Veterinary medicine has many career opportunities, from general practitioners to specialists, each with unique challenges and benefits. In this series, veterinarians in different fields discuss the realities of their daily work and help bridge the gap between specialties.
From pharmaceuticals to agrochemistry, the industry side of veterinary medicine offers a range of opportunities outside the clinic. Jennifer Kasten, DVM, a professional services veterinarian in pharmaceuticals, and Alissa Edoff, BVMS, cVMA, CCRT, a talent acquisition specialist who also operates a mobile practice one day a week, provide a glimpse into the life of an industry veterinarian.
What brought you to work in the industry side of veterinary medicine?
“I was training to be an anesthesiologist, but in my second year of residency, I developed some allergies that were incompatible with clinical practice,” Dr. Jennifer Kasten said. “I began researching industry careers and figured out what could be a good path forward using my degree.”
“I own a mobile acupuncture canine rehabilitation practice and teach acupuncture. As my career progressed, I fell in love with helping veterinarians more than helping patients,” Dr. Alissa Edoff said. “I started exploring options to help veterinarians and now also help make veterinarians’ dreams of owning a practice come true.”
What does an average day look like for you?
“There isn't an average day, but there is an average week,” Dr. Kasten said. “I typically start each week working on administrative tasks in my home office. Then, starting Monday evening or Tuesday, I travel for the remainder of the week. Most industry veterinarians in a professional services role, including myself, support between 10 and 12 sales representatives. I support 11, driving to 6 and flying to 4 or 5. I accompany the sales representatives to a variety of clinic visits, lunch and learns, and meetings with specialists. I also usually complete a few continuing education courses in the evenings. On Friday afternoons, I catch up on more administrative work.”
“My job is primarily trying to connect with other veterinarians to share what services the company offers,” Dr. Edoff said. “We partner with veterinarians who want to own their own practice; they get to build a clinic, have complete clinical autonomy, and focus completely on medicine, and we take care of the business side. I do online recruiting via email, social media networking, and phone calls, and I meet with team members.”
What are the best parts of industry work? What are the challenges?
“What I love about my job as an industry veterinarian is the same thing I loved about being in anesthesia practice. I am a doctor's doctor,” Dr. Kasten said. “I get to be a conduit of information for other veterinarians. I introduce them to and educate them on new products, which hopefully improves patient care. I’m also able to impact a larger number of patients.”
“The best part for me is connecting with other veterinarians,” Dr. Edoff said. “By being in the recruiting space, I visit a lot of trade shows and schools, where I get to meet students and connect with veterinarians.”
“Traveling upward of 26 to 28 weeks a year can certainly be a grind. Also, I am missing the technical side of clinical practice, like techniques and procedures,” Dr. Kasten said of the challenging aspects of industry work, adding that working for a corporation instead of a small private practice can be an adjustment.
“Travel can be difficult,” Dr. Edoff said, “Not necessarily traveling itself, but making sure my pets are looked after and coordinating life with my husband. Working remotely can also be tough because you don't have anyone around to ask questions; sometimes there's a delay in getting answers or I have to figure out stuff on my own.”
Are there any misconceptions about working as an industry veterinarian?
“Historically, I think, there has been a perception that industry veterinarians get paid really well, but I think our pay is comparable to those in clinical practice at this point,” Dr. Kasten said. “The sacrifice is that I'm not home several nights a week.”
“I think there is a common misconception about the range of jobs in the industry,” Dr. Edoff said. “People think jobs are limited to being a professional services veterinarian, working for government, or working in academia, but there is more out there. I didn't know recruiting would be something I could do as a DVM, but I really excel at it. It is a fulfilling job.”
Do you have any advice for those considering working in the veterinary medical industry?
“I would encourage them to think critically about why they want to make a move. What are they running toward, rather than running away from?” Dr. Kasten said, adding that the amount of travel required is an important aspect to consider.
“I think the best advice is not to be moving away from something, but to be moving toward something,” Dr. Edoff said. “I think just trying to get out of clinical practice, you're probably going to find there's no perfect job. Learn what you want to do with your career and what jobs are out there, and know why you want to get into them.”