Why I chose to become a Founding Lead DVM at Livewell
Why I chose to become a Founding Lead DVM at Livewell
Dr. Ray Davis, Livewell Animal Hospital of Kirkland
My journey in veterinary medicine has taken me through three different states and multiple roles since becoming a teammate of SVP, now Mission, in 2018—from student to associate, lead, and now, Founding Veterinarian of Livewell Animal Hospital of Kirkland. Through all those transitions, one constant has always existed: the unwavering commitment to professional support and development offered by Mission Pet Health.
If you are a veterinarian considering the founding DVM role, you are likely asking yourself: “What will this partnership actually do for the practice and my professional life?” Having been in your shoes, I can tell you that the difference lies in two crucial areas: empowered, accessible Continuing Education (CE) and an integrated network of specialty consultants that redefines the scope of care you can offer.
I remember graduating from veterinary school having had only a handful of lectures in dentistry and no hands-on training with extractions. Dentistry has remained one of the biggest gaps in veterinary education, and I felt unprepared to tackle high-grade dental cases early in my career. I was incredibly grateful to be part of one of Mission’s earliest comprehensive CE courses: Dental Principles. This wasn’t just a basic review; it was a practical program involving live sessions with Dr. Jessica Johnson, DAVDC, culminating in an in-person dental wet lab. Since I completed the course, I have had multiple new graduates I have worked with attend the in-person labs as well which gives them the ability to confidently recommend and perform dental procedures. Mission now offers dental externships for 3rd and 4th year students with Dr. Johnson.
That early experience set the tone for my ongoing growth here. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to take part in principle courses focused on Oncology and Cardiology. Looking ahead, I’m excited for the planned courses in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine. This commitment to high-quality, specialty-driven CE is not just a perk; it’s a fundamental part of Mission that supports growth of Livewell hospitals. It solidifies existing knowledge and, more importantly, allows us to confidently integrate new skillsets into our daily practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and our professional fulfillment.
The accessible CE is a great perk, but the true game-changer is the ability to leverage the immense talent within the broader Mission network for specialty consultation. This is not about emailing a referral center and waiting days for a reply. This is about having expert, collaborative partners at your fingertips. This resource completely changes the spectrum of care we can provide and opens doors for clients who might not be able to afford the high cost or logistical challenges of a formal referral. For example, on our second week of opening Livewell Animal Hospital of Kirkland, we took on our very first chemotherapy case—a lymphoma patient referred to me by Dr. Beil at Livewell Animal Urgent Care of Bothell. Our partner in care for this journey is Dr. Kim Johnson (KJ), DVM, DACVIM (Oncology). She is a phenomenal resource, and offers all the specifics needed to feel confident in safely and effectively implementing chemo in hospital. The clients were deeply appreciative that we could move forward with this complex treatment right here, in our clinic, with the support of a board-certified specialist.
I’ve even utilized this service for my own pet! When my dog, Zax, had significant hypoalbuminemia, I consulted with Dr. Kristin Lewis, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM). She reviewed my entire workup and provided expert recommendations on the best next diagnostic and therapeutic steps. Having that kind of high-level input on a challenging case, whether for a client or my own family member, is priceless.
The ability to easily consult with specialists across fields—dermatology, ophthalmology, emergency, oncology, and internal medicine—fundamentally changes the way we practice. It empowers us to offer a wider and deeper spectrum of care within our hospitals. What makes this resource truly special is that the consultation process is easy, straightforward, and collaborative. It also helps that the specialists we work with are, frankly, great humans—dedicated to partnership and supporting general practitioners.
If you are a DVM looking for a partnership that will invest in your growth, remove the feeling of professional isolation, and empower you to deliver a higher level of care to your community, then the founding DVM role is a path you should seriously consider. It’s not just a partnership; it’s an elevation of your entire practice experience.
