Laura Sorden, RVT

I attribute my success to a strong work ethic, resilience, and a genuine desire to keep learning and growing. I’ve never been afraid to step outside of my comfort zone, take on new challenges, or admit when I don’t know something. Instead, I see those moments as opportunities to learn and become better.

I also believe my success comes from caring deeply about the work I do and the people and animals I serve. Veterinary medicine can be incredibly challenging, but knowing that I can make a difference for an animal that cannot speak for itself has always given my work purpose.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about reaching a certain position or achieving a specific goal. It’s about continuing to grow, staying true to your values, treating people with kindness and respect, and being willing to adapt when life takes you in a different direction. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I’m even more excited about what I can continue to learn and contribute moving forward.

The best career advice I received was to start contributing to a 401(k) as early as possible and never stop. My manager at Blockbuster encouraged me to enroll right after high school, teaching me the importance of starting early and consistently investing in my future.

I encourage young women entering veterinary medicine to explore the many different paths the profession has to offer, whether that’s laboratory work, shelter medicine, private practice, education, or another area that sparks their interest. Take the time to discover what truly aligns with your passions, strengths, and personal goals.

It’s also important to understand your emotional limits and recognize that not every work environment will be the right fit. Don’t be afraid to participate in working interviews, ask questions, and explore new opportunities before committing to a position. Most importantly, give yourself permission to change direction if something isn’t working for you.

Veterinary medicine can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding and emotionally challenging. Finding a role and work environment that support your well-being is essential to building a long, fulfilling career and protecting yourself from burnout. There is no single “right” path in veterinary medicine—find the path that is right for you.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in veterinary medicine right now is learning to prioritize self-care, establish healthy boundaries, and create a more sustainable approach to patient care.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented increase in the number of pets needing veterinary care. Many practices were seeing nearly twice as many patients as they traditionally would, and we veterinary professionals rose to the challenge because we genuinely wanted to help every pet and every family who needed us. However, that pace is not sustainable long-term, and we need to recognize that those days cannot become the standard.

Moving forward, practices need to focus on seeing an appropriate number of patients based on staffing, resources, and the level of care each patient deserves. Burnout in veterinary medicine is very real, and it affects not only the individual, but also the entire team and ultimately the quality of care we are able to provide.

One of the hardest lessons for many of us is understanding that saying “no” or turning away a patient when we are at capacity does not mean we don’t care. In fact, setting those boundaries allows us to continue caring for animals safely and compassionately without sacrificing our own well-being.

I believe there is a tremendous opportunity for our industry to create a healthier culture one where asking for help, taking breaks, setting boundaries, and recognizing our limits are viewed as strengths rather than weaknesses. We cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of the people who care for the animals is essential to the future of veterinary medicine.

The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity, honesty, compassion, and kindness. I believe that who you are when no one is watching is just as important as how you present yourself to others.

I strive to lead with honesty and integrity, treat everyone with respect, and approach every situation with empathy and compassion. In veterinary medicine, these values are especially important because we work not only with animals, but also with people who are often experiencing some of the most difficult and emotional moments in their lives.

I believe kindness is never wasted, and that even small acts of understanding and compassion can make a meaningful difference. Ultimately, I want the way I work and the way I treat others to reflect the kind of person I strive to be every day.