The 5 Lessons Every Veterinary Professional Needs for Success in 2025

Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT

Dr. Ernie Ward is an award-winning veterinarian, internationally known speaker, impact entrepreneur, author of several books, columnist, and media personality. A 1992 graduate of the University of Georgia, he was voted Speaker of the Year at both VMX and WVC conferences, the 2018 Veterinary Journalist of the Year, the recipient of the US National Veterinary Practice of Excellence Award, and has received many veterinary and civic recognitions. Dr. Ward is involved on the Boards of many animal organizations, including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), Morris Animal Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board and Animal Welfare Advisory Board, Grey Muzzle Society, CATalyst Council, and serves on the Southern European Veterinary Conference's Scientific Committee and as Practice Management Chairperson. Dr. Ward is the founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and the World Pet Obesity Association. He is also the editor of the forthcoming textbook titled Veterinary Clinical Obesity: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Causes, Consequences, and Interventions, First Edition, which Wiley will publish. He is known for improving veterinary medical standards through his clinical education programs and promoting a higher quality of life and healthier habits for pets and people. When he’s not with family or pet patients, he can be found contemplating solutions for both the veterinary profession and the planet during endurance athletics, meditation, and on his award-winning weekly podcast, the Veterinary Viewfinder, or his regular column, “Opening Shots,” in NAVC’s “Today’s Veterinary Business.”

Overview:

As veterinary professionals, we balance busy schedules, demanding clients, and high-stakes decisions daily. It’s easy to lose sight of personal and professional growth amidst the chaos. In this engaging and motivational session, Dr. Ernie Ward shares five proven lessons from his 40 years of veterinary practice, entrepreneurship, and endurance athletics to help you succeed in 2025. Discover why success requires more than the latest tools or trends. Instead, consistency, duration, and focus are the secret multipliers that lead to sustainable progress. Learn how to embrace setbacks, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and develop the “3 D’s” – Drive, Discipline, and Desire – to maintain momentum toward your goals.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the Role of Consistency, Duration, and Focus in Achieving Professional and Personal Success -- Attendees will learn how sustained effort, long-term commitment, and strategic focus contribute to career growth and improved clinical and business outcomes.
Apply Non-Linear Progress Principles to Overcome Professional Setbacks -- Participants will identify common challenges in veterinary practice, understand that success is not always a straight path, and develop resilience strategies to navigate obstacles.
Develop a Growth Mindset and Embrace Hard Work as a Pathway to Success -- Veterinary professionals will explore the psychological and physiological benefits of perseverance, learning how pushing through discomfort fosters skill development and career advancement.
Utilize the Three D’s—Drive, Discipline, and Desire—to Set and Achieve Meaningful Goals -- Attendees will assess their motivation levels and implement techniques to enhance goal-setting, productivity, and professional fulfillment in veterinary practice.
Leverage the Power of Momentum to Sustain Long-Term Career and Personal Development -- Participants will learn how small, consistent wins build momentum, fostering continuous improvement in leadership, client communication, and clinical excellence

This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.