Thru Jeremiah's Eyes

How much progress are we losing by ignoring bold ideas? Leadership, in its most impactful form, isn’t just about holding authority—it’s about having the courage to push boundaries, question the status quo, and ignite change. In veterinary medicine, the call for courageous leaders is clear. By supporting creativity, not just from industry veterans but also from the new generation of veterinarians and support staff, we’re planting seeds of progress that could benefit both patients and practitioners.

The most transformative ideas often emerge when people feel free to dream big without fearing rejection. It’s time for our field to foster a culture where creativity is celebrated, innovation is supported, and progress is a shared goal. Because when we support the dreams of those in our industry, we create a future where animals receive not just care but the best, most innovative care possible.

At the heart of every impactful business is a desire to create something bigger than itself—a legacy that future generations can look back on with respect. This focus on legacy means viewing business decisions through a lens of long-term impact, prioritizing not just what’s profitable but what’s sustainable and just. Purpose-driven businesses don’t merely focus on quarterly results; they set long-term goals that drive sustainable growth and genuine change. For these companies, success is defined not just by financial milestones but by the positive mark they leave on people and the planet. It’s about showing that profitability and purpose can, and should, coexist to build a business model that is both visionary and viable.

In case you haven't noticed, the veterinary industry is changing, from rising inflation to corporate investments shaping pet care. As pet owners and professionals, we must navigate these shifts carefully to balance affordability, access, and the personal touch that makes veterinary care so unique. Let’s discuss how to protect the heart of veterinary medicine in a changing world.

Back in August, I was part of a critical conservation operation for rhinos in Krugern National Park, South Africa 🦏 In this same world, the Sumatran rhino, with fewer than 80 individuals left, is one of the most endangered species on Earth. Conservationists are racing against time, using cutting-edge science like IVF and artificial insemination to save this ancient species from extinction 💔

But, despite the necessity for action, saving the Sumatran rhino isn’t just about science—it’s about strategy. I think that by treating conservation more, in a sense, like a business, with sustainable funding, compelling storytelling, and community involvement, we can create lasting change. At least, taking business concepts into practice more purposefully and consciously. Projects like these prove that ethical conservation can uplift both wildlife and local communities. The fight is urgent, but it’s also filled with hope. The Sumatran rhino’s story isn’t over yet, and with the right balance of innovation, economics, and compassion, we can ensure a future where this species thrives.

Any business people, veterinarians, or anyone with thoughts, I'd love to have a conversation in the comments about how we could make something like this happen!! 👇🏾

Rewilding - The process of restoring ecosystems to their natural, wild state by reintroducing species and allowing nature to take the lead in its recovery. Just for a second, imagine standing in a desert landscape that, over time, transforms into a thriving ecosystem full of life—native plants flourishing, wildlife like oryx and gazelles returning to their ancestral habitats, and rivers running through once-barren land. In Saudi Arabia, rewilding efforts are doing just that, with a blend of responsible tourism and conservation. Tourism in these areas is being used as a force for good, funding the restoration of biodiversity while offering people a glimpse of nature’s healing power. But for rewilding to succeed, it must be approached with caution, care, and communication between all parties involved.

Responsible tourism plays a critical role in supporting these efforts, but it must be done in a way that doesn’t disrupt the delicate balance of rewilding ecosystems. Ethical tourism practices—such as minimizing human impact and creating educational experiences—are key to ensuring that visitors can witness nature's return without harming the process. This balance requires transparency, careful planning, and a deep respect for the natural world. At its best, tourism can generate the funds needed to support long-term conservation while also raising awareness about the importance of restoring biodiversity in regions that need it most.

For rewilding to truly succeed, it requires a **One Health** approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Communication among conservationists, local communities, and government agencies is essential to ensure that the needs of both people and nature are met. It’s a slow process, requiring patience as ecosystems recover over time. But with open dialogue, sustainable practices, and a shared vision, rewilding offers a hopeful path forward—not just for the wildlife returning to these lands, but for the future of our planet as a whole.

