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Zach, Vice President; LTC at The Vets; US Army Reserve: Advize Career Interview
A career in veterinary medicine offers diverse and exciting opportunities, as evidenced by this interview with a Vice President of Medical Performance at a leading veterinary care provider and a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve.
The path to success involves a strong foundation in biology and veterinary science, complemented by crucial business acumen, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning.
A successful career requires embracing diverse experiences, building strong professional networks, and fostering a growth mindset.
The interview highlights the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and a passion for collaboration, as a professional navigates various roles and settings, applying evidence-based practices and leading teams.
The interviewee's background demonstrates the value of building a strong foundation in the sciences while also developing leadership skills and business knowledge to achieve career advancement, emphasizing the exciting possibilities for students who combine scientific excellence with business acumen and interpersonal skills within the veterinary industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Zach Mills
Vice President; LTC
The Vets; US Army Reserve
Kansas State University (1994)
Colorado State University (Epidemiology); University of Georgia (MBA); Kansas State University (DVM); Kansas State University (MPH)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Professional Services
Medical
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member, Veteran
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Career Path Of A Vice President And Lieutenant Colonel At The Vets And US Army Reserve
Zach's career path, starting with biology and life sciences at Kansas State University and veterinary school, involved diverse roles including a veterinary house officer focusing on biosecurity and infection control, private practice, and industry positions at Pfizer Animal Health and Zoetis, where they held roles such as area veterinarian, strategic accounts manager, and chief of staff, before leading the BI team at Marielle Animal Health. This experience culminated in Zach's current positions as Vice President of Medical Performance at The Vets, a "novel platform" delivering veterinary care, and Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve Civil Affairs Command, reflecting "20 years in the military" across various deployments and units.
Main Responsibilities of a Vice President at The Vets
Zach's main responsibility at The Vets is ensuring medical performance aligns with evidence-based practices; this involves coordinating efforts to deliver "the best medical outcomes" by using guidelines from organizations like the AHA and AAVMA, and working with experts to establish "gold standard" approaches to preventive medicine and other veterinary care across the country. The focus on evidence-based medicine and outcome-driven care highlights a commitment to high-quality veterinary services.
A Day In The Life Of A Vice President At The Vets
A Vice President of Medical Performance at The Vets spends each day, "seven days a week, 365 days a year," seeking improvements in medical care delivery, reviewing literature, and training staff for optimal outcomes. This involves "riding with the veterinarians," directly interacting with clients to understand their needs and experiences, and ultimately refining the entire process "from the delivery of the care to the reception of the care within the owners' homes."
Most Important Skills For A Vice President At The Vets
Beyond strong medical and surgical skills, a successful veterinary professional like Zach needs "good communication, listening skills, empathy, and compassion" to build trust quickly with clients. Further, strong business acumen in areas like finance, marketing, and organizational behavior—skills not typically emphasized in veterinary school—are vital for career advancement and success in the field.
Favorite Parts of Being a Vice President and Army Reserve Officer at The Vets
Zach's job satisfaction stems from "working with people that have a shared passion and drive," finding fulfillment in collaborative problem-solving and a positive work culture; the importance of "people that they're surrounded with" in shaping career longevity is a key takeaway for Zach.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Vice President at The Vets
Zach's biggest challenge as Vice President at The Vets is "maintaining talent," due to intense competition and limited resources for employee development; creating a culture where "people want to be, where they want to stay" through individualized career paths and opportunities is crucial for retention.
Favorite Parts of Working in Veterinary Care and the Army Reserve as a Vice President and Lieutenant Colonel
Zach, a Vice President and LTC in the US Army Reserve, finds the most rewarding aspect of his career in veterinary medicine to be "the people," both within The Vets and the Army Reserve, describing them as "smart, intelligent, driven," individuals who are passionate about their work and possess a strong sense of initiative. This shared dedication to a "noble cause" in a challenging environment, combined with constant learning from colleagues, makes showing up to work worthwhile.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Veterinary Industry According To A Vice President At The Vets
To thrive in the veterinary industry, a curious mind and a commitment to continuous learning are essential; "constantly learning...expanding knowledge and applying it," with a willingness to adapt and explore new opportunities throughout a career that will likely span several roles and settings, as "things could change five or 10 or 15 years down the road".
What A Veterinarian At The Vets Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Veterinary Industry
Zach, a Vice President and LTC in the US Army Reserve, wished someone had emphasized the importance of "business acumen and business skills" before entering the veterinary industry. The skills and a differentiator, such as an MBA, are crucial for career advancement, as "no matter what you're doing, there will be a business component to it," making a candidate with additional business training more competitive.
Entry Level Positions for Aspiring Veterinarians
To gain experience in the veterinary field, undergraduates should consider "volunteering at a veterinary practice" or shadowing veterinarians, exploring roles with wildlife veterinarians and biologists, or pursuing advanced studies in related sciences like "artificial intelligence" to contribute to the "one health community." These experiences offer valuable insights into the profession and its interconnectedness with human, animal, and environmental health.
Significant Career Lesson From A Lieutenant Colonel At US Army Reserve
Zach, a Vice President and LTC in the US Army Reserve, identifies maintaining an open mind as a crucial career lesson. This involves actively listening to others, embracing diverse perspectives ("keeping people in different ideas"), and recognizing that unexpected opportunities can arise from seemingly minor interactions—"it might just change your life on what the opportunities are".
College Experiences That Helped A Vice President At The Vets Succeed
To set oneself up for career success, undergraduate education should be leveraged to gain "diverse activities, diversity in class, diversity in people," developing leadership skills and a broad range of experiences rather than specializing too early. This approach fosters the curiosity and adaptability crucial for problem-solving in dynamic fields like veterinary medicine, where "every animal's different and every condition is different."
How Identity Has Influenced a Vice President and Lieutenant Colonel's Career at The Vets and US Army Reserve
Growing up in "the middle of America," shaped Zach's career by fostering a broad perspective and tolerance, allowing him to appreciate diverse backgrounds and skills. This led to a proactive approach of seeking to understand others, exemplified by the statement "the first thing that I want to hear about is like, tell me more about that," which contributed to their success as a VP.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/zachmills
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