by Hannah@briarcliffpartners.com | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Canton, MA, Champlin, MN, Charlton, MA, Crestwood, MO, Gurnee, IL, Medicine, Myrtle Beach, SC, Naperville, IL, News, Orland Park, IL, Path to Partnership, Saint Paul, MN, Sarasota, FL, Schaumburg, IL
Hometown Veterinary Partners is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Cheryl Brocki as our new Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO). With an extensive background in veterinary operations, mentorship, and clinical excellence, Dr. Cheryl Brocki joins our executive leadership team at an exciting time in our growth. She will play a key role in shaping the future of our veterinary hospitals while upholding our unwavering commitment to supporting veterinary teams and providing compassionate patient care.
As CVO, Dr. Cheryl Brocki will oversee the operational aspects of our veterinary hospitals, ensuring smooth and efficient daily functions while fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Her responsibilities include promoting medical excellence, enhancing our onboarding program for new DVM graduates, and supporting DVM recruiting efforts. Additionally, she will support new veterinary hospital partner locations and focus on developing Partner DVMs to strengthen their leadership, care standards, and business acumen.
Dr. Cheryl Brocki brings a wealth of experience to Hometown Veterinary Partners. She has successfully mentored numerous early-career veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians (CVTs), and veterinary assistants (VAs). In her previous leadership role, she prioritized DVM engagement and retention efforts for a network of over 75 veterinarians. She also played a key role in building a veterinary university program, expanding it to 16 universities with 22 student ambassadors. Furthermore, Dr. Cheryl Brocki developed and implemented a comprehensive onboarding program for new graduate veterinarians, ensuring they received the support and guidance needed for a successful career. Her work in furthering veterinary medicine has extended to forging strong partnerships in the vetmed community, and she has also earned a certificate of completion from the BlendVet DEIB program in March 2023.
Hometown Veterinary Partners Founder and President Keri Kamba expressed her excitement about Dr. Cheryl Brocki joining the team, “We are thrilled for Dr. Brocki to join our leadership team in our rapidly growing organization. Dr. Brocki embodies encouragement and empowerment for our veterinary professionals in each of our locations, and we are excited for her to continue our compassionate care programs for pets and our communities.”
At Hometown Veterinary Partners, we are more than just a network of veterinary hospitals—we are a passionate team dedicated to empowering veterinarians to provide the highest level of care. Founded by individuals who left corporate veterinary practices behind, our organization is driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment, support, and medical excellence.
We look forward to the expertise, leadership, and compassion she brings to the Hometown Veterinary Partners team!
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Dec 13, 2024 | Florida Events, News
St. Petersburg, FL — December 13, 2024 — The St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome Hometown Veterinary Partners to the community with a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, December 18, from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
The festivities will begin with the ceremonial ribbon cutting at 2:00 pm, officiated by the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. Pets will receive treats, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy free pet portraits by a local photographer, Urban Dog Studios. Dr. Andrea Braha and Keri Kamba, President and Founder, will personally lead tours of the new facility, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look into the world of veterinary care.
“I am thrilled to join Hometown Veterinary and bring a fresh approach to pet care that combines modern medicine with the warmth and personalized attention of a hometown clinic,” Dr. Braha stated. “In an industry increasingly dominated by corporate structures, I’m passionate about restoring that mom-and-pop culture where pets and their families are treated like part of the family. My goal is to create meaningful relationships with clients while providing exceptional care that reflects the heart of our community.”
In addition to tours and treats, guests will have the chance to mingle with partnering vendors and walk away with samples and prizes. The event will showcase the collaborative spirit of the St. Petersburg community, with local businesses coming together to support Hometown Veterinary Partners’ mission to empower, inspire, uplift, and fulfill their teams, allowing veterinarians to focus on providing compassionate care to pets.
Join the waitlist – Book an Appointment Online Today
About Hometown Veterinary Partners
Hometown Veterinary Partners takes pride in its approach. The veterinary hospital partnership places ownership back into the hands of individual veterinarians and managers and empowers local hometown teams to create rewarding and sustainable veterinary careers, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and welcoming community committed to delivering the highest quality veterinary care.
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Sep 11, 2024 | News
Schaumburg, IL, September 11, 2024 | Knollwood Hospital for Pets will be rebranded as
Hometown Veterinary Partners Schaumburg, bringing continuity of care to the Schaumburg community.
For over four decades, Knollwood Hospital for Pets has been a pillar of veterinary care and integrative therapies under the leadership of Dr. Deborah Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell dedicated herself to her practice, and after years of service, she made the decision to sell her practice and transition into semi-retirement.
“It has been an absolute joy, honor, and privilege to serve as your veterinarian for the past forty-one years,” said Dr. Mitchell. “Because of you, I am as passionate about caring for animals today as I was as a 6-year-old in a crumpled and dirty Sunday dress, being scolded by my mom for getting dirty by playing with strange dogs and cats. ‘But Mama!’, I told her, ‘they’re NOT strangers – they’re my friends!’ I have been fortunate to share this passion with you and your pets.”
Dr. Mitchell’s hands the baton to Dr. Cindy Makofski (Dr. Mak), a Partner Doctor with Hometown Veterinary Partners. Dr. Mak was raised in Carol Stream and has been a well-respected veterinarian in the Chicago area and in Southern Wisconsin for many years. “I knew I wanted to become a veterinarian at five years old when my mother gave me an encyclopedia about animals. I read it every night for a bedtime story,” said Dr. Mak.