How do you see rewilding impacting our world, and how do you think similar efforts could happen more readily here in the States?

🇿🇦 This past summer, I was in South Africa with veterinarians from around the world, but one of the harsh realities that we were all able to resonate with was the poor mental health of so many in our industry 💔 Yet, Merck Animal Health’s fourth Veterinary Wellbeing Study highlights improvements in addressing burnout and stress among veterinary teams. To me, this progress that they showed means hope, but still, there is tons of work to do. I don't see the profession where it needs to be, but I hope to make it better and push for change throughout my time here at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and beyond. I believe it takes everybody doing their part, but by prioritizing mental health resources, fostering open conversations, and supporting systemic change, we can build a profession where both animals and caregivers thrive. Let’s continue to push for a culture of care and progress ❣️

If you have any ideas for initiatives or programs that veterinary schools should implement, I'd love to hear some in the comments below! Feel free to message me as well :)

Vet schools need to start teaching us about AI, and how to use it to enhance our studies and practice, before we get left behind in the pursuit of innovation. From diagnostics to practice management, AI offers tools to enhance care and efficiency. Yet, apprehensions about ethics, regulation, and data security often slow its adoption. The solution? At least in my opinion, is integrating AI into veterinary school curriculums, addressing concerns with transparency, and focusing on ethical implementation. With purposeful action, we can ensure AI empowers, not replaces, veterinarians—unlocking possibilities that benefit animals, practitioners, and communities alike.

One thing I know for sure is that I would be nowhere without my support system and community, so first off, thank you! If you know me, you know I love having my hands in a lot of buckets and pursuing multiple things simultaneously—it's what fuels me. However, as I've entered more time-demanding realms, I've realized that my time has become very limited. My passion for my interests didn't just disappear with that realization. So, I began figuring out how to use my time most effectively, regulate my energy, and make tiny steps every day despite limited time.

While nothing replaces hands-on veterinary care, the pandemic has shown us that flexibility is possible. It's a way to introduce new realms of collaboration between all realms of our industry, whether research, industry, practice, or corporate, and so far it has been amazing to see the impact that it's already had. And it's crazy to think because we once thought that vet care had to be an entirely in-person job not too long ago.

However, it's not a one-size-fits-all type of solution. To me, it's one that can be adapted and molded to fit the unique challenges and opportunities of our world of pet care. And while there are challenges - like maintaining the essence of the team and building up the culture - these can be balanced, and even improved upon, with the proper balance by the benefits of a more flexible workplace.

So, as we move forward, it's clear that hybrid work is here to stay, and just like myself, many students currently in veterinary school are seeking more flexible contracts. Hopefully, our industry starts pushing the limits more & more, and I'd love to have a conversation in the comments below about how you think we could make this happen!

The young generation of workers, myself included, aren't running away from work; we're embracing it - on our own terms. We want purpose. We want impact. We want success. We want these things, but in a way that does not come at the expense of our health and personal lives either.

Throughout my time in veterinary medicine working at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in business with the National Football League (NFL), and beyond, I've interacted with countless peers and we've all been saying the same things for years. We need to redefine what it means to work 'hard', and more importantly, what it actually means to work smart.

For those of us entering or establishing ourselves in the workforce, the concept of balance is vital. We’re driven, ambitious, and eager to grow in our careers, but we’ve also learned from the experiences of previous generations who faced burnout and exhaustion in the name of success. Balance isn’t about working less—it’s about working smarter, in a way that allows us to excel without sacrificing our health or personal fulfillment. This balanced approach also fosters better innovation and creativity, as we’re not constantly running on empty. When we have time to recharge, pursue personal passions, and spend time with loved ones, we come back to work more inspired and ready to contribute. In today’s world, professional growth is deeply connected to personal well-being, and companies that support this balance will be the ones that thrive.