“Use veterinarians for our knowledge base. We worked really hard for that degree and it matters.”    In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Lauren Mack. Lauren shared her insight on what it is like moving to rural Kansas and buying a veterinarian practice right after graduation. After having been the new person in a small town, Lauren spoke about some ways she likes to get the community involved in welcoming an applicant or staff member. Being warm and welcoming to new members of the community is a topic we spoke a lot about and is important if you want your community to thrive. Lauren also talked about how to build a relationship with your vet as well as the importance of veterinarians to set boundaries for themselves to protect their mental health.     About our guest: Dr. Lauren Mack, The Animal Hospital - Kansas   Dr. Lauren Mack grew up in Enfield, Connecticut and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine in 2010. She promptly moved to the west coast and attended Washington State for veterinary school. After a wonderful experience at WSU and receiving her DVM in 2014, she whisked herself away to rural Kansas where she purchased her first veterinary practice only two months after her WSU graduation.  In Plainville, Kansas what ensued was what can only be described as a “baptism by fire” journey being a solo-practitioner in rural animal medicine and business owner. However, nearly 10 years later, with the acquisition of a second veterinary practice, the addition of two veterinarians and a steadfast husband who writes her conference biographies for her, she is doing well.  Dr. Mack owns two true-mixed-animal practices in rural Kansas and for nearly 10 years has built deep relationships with the communities her practices inhabit. Multiple times per year she hosts “Producer Meetings” where cow/calf producers enjoy homemade BBQ and learn critical lessons on improving their herd health. She has developed excellent programs such as “Farm Cat Frenzy” to responsibly influence the feline populations. She often participates in educational opportunities for children and always steals the show with activities like mock surgery using a tub of obstetrical lube as the “body”. Lastly, she presents frequently at veterinary school as well as for VBMA programs on a variety of topics.   Dr. Mack is married to a psychologist who practices in rural Kansas as well. The best part of their lives is their three-old boy who they are extraordinarily thankful for (and humbled by), every day. For fun, they mostly love new business ideas and pushing themselves to grow.   If you’re interested in connecting with Lauren, check out her veterinarian practice website.    At a glance:   How Lauren made her home in Kansas and took over family-run veterinarian practices.   Being a veterinarian in a rural community.  Building a relationship with your vet.  You may also enjoy… #15 Developing Routines for Ranch Roles and Profitability with Marli Scarborough #49 Growing a 100 year old Meat Market in Rural Kansas #51 Looking ahead at Ag Finance with a 4th Gen Farmer and Ag Lender   About the Host of Farming On Purpose, Lexi Wright:  I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the future of production agriculture.  I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.   Connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.