Pet ownership is at record highs. The human-animal bond has never been stronger. Pets are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. Medical breakthroughs abound. Applications to veterinary schools remain strong, fueled by a generation driven by purpose and compassion. Spending on pets continues to grow, albeit at a slightly slower pace than in recent years. The public loves us. (We rank second only to nurses, per Gallup.) There’s so much to celebrate.
And yet, we focus on what’s wrong. We wring our hands debating the workforce shortage, worry about new veterinary schools, argue over the merits of the veterinary professional associate role, resist elevating the role of the credentialed veterinary technician, are frightened by telehealth and a virtual VCPR, and stubbornly resist advances in technology.
All this as the world around us changes. We worry not about what is, but about what might go wrong.
Why? Because we’re human. People are hardwired to fear loss more than they accept gain. We default to scarcity. We see threats in change, and we reflexively cling to what we know. We focus on avoiding loss rather than pursuing gain. In our profession, which is populated by deeply caring, perfectionistic individuals trained to spot problems and prevent harm, loss aversion is amplified. Sadly, that’s not a good recipe for progress.
But here’s the thing: We’re not in a profession of scarcity. We’re in a profession of abundance. Why don’t we act like it?
Which, naturally, leads me to Ted Lasso.
If you haven’t watched the show, stop what you’re doing and binge all three seasons on Apple TV+. You can finish this article when you’re done.
OK, now that you’ve binged, you know Ted is a soccer coach who leads with optimism, empathy and curiosity. We’d do well to take a few pages from his playbook. What would Ted say about the veterinary profession?
Believe
Ted’s AFC Richmond locker room features a handwritten sign reading, “BELIEVE.”
Believe in our profession, believe in your colleagues, believe in your clients, believe in your team. Believe in our profession’s ability to evolve and change. Believe that new veterinary schools can graduate great new colleagues. Believe that veterinary professional associates can expand access to and fill gaps in patient care. Believe in technology that, when used wisely, can complement, not replace, the human touch. Believe in a brighter future.
Be Curious, Not Judgmental
Among Ted’s best lines is a powerful reminder that not every new idea is an attack on our values. The quote “Be curious, not judgmental” is attributable to Walt Whitman; however, Ted made it famous for the modern crowd.
Let’s be curious about the why behind new initiatives — new veterinary schools addressing regional shortages, veterinary professional associates improving access to care and reducing burnout, and virtual care serving the underserved. Telehealth isn’t a threat; it’s a lifeline.
Innovation isn’t a knock on the past but a means of adapting to today’s changing needs. Embracing innovation is good for medicine and business.
Curiosity invites conversation. Judgment shuts it down. Be curious.
Culture Over Control
Invest in workplace culture through flexible schedules, strong mentorship, fair compensation and fringe benefits, mental health support, delegation, and career growth.
Empower credentialed veterinary technicians as essential clinical partners, not just support staff members.
Build cultures where everyone, regardless of background, gender or identity, feels seen, supported and valued.
Laugh
What we do as veterinary professionals can be serious work. But don’t take yourself too seriously.
Ted Lasso wins people over through humor and heart. Giggles and good humor in the face of change go a long way. We’re all in this together. There’s something deeply healing about a team that can laugh together, even in tough times.
Lead the Change
Ted steps up to lead. He doesn’t wait for permission. Instead, he leads with purpose.
Rather than resisting changes that challenge our comfort zone, let’s shape it to our advantage. Be at the table, not on the menu. Bring your values into the future rather than being chained to the past.
Leadership doesn’t require a title. It does require vision and courage. Our profession is blessed with both.
Choose to Believe
Veterinary medicine should be enjoying a time of abundance. It is not broken; it’s breaking through. Society needs us now more than ever. We fuel love, connection and acceptance.
The question is not whether change will come, it’s whether we’ll meet it with fear or faith.
Fear says, “What if this ruins everything?” Faith says, “What if this helps us build something even better?”
I choose faith and abundance. Like Ted, I choose to BELIEVE.
COMING SOON
Production on the fourth season of “Ted Lasso,” starring Jason Sudeikis, is underway. The widely acclaimed TV series is expected to resume at some point in 2026.