We invite you to take a peek into part of what makes the Uncharted Veterinary Community so unique: our members! We sat down to interview some of the amazing people who have joined us on our amazing journey since the first conference in 2017. This week’s interview is with Dr. Elizabeth Holland, a veterinarian and practice owner in Iowa! Enjoy!
For anyone who doesn’t know you, could you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a 2008 DVM graduate of Iowa State and bought the small animal practice I have practiced at since graduation in 2015. We are a 3 doctor small animal practice focusing on cat-friendly and fear-free care where I also offer acupuncture. Team culture is our focus and I find that when our team culture is healthy, our clients and patients get the most amazing care. My goal is to help be a role model for other practice owners and veterinarians to show that this profession can be rewarding on all levels and you can still have an amazing life outside of work. I have a husband and 3 sons (9, 8 and 6) and we love to travel and spend time outside.
What were you looking for when you joined Uncharted?
A positive space within our profession. Experience to help me as I work on giving and receiving open feedback within our team to create a better culture.
What are your 2 favorite groups in the Uncharted Workplace community and why?
The Management group because there is SO much for me to learn! Also the Wellness group.
What is one thing you believe all veterinary professionals can do right now to make Vet Med even better?
Focus on the positive and really evaluate if the “venting” you currently do is effective or actually makes things worse.
What is your current work-related goal?
Building on our code of culture and open feedback between team members
Have you ever worked outside of the veterinary field? What was it like?
I was scared of dogs until I was 11 years old so I never even considered veterinary medicine until I was about 20. I was always going to be a human medical doctor. During all of my hospital, clinic and nursing home jobs and volunteer hours, doctors constantly discouraged me from the profession –which was very disheartening. Thankfully, I had an “Ah-Ha!” moment with a neighbor discussing a wound on her German Shepherd when I realized that veterinarians also work with people which is my true passion. I keep that in mind when we discourage young people from entering veterinary medicine. Don't get me wrong, I want to be sure they have their eyes open but I try to stay as positive as possible.
What is your favorite hobby and how did you discover it? Would you recommend it to others?
I love to garden. Being outdoors is my “happy place” and growing food and flowers fulfills that as well as my need to be “productive.” I always recommend getting dirty and my boys know I am a happier mom when I find lots of dirt under their fingernails!
Who is one of your favorite people you’ve met through Uncharted and why?
Jennifer Shepherd. I feel like we have such similar personalities and share similar struggles as practice owners. She was just so easy to talk to from the start! I am SERIOUSLY introverted so finding Jennifer really helped me enjoy the entire Uncharted experience more.
Melanie Kramer was the first welcoming face I saw upon arriving in Greenville the first time. Her kindness set me at ease and started the entire adventure off in a positive manner. And I was NERVOUS!
Do you have a dream for your career? What is it?
My dream is simple, I want anyone (team member, patient, mail carrier, client) who has entered my practice during the day for whatever reason (new puppy, euthanasia, work, delivery) to have a positive thought when they look back over the day and think of Adel Veterinary Clinic. We have the ability to create positive experiences whether facing illness, death, new life or just a typical day at work. When we create positive experiences for those around us, we are definitely creating them for ourselves as well. Life is so short and precious, being kind and helping others feel happy is a great way to make the most of the time we have!
You can join the Uncharted community and meet people like Elizabeth by visiting www.UnchartedVet.com and registering to become a member!
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