Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a world-class veterinary hospital from the ground up? Or how a clinic keeps its culture warm, supportive, and family-oriented while handling high-stakes medical emergencies daily?

On this episode of Soda City Unleashed, host Emily White sits down with someone who has been a part of the CVETS family since day one: Molly Hill, a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) and renowned veterinary consultant.

Molly has veterinary medicine in her DNA. As the daughter of a veterinarian, she grew up in the world of animal clinics. But instead of pursuing the medical track, she fell in love with the business, leadership, and human side of practice management. In this episode, she takes us on an incredible journey from her childhood to the early, “concrete-slab” days of helping launch CVETS, right down to the funniest pet names she’s ever heard.

From a Bare Concrete Slab to CVETS

Long before CVETS became the state-of-the-art 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital it is today, it was just a vision shared by husband-and-wife founders Drs. Mike and Tracy Schlicksup. Molly was right there on the frontline during those foundational days, helping piece together the operational puzzle on bare concrete floors.

Because CVETS is privately owned and family-founded, building the hospital wasn’t just about getting the latest medical technology; it was about creating a space where the team felt supported and pet owners felt at home. Molly’s deep operational expertise helped establish that people-first foundation that still defines our culture today.

The Heart of Practice Management: Culture and Mental Health

Earning a CVPM designation is no small feat—it is the highest level of certification in veterinary practice management. But as Molly explains, managing a hospital isn’t just about numbers and logistics; it’s about taking care of the people who take care of the pets.

In a field as emotionally taxing as veterinary medicine, mental health and healthy boundaries are everything. Molly dives deep into:

• Cultivating Clinic Culture: How leaders can build an environment where veterinary teams feel valued, safe, and motivated.

• Protecting Boundaries: Why it’s vital for veterinary professionals to protect their mental well-being so they can continue providing exceptional care.

• Advice for New Managers: The secret to finding a reliable support system in a fast-paced industry.

Peek Behind the Clinic Doors

Whether you are a veterinary professional looking for leadership inspiration, a practice owner wanting to improve your team culture, or a pet parent who wants a peek behind the curtain, Molly’s perspective is incredibly eye-opening. She reminds us all that behind every stethoscope and front desk is a human being pouring their heart into their work.

And yes—you’ll definitely want to listen to the end of the episode to hear some of the most hilarious, unique pet names Molly has encountered over her decades in the field (including a few that might inspire your next furry family member!).

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode!

Ready to meet one of the brilliant minds who helped shape the CVETS journey?

👉 Watch the full episode of Soda City Unleashed on YouTube here!

At CVETS, we treat your pets like family because we are a family. From advanced specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and surgery to our 24/7/365 emergency trauma care, we’re always here when you need us. Dealing with a minor pet emergency? Visit our separate CVETS Urgent Care in West Columbia, open until 10 PM daily!