuing to find purpose and joy in the work we do every day.

Dr. Natalie Paul is a veterinarian with IndeVets in Florida, celebrating five years of compassionate care, flexibility, and work-life balance in veterinary medicine.