Pros
NVA is the ideal of corporate veterinary practice management. The motto, "join us/stay you," really says it all. NVA allows the practice owner/staff to do nothing but GAIN in transition. As a doctor you can finally focus on medicine without the distractions of business ownership. As a lay staff member you are afforded benefits and advancement opportunities not available in the "mom and pop" scenario. As an employee of NVA you are part of a progressive company who is interested in supporting and encouraging their staff members, providing opportunities for enrichment both personally and professionally. Resources to improve your practice/team/labor force are available at your disposal but you are still an individual. Outside of maintaining properly legality and standards, no one is going to dictate how you practice medicine. There are no cook books or designated drugs within use parameters. NVA allows you to have your cake and eat it, too. The buying power and benefits of a large populus company coupled with your ability to keep your culture and serve your clients and their pets YOUR way.
Cons
NVA is growing fast...keeping up is a struggle as departments grow and change as rapidly as new practices are added. That being said, this company strives to improve with every stride. Change is constant internally as newer and better ways to follow the servant leadership model are explored. Another con to consider: NVA owns many practices allowing them to maintain individuality. Some individuals are better than others! There is great value in diversity as long as you remember that diversity is a broad spectrum. If you don't like an NVA practice, take a moment to remember that NVA allowed them the freedom to BE WHO THEY ARE. Culture and policy is built in the practice not in a corporate office!
