A note from Dr. Carlee.
I grew up thinking everyone was fundamentally good deep down, especially those that worked in healthcare fields. I carried that optimism into vet school and into my first job where my naivety was very short-lived.
I watched my first boss open Amazon packages in front of her veterinary technicians every single day, always buying new things for herself -while her staff duct-taped their shoes together because they could not afford new ones. Something inside me broke witnessing my friends and colleagues scrape by while their labor was exploited for profit.
My second job unfortunately was not any better. My boss admitted to me that he had deliberately chosen not to replace my colleague who had recently left- because having me do double the work was more profitable for him than hiring another vet.
I had been working myself into the ground to keep his clinic running... and he had made a calculated decision to let me. And to profit off of my burnout.
I called the bank from the parking lot that next day. And then asked my boss if he would sell me the practice, otherwise I would be finding another job. Surprisingly, he said yes. I was ecstatic! Then, 3 days later, I found out I was pregnant with my first baby. My excitement turned into fear in 6 seconds flat.
The next 18 months were the hardest of my professional life. But I built something I am genuinely proud of. A practice where my team actually wants to come to work. Where patients get the care they need without an investor's margin targets driving the recommendation. Where I make more money, work fewer hours, and genuinely love being a veterinarian again.
I built Veterinary Practice Rising because I remember exactly what it felt like to be you. I remember the rage. I remember feeling trapped. I remember thinking there had to be another way but not knowing if I was brave enough or capable enough to actually do it.
I'm just a regular vet that was brave enough. And so are you.
- Carlee Tucker, DVM