What does life after Vet Med look like?

There may not be a lot of certainties in life, but one thing we can all count on is that we will be leaving our careers at some point and in one way or another. The factor we get at least some control over is the terms upon which we step out of practice. Whether you call it your exit strategy, transition, or succession plan, this process is the best opportunity we’ll get to set a vision for our career, lay the groundwork, and exit on our own terms.

We’ve worked with veterinarians from all walks of life, including:

A veterinarian who lives in her clinic (not in an apartment above it) because that’s all she can afford after nearly 20 years as a practice owner.

A veterinarian who based his retirement plan on the belief his practice was going to be worth one year’s gross revenue, and found out it’s worth $1 million less.

A veterinarian who, in her own words, would “work until I die” and was later diagnosed with terminal cancer with six months to get her affairs in order.

A millennial veterinarian as she negotiated purchase terms with a husband-wife team who had been planning their retirement from practice for about three years. Upon the sale, the couple will be moving south to be closer to kids and grandkids.

An enthusiastic, young veterinarian who was just approached by his hospital owner about gradually buying her out. After she sells, her husband, a firefighter, will be able to retire and she’ll devote her time volunteering in a veterinary association.

A veterinarian who sold his privatelyowned hospitals to two younger associates when he was 52. He wasn’t ready to leave the profession yet, but suddenly he had the freedom to serve in ways he couldn’t when he was tied up practicing.