130: Finding New Purpose After 30 Years in Vet Med with Dr. Jay Thrush

What happens when a seasoned vet with 30 years of experience decides to start again, but this time builds exactly the practice he wishes existed?

In this week’s Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I sit down with my good friend, Dr. Jay Thrush, co-owner of Forty Creek Animal Hospital in Ontario. Jay is one of the calmest, kindest humans you’ll ever meet, the definition of still waters running deep, and what he and Lisa have created together is nothing short of remarkable.

Jay talks openly about version two of his veterinary career. The part where he leaves behind the cookie cutter model, the metrics for the sake of metrics mindset, and the keep up at all costs pace, and starts designing a clinic with intention.

A space built for connection.

A team chosen for values, not CVs.

A culture shaped by psychological safety, empathy, and genuine human care.

We dive into the journey, the mistakes, the magic, and the surprising emotional yield that comes from building a practice around purpose instead of pressure. If you have ever wondered what it might look like to create a clinic that feels like home for pets, clients, and your team, this conversation will light a spark.

Grab a coffee and settle in. Jay brings wisdom, warmth, and a reminder that leadership gets really interesting when you decide to do things differently.

Episode Outline

[00:00] Comfort by design

[01:10] Version two energy

[03:38] Letting the old model go

[06:17] Connection at the core

[07:49] What clients feel first

[09:35] Choosing people who fit

[11:03] A clinic that feels like home

[13:32] New, special and different

[15:24] Real psychological safety

[17:36] Signs your culture works

[19:54] Early systems and learning

[22:21] Building what truly matters

[24:05] The gift of good exhaustion

[25:49] Staying human as you grow

Connect with Dr. Jay Thrush

Forty Creek Animal Hospital ( 40creekvets.com )

Instagram: @fortycreekvets

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights

• Follow: @drdavenicol
• Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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