A note from Dr. Carlee.
I grew up thinking everyone was fundamentally good. I carried that optimism into vet school and into my first job.
Then I watched my first boss open Amazon packages in front of her veterinary technicians every single day - new things for herself - while her staff duct-taped their shoes together because they could not afford new ones. Something inside me changed in that moment. Not in a sad way. In an angry way.
My second job was not better. It was just broken in a different way. My boss admitted to me that he had deliberately chosen not to replace my departed colleague 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.
I called the bank from the parking lot that day. Asked my boss if he would sell me the practice. He said yes. Three days later I found out I was pregnant with my first son.
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 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 was brave enough. And so are you.
- Dr. Carlee Tucker, DVM