Dr. Amanda McCleery: Transforming Veterinary Care with Cooperation
Dr. Amanda McCleery's name has become synonymous with innovation in the equine veterinary field. Recognized with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)'s inaugural Margaret Phyllis Lose Solo Practitioner Award, Dr. McCleery has revolutionized the operational model for solo practitioners. Her phenomenal work on emergency cooperatives not only increases sustainability but also promotes a balanced life – a quest every professional seems to be on these days.Unleashing the Power of Cooperative Models
Starting her journey as a solo practitioner in Florida with the McCleery Equine Veterinary Service in 2014, Dr. McCleery faced the brutal challenges typical for equine-focused vets. Handling emergencies single-handedly can be taxing, potentially leading to burnout. Enter the North Florida Large Animal Emergency Cooperative – an ingenious solution to tackle these daunting challenges. Established in 2017, it joins forces of four solo practitioners who share emergency duties, creating a harmonious balance and offering a reprieve to stressed professionals. Sharing on-call responsibilities allows practitioners to enjoy a family dinner or a weekend hike without the incessant worry of being summoned urgently. This model has proven so successful that it serves as an inspiration for other vets keen on maintaining exemplary service standards without compromising personal well-being.Leading Through Support and Research
Dr. McCleery's commitment to the profession goes beyond her practice. Through AAEP's Decade One program, she has significantly influenced early-career veterinarians, urging them to harness the power of cooperative models. She actively shared her insights nationwide, seeding similar practices to further the welfare of both veterinarians and animals. Integral in the 2020 AAEP Emergency Coverage Survey, Dr. McCleery addressed the hurdles faced by emergency cooperatives. By contributing invaluable data, she helped shape strategies that promise improved emergency responsiveness – a critical asset in equine care.The Legacy of Dr. Margaret Phyllis Lose
It is apt that the award is named after Dr. Margaret Phyllis Lose, a pioneer in crafting the landscape for women in equine practices. She established the first woman-owned equine-only practice, paving the way for generations to come. The alignment of Dr. McCleery with this legacy is a testament to her innovation, dedication, and leadership in a field that has dynamically evolved in recent years.These recognitions emphasize a broader shift in acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of those who break traditional molds to bring about meaningful change in the veterinary world.
