Healthcare practice ownership: the path to personal and professional fulfillment

By Dr. Myles Rowley, DVM
Owner, The Beach House Vet

The career of my dreams 

Like most veterinarians, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine from a young age. And like other female veterinarians, I realized early on that pursuing the career of my dreams might require sacrifices. I’m proud to say that after putting my career and someone else’s business before family for 12 years, I’m now in control of my life, benefiting my career and my family, all thanks to practice ownership and Provide.

The “right time” 

Practice ownership was always my plan, but balancing work, raising children, and managing student loan debt made me question whether there would ever be a “right time” to pursue it. I was never afraid of ownership, but with so many different paths available in today’s veterinary landscape, there were a lot of options to consider. I considered a de novo partnership with a corporation for its promises of autonomy, and the ability to design a new facility and create my own culture, without managing administrative elements like marketing and human resources. (And as a busy, working mom, that sounded great!) I also considered the acquisition route, which provided the comfort of an established client base and guaranteed income, but for various reasons, I couldn’t find a practice that was the right fit for me.

A true solo startup wasn’t at the top of the list due to my initial fears surrounding financing. Everything changed when I joined a Facebook group for DVM mom practice owners and was introduced to Provide. My new Facebook friends candidly shared their experiences and opinions of corporate versus private practice ownership. They reminded me about the work I would put in and what I could receive in return. The team at Provide partnered with me and coached me on the financing options available, reviewed projections for startup practices, and encouraged me to begin looking for real estate. Starting my own practice started to seem less overwhelming and more like something that could become a reality.

A balanced life

Fast-forward to today – almost one full year into practice ownership – and I couldn’t be happier. My practice is thriving, but more importantly, my life feels more balanced than ever before. Don’t get me wrong, I still work really hard, but my children now have a better understanding of why. Every day they ask about my patients, and they know that if something important comes along, Mom will be there because she is in the driver's seat. My husband has always respected my career and is now even more invested in my success and engaged in my everyday life, which has made our marriage stronger than ever. I am extremely proud of the veterinary team we are building and the impact we have already had on our community. Me, my family, and my team – we're all incredibly happy.

Personal and professional growth

Ownership has significantly improved my life, both personally and professionally. The opportunities that come with ownership and learning how to run a business are challenging me in all the right ways. Creating content for our social media has allowed me to tap into the creative side of my brain that I wasn’t sure still existed, which has been fun and rewarding!

Practice ownership continues to open my eyes to an entirely different side of the veterinary profession. While ownership may not be for everyone, it seems just right for me, and I am forever grateful to Provide and my fellow DVM Facebook moms for guiding me down the right path. I encourage veterinarians who aren't sure whether it's the "right time," to pursue ownership to connect with a Provide representative. A quick conversation today could have a big impact on what your tomorrow looks like.

If you’re inspired by Dr. Rowley’s journey and looking to finance your practice with people who are passionate about your success and will be by your side every step of the way, we’re here to help. Get pre-qualified today.