“If you are looking to become savvier in the business of veterinary medicine, this externship is a must-have experience. With the majority of our formal education focused on medicine, veterinary students are not always exposed to the nitty-gritty such as contracts and negotiations. The team is fabulous and committed to the learning process. I loved my time here!”

“What was most amazing and enlightening for me was bearing witness to Dr. Lacroix’s advisory work and how her expertise (of more than 20 years of veterinary industry experience) greatly benefited each and every veterinary professional she helped, from retiring veterinarians selling their practice to newly minted DVMs nervous over their first employment contracts. I’m also grateful for the privilege of having learned from the entire VBA team, whether it was about practice culture and employee management from Kellie Olah or legal due diligence from Kara Cobb. It was also a blast to work with executive assistants Isaac and Lysa as well!

“VBA is a must-do externship for anyone in the veterinary field! Future owners will find this an invaluable experience as you will learn about how to value and buy or sell a practice. Even if you don’t want to own a practice, you will benefit from knowing the inner workings of employee contracts, client accusations, and workplace disagreements. I appreciated learning how to successfully navigate the industry I am about to enter, and I feel better prepared to find a quality workplace. VBA provides a unique experience that supplements traditional curriculum in a very practical way.”

“My time at VBA was completely unique. I had exposure to so many topics that will be relevant throughout my entire professional career. I learned how to navigate through various contracts such as employment agreements, operating agreements, asset purchase agreements, non-compete agreements and many more. Charlotte and I also discussed the legality of up-and-coming issues such a telemedicine in practice, the use of cannabis in pets, and corporate consolidation, all topics which have broadened my awareness and knowledge of current events within the veterinary field. I also had exposure to various human resource affairs such as how to create a cohesive and emotionally intelligent team and dealing with sexual and verbal harassment within a practice. Charlotte, Kellie and the whole VBA staff were amazing and I couldn’t thank them enough for this wonderful experience!”

“Vet students cannot pass up an externship with VBA. If you want to learn the latest on contract negotiations, how to buy or sell a practice with all the details involved – a VBA externship is what you need to do. Contract negotiations can be intimidating, but this externship gives you the tools you need to face that intimidation and negotiation head-on. In fact, Dr. Charlotte Lacroix empowered me to negotiate my first job contract coupled with my due diligence, and I was able to successful attain all aspects I was looking to improve in my contract. She and her dynamic team made me feel included in all facets of working with her clients which helped me develop a strong, tangible skillset in negotiating employee agreements whether as a future Associate or practice owner! They strive to make sure you feel you are getting the most out of your experience. I’m so grateful to have had this experience!”

“From the beginning of my first day as an Extern at Veterinary Business Advisors I have experienced the pacing and immersion into the world of veterinary business and legal matters that has surpassed my expectations. This efficient and passionate company effectively handles a diverse array of veterinary practice issues: employment agreements, asset purchase agreements for the sale of a practice, non-compete clauses, the proper handling and aftermath of the termination of an employee, along with other uncommon but important problems. During my time spent with this company I was charged with developing a presentation on the proper consideration of reference laboratory contracts, which opened my eyes to this rarely discussed aspect of practice ownership. I considered myself fortunate to receive business and legal information through my curriculum at UC Davis veterinary school, but the experiences and lessons gained from my time with VBA added a much more personal experience and understanding. All of the employees at this company have been very welcoming and inclusive which helped me to quickly become comfortable with my role and achieve their expectations. There is no lack of work here; Dr. Lacroix, Mrs. Olah, and the rest of the team are continuously moving throughout the day as they endeavor to provide exceptional client advocacy and superior customer service. I came into this externship hoping to finally determine my level of interest in veterinary business matters and practice ownership, to which VBA confirmed the exciting possibilities and armed me with knowledge for my future career.”