Are you a young veterinarian with big dreams of owning your own practice someday? Dr. Katie Colquitt, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) who recently took the leap from working at the CityVet Prosper location to owning her own CityVet clinic in Frisco, took that very leap of faith. With the help of CityVet’s home office and expertise, Dr. Colquitt delves into the reasons she chose to join CityVet, and the benefits of being a CityVet partner.
Dr. Colquitt’s journey to owning her own veterinary clinic began with a desire to learn from experienced professionals and build a successful practice. She recognized that veterinary school doesn’t provide comprehensive education about running a business, and she wanted to bridge that gap. Here’s what CityVet’s team was able to provide her to help her open her own practice.
- Hands-on Mentorship: Dr. Colquitt started her career by working alongside a seasoned veterinarian. This mentorship allowed her to understand both the successes and mistakes that come with practice ownership.
- The Appeal of CityVet: CityVet stood out to Dr. Colquitt due to its team mentality and home office’s willingness to provide assistance and support was a significant draw.
- Building from Scratch: Dr. Colquitt aspired to start her own practice from the ground up. While this was financially challenging, CityVet offered the necessary support to turn her dream into reality.
- Continuing Education (CE): CityVet’s commitment to CE is exceptional. All DVMs receive a stipend for licensing and continuing education, which is not common in the industry. This support helps DVMs like Dr. Colquitt stay updated in their field.
“CityVet’s home office support was probably the biggest draw for me to say yes to opening my own practice,” explains Dr. Colquitt. “The programming, mentorship, and support they provide gives me the freedom to practice all while knowing the basics of operating a business are in good hands with their team.”
Advice for Young DVMs
Dr. Colquitt’s advice for young veterinarians is simple but powerful: “You put in the work now so you don’t have to later.” She believes that by working hard during the early years of your career, it will pave the way for future success. CityVet’s support makes this journey less intimidating.
Mentorship at CityVet
CityVet provides multiple avenues for mentorship, including monthly Zoom meetings with other DVMs and quarterly face-to-face meetings. “These meetings are essential for me to bounce ideas off of other practice owners in our network and consistently learn from what is working and not working for businesses,” further explains Dr. Colquitt.
In conclusion, Dr. Katie Colquitt’s journey from an associate at CityVet to a proud business owner in Frisco is a testament to the opportunities and support available with CityVet. If you’re a young vet with dreams of practice ownership, CityVet might just be the partner you’ve been looking for to turn your dreams into reality.
CityVet, a trusted name in veterinary care and pet wellness services, is thrilled to announce that it has also been certified as a Great Place To Work®.
This prestigious award is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our incredible team and our commitment to creating a workplace culture that is second to none.
A Distinctive Achievement
Great Place To Work® is a globally recognized authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors that lead to outstanding business outcomes. The certification we have received is a result of the candid feedback provided by our employees who have rated CityVet as a fantastic place to work.
This year, an impressive 86% of our team members affirmed that CityVet is indeed a great place to build their careers – a remarkable 29 points higher than the U.S. average for companies.
Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work, aptly stated, “Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience. By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that CityVet stands out as one of the top companies to work for; providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”
A Commitment to Inclusivity and Excellence
At CityVet, we understand that a great workplace starts with creating an inclusive and supportive culture. David Boguslawski, our CEO, expresses our commitment, “We are honored to earn the Great Place To Work certification as we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace culture for our staff, veterinarians, and clinic operations.” He goes on to emphasize that our team’s unwavering dedication to providing top-notch care to our clients and their beloved pets is a cornerstone of our success.
What sets CityVet apart is our unique business model, where our clinics are owned and led by our veterinarians. This personalized approach means our veterinarians take ownership of every client, pet, and employee that walks through our doors, ensuring the highest level of care and service.
Investing in Our Team
CityVet prides itself on taking exceptional care of our employees, providing them with the tools and benefits to excel both at work and in their personal lives. Our commitment to our valuable team members is evident in our above-industry-standard employee retention rate.
Over the past year, we’ve implemented tools, and mentorship to support them. In 2022, CityVet achieved a remarkable 0% turnover among our Veterinary Partners, with our overall veterinarian retention rate standing strong at 90%.
One significant initiative that has made a substantial impact is the overhaul of our employee benefits structure. After careful analysis and collaboration with CEO Dave Boguslawski, our Human Resources team revamped our benefits, offering more robust packages, additional PTO, parental leave, and mental health advocacy. We’ve redistributed PTO to ensure that employees can enjoy these benefits sooner, resulting in happier employees and lower turnover for new hires.
Mental health support is also a priority at CityVet. We now offer free counseling sessions, available to both team members and their families. We’ve also introduced a third-party tool to help identify when someone is struggling and provide guidance on how best to offer assistance.
We have additionally invested significantly in leadership development, conflict resolution, and other personal development programs.
Championing Women and Giving Back to the Community
CityVet is dedicated to championing women in the industry, with 82% of our total workforce represented by women. We offer benefits and flexibility to meet their needs, including paid parental leave, mentorship programs, and mental health support.
Our commitment to the community is unwavering. In 2022, CityVet conducted a Holiday Food Drive, raising over 5,000 pounds of pet food for those in need and donating to 16 different rescues across multiple cities. We actively participated in over 20 community events, partnering with local shelters, rescues, and organizations. Last year, CityVet donated approximately $500,000 in goods and services to support pets in need and rescue shelters.
This year, we’ve established a Home Office Culture Committee to further enhance our company culture and communication as we continue to grow. Philanthropy and community service are at the core of this committee’s mission, and we look forward to expanding our efforts in the coming years.
In conclusion, CityVet is not just a place where pets receive exceptional care; it’s a place where employees thrive, communities benefit, and kindness prevails.
The Great Place To Work certification reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and the well-being of our team and the pets we serve. We are proud to continue providing top-notch pet care and fostering a great workplace for our dedicated employees. Thank you for choosing CityVet as your trusted partner in pet health and wellness.