Pursuing a Veterinary Career in the USA
After meeting during their time studying at the University of Liverpool and working in the UK, Lourdes (BVSc 1999) and Chris (BVSc 2000) now own and run their own small animal practices just outside Sacramento, California.
Here, Lourdes shares her memories of studying at the University, reflects on her career since, and what it takes to move your career abroad – and how alumni and graduates can make the most of School of Veterinary Science's accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for a global career.
Reflecting on your time at the University, what are some of your fondest memories from the School?
I have fond memories of living in the city of Liverpool. During my free time I was able to explore the rich history of the city’s cathedrals, architecture, as well as the Albert Docks, the Cavern Club, and Sefton Park. In addition to these locations, I was also able to enjoy Liverpool’s excellent pub culture. During my time at the University of Liverpool, my peers and I often travelled to a small animal hospital in Liverpool, where we gained a considerable amount of experience in the fields of small animal surgery and medicine.
Part of the curriculum at the University involves gaining work experience in small animal, farm, and equine healthcare. During my time studying, I was able to travel across the UK to work with a variety of species. I had the chance to stay in the homes of my peers, where I was able to explore the towns in which they lived as well at getting work experience. My stay in Leahurst, for instance, allowed me to immerse myself in equine and farm animal studies. I spent many a late-night studying, on equine rotations, and playing backgammon with the friends I had made throughout my studies at the University.
Can you share your journey from the University of Liverpool to owning your own small animal practice in Sacramento? What motivated you to open your practice in the USA, and how has that experience been?
After qualifying, I worked in a mixed animal practice for two years. I was excited to work and continue living in the UK, where I met my future husband, who was himself a student at the University of Liverpool School of Veterinary Science. However, while we enjoyed our time in the UK, we missed our family and friends and decided to move back to the US. On returning to the States, we completed the Educational Commission for Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as the NAVLE exam.
We were then employed at a small animal private practice for four years in New Jersey, before we decided to make the move to California and purchase a small animal practice in the Sierra foothills. Purchasing our own small animal practice had been our dream and goal for years! We wanted professional autonomy, control over our work environment, and to be able to impact the veterinary care of pets in our community. When the opportunity came up, we decided to expand and took ownership of another small animal hospital closer to our home in El Dorado Hills. Through the years we have grown the practices and our lives together here in California. We have enjoyed the journey and have fond memories of our time studying at the University of Liverpool and working in the UK.
Could you tell us more about your clinic? What are its core values, and what makes your practice unique in the Sacramento area?
Both of our clinics are full-service animal hospitals, capable of providing comprehensive pet healthcare services. We are committed to providing pets with the absolute best veterinary care possible in a welcoming environment. We take pride in providing quality care at every stage of an animal’s life. From routine preventive care, geriatric wellbeing etc. we have the expertise and resources to provide the highest standard of care for our patients.
At our clinics we offer comprehensive in-house lab services, surgery, advanced dental care, digital dental and general radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy/laparoscopy. We collaborate with top veterinary specialists in our community for more unique cases that require a more specific form of expertise.
Our practices are in beautiful northern California, close to locations that offer recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, boating, fishing, horseback riding and much more. Situated within the Sierra foothills, the locations of our clinics provide easy access to Sacramento, San Francisco, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe.
As a practice owner, what qualities do you look for in new veterinary staff, especially recent graduates?
We look for those who possess excellent communication skills; compassion and empathy for pets and their owners; the ability to work collaboratively with other veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible; a drive to provide exemplary service and care at every opportunity; and of course, critical thinking and problem solving skills. These qualities are vital to both the success of a post-graduate veterinary student in the workforce, and the proper functioning of the overall hospital.
How do you create a positive work culture that helps both you and your staff manage the challenges of the profession, such as burnout or work life balance?
At our clinics, we take our employee’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing extremely seriously. We provide our staff with reasonable work schedules, excellent compensation, paid personal time off, and opportunities to pursue continued education. Moreover, the senior members of our staff are dedicated to ensuring that new hires receive the support, mentorship, and guidance that they need. Our goal is to create an environment in which our employees feel a complete sense of belonging and are empowered to reach their highest potential.
What advice would you give to current vet students or recent graduates who are considering taking their careers overseas, particularly to the USA?
Working as a veterinarian in the US can be a life-changing experience, one that offers both personal and professional opportunities. Working internationally allows you to expand your knowledge and skills, as you encounter a wide range of conditions and treatments you may not encounter at home. Living and working in a foreign country provides valuable opportunities for cultural immersion and exploration. California boasts the most beautiful coastlines, mountains, and national parks such as Yosemite National Park, Redwood National Park, and Lassen Volcanic Park, to name but a few.
My advice would be to:
- Research the area where you will be living and working.
- Research Licensing and Certification requirements; studying at Liverpool Vet School gives accreditation from the AVMA, but there is still the NAVLE test which you can do in the UK.
- Research State licensing, for example a legal exam is required in California.
- Ensure your language skills are up to scratch – not a problem for the US, but one to consider if you want your career to take you elsewhere!
- Check visa and work permits – the US work visa (H1B visa) can take months and needs the sponsorship of an employer.
- Make sure you have planned your finances – does the role allow you move, settle-in, and live comfortably.