NVA General Practice

Working in veterinary medicine can be as emotionally draining as it is rewarding. The constant juggling of patient care, client expectations, and team dynamics can easily lead to burnout if not managed properly.

From the start of my veterinary career, I knew that dentistry was my true passion. I genuinely love it and believe it plays a massive role in a pet's health.

We all come across bits of wisdom that really stick with us—words of advice that help us grow both personally and professionally.

At NVA, we’re proud to create a space where women can thrive, both professionally and personally. Our NVA Women’s Network is committed to uniting women across the organization, enabling them to support one another, forge meaningful connections, and collaborate to shape the future of veterinary care.

When Ellie, a 6-year-old circus elephant, arrived outside our clinic in Missouri, we knew we were in for a unique challenge. We frequently provided veterinary care to circus animals when they were in town for performances, but none like Ellie. She was experiencing lameness in her foot, but her caretakers were also concerned about swelling in her carpus.

I had the privilege of being Ben's primary care provider starting when he was just 3 months old. Ben was part of a private collection, and I got to see him grow and flourish over the years. But when he was 9 and a half, his journey took an unexpected turn. Faced with personal challenges, his owner made the difficult decision to donate Ben to the Indianapolis Zoo. Here he would receive the specialized care he needed and have a new home with other animals of his kind.

At NVA, we strive to build a workplace that reflects the clients and communities we serve. To support that goal, we’re focused on empowering animal care professionals from all backgrounds and life-experiences through educational programs, partnerships, and employee resource groups like NVA Black Allies.

From the start of my veterinary career, I knew that dentistry was my true passion. I genuinely love it and believe it plays a massive role in a pet's health. It was also my dream to earn my Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in dentistry.

A good Samaritan found an abandoned family of dogs, with one of the puppies in need of medical care.

For years a Pit Bull named Miracle lived outside alone in a crate under a tree. Neglected and used for breeding, Miracle knew little kindness. Her situation grew worse when Hurricane Milton struck St. Petersburg, Florida.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Dr. Marisa Gennace has closely followed the war’s impact on animals. With so many abandoned and wounded patients, Ukrainian veterinarians face immense obstacles with scarce resources. Still, they remain determined to deliver the best possible care with what little they have. This resilient spirit inspired Dr. Gennace to join them on the front lines.

On a scorching day in Phoenix, Arizona, with temperatures soaring above 110 degrees, good Samaritans spotted a dog crate on the side of the highway. When they stopped to make sure it was empty, they were shocked to find a dehydrated and disoriented young tiger inside.

After severe tornados struck Oklahoma this year, our team at  Woodlake Animal Hospital stepped in to help our local community. We provided medical aid, gathered food and supplies, and housed several animals displaced during the storms.

In honor of World Pet Memorial Day, we asked NVA GP Mentors to share advice on how they help pet parents grieve the loss of a pet, by reflecting on their own personal experience.

Firefighters and animal control officers in Fresno, California, responded to a call about a puppy that had fallen 70 feet into a well. Her owners didn’t think the 6-week-old Shepherd mix had survived until they heard her cries.

This spring, I’ll earn my DVM from the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine. As graduation approaches, I find myself reflecting on the individuals and experiences that prepared me to succeed as a practicing veterinarian. The doctors and teams I encountered through NVA’s General Practice Externship Program played a significant role in that.

Success in dentistry leads to loving it. I help new DVMs build their confidence by teching good techniques, emphasizing the correct tools, and encouraging strong relationships with support staff. These opportunitites reveal the positive impacts and motivate DVMs to expand their skills.

At NVA, supporting the success of new veterinarians is mission-critical. As the future of vet med, our priority is to nurture their growth and empower them with resources to practice their best medicine.