When looking for a new owner, Dr. Mitchell wanted to find a woman-owned organization focused on empowering veterinarians that would continue to provide exceptional health care for pets. She landed on Hometown Veterinary Partners, a veterinary group that gives veterinary professionals more career options, including a path to partnership. Keri Kamba, Founder and President of Hometown Veterinary Partners, sought to create a structure that supports and empowers doctors to build the career they want, including supporting doctors who otherwise may not be able to retire and sell their practice.
As part of the rebranding effort, the hospital is expanding its hours to include Fridays and Saturdays and will undergo remodeling, culminating in an Open House for clients in 2025. Dr. Mak shared about the improvements, “One change that I am really looking forward to is expanding our treatment area to accommodate the needs of our clients and their pets.”
Dr. Mak also commented, “We aim to improve upon the things you have grown to come to love and continue to serve you with compassion, kindness, dedication, and a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for welcoming us to the community and the opportunity to serve you and your pets!”
For more information about Hometown Veterinary Partners and the new Hometown Veterinary Partners Schaumburg, please visit hometownvetpartners.com.
About Hometown Veterinary Partners
Hometown Veterinary Partners establishes and operates veterinary hospitals that offer exceptional veterinary care that feels like home.
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Jul 1, 2024 | News
Hometown Veterinary Partners is delighted to announce the acquisition of Silver Lake Animal Hospital. Silver Lake Animal Hospital will be rebranded as Hometown Veterinary Partners Silver Lake, symbolizing a unified commitment to delivering exceptional veterinary care.
For over two decades, Silver Lake Animal Hospital has been a pillar in the Oakdale community under the leadership of Dr. Arlo Frost, who has recently retired. This acquisition ensures continuity of care while integrating Hometown Veterinary Partners’ extensive resources and expertise. The rebranding to Hometown Veterinary Partners Silver Lake underscores a dedication to upholding compassionate veterinary care and maintaining high standards of practice.
With Dr. Frost’s retirement, the hospital is now managed by Partner Doctor, Dr. Abigail Maynard. Dr. Maynard has devoted her career to advancing veterinary medicine’s impact, serving on local and state boards, including a governor-appointed role on the MN Board of Animal Health. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Maynard is deeply involved in community outreach, volunteering year-round to extend her impact beyond the exam room.
Dr. Abigail Maynard, Partner Doctor at Hometown Veterinary Partners, expressed her enthusiasm for the acquisition: “I feel honored to be able to serve the families that previously patronized Silver Lake Animal Hospital. I am very excited about the future of growth and modernization that will come with this transition so we can even better serve those families and the community.”
The veterinary profession is experiencing labor shortages, high rates of burnout, and mental health concerns. Keri Kamba, Founder and President of Hometown Veterinary Partners, sought to create a structure that supports and empowers doctors to build the career they want, including supporting doctors who otherwise may not be able to retire and sell their practice.
Dr. Maynard added, “I am really excited about creating a clinic culture for our team that is psychologically safe. Veterinary medicine unfortunately has a reputation for being one of the more challenging careers for our team members, and I am passionate about making our hospital culture one that is supportive and a safe place to land.”
As part of the rebranding effort, the hospital will undergo remodeling, culminating in a Grand Re-Opening Celebration scheduled for September. Dr. Maynard shared of the improvements, “One change that I am really looking forward to is we are expanding our exam rooms, to create a comforting room to support sensitive conversations and peaceful passing appointments. We want the room that we use to reflect the reverence and compassion that these appointments deserve.”
Dr. Maynard also commented, “We aim to improve upon the things you have grown to come to love and continue to serve you with compassion, kindness, dedication, and a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to serve you and your pets!”
For more information about Hometown Veterinary Partners and the new Hometown Veterinary Partners Silver Lake, please visit hometownvetpartners.com.
About Hometown Veterinary Partners
Hometown Veterinary Partners establishes and operates veterinary hospitals staffed by compassionate professionals in your community. Their mission is to empower veterinary professionals by creating hospitals that inspire, uplift, and fulfill.
by Danielle Schermerhorn | Jun 17, 2024 | News
Don’t Miss Out! Get the Ultimate Support with Vet Candy’s Free 12-Week Prep Program – Starting August 1st!
Vet Candy, in partnership with Hometown Veterinary Partners, proudly announces the launch of an innovative and free 12-week NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination) prep course starting August 1. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to empower veterinary students with the knowledge and strategies needed to excel in their licensing exams. Featuring lectures from top veterinary specialists and weekly quiz sessions, the program focuses on test strategy and mastering the medicine behind the questions.
Dr. Jill Lopez, CEO of Vet Candy, shared her passion for the program’s creation: “Veterinary students need our support now more than ever, and Vet Candy is deeply committed to making their lives better. Launching this free prep course is our way of offering a helping hand during a stressful time. With the help of top veterinary specialists, we’ve crafted a course that not only prepares students but also instills confidence and peace of mind.”
Program Highlights:
- Expert Meetings: Gain invaluable insights from leading veterinary specialists across various fields, like ophthalmology, cardiology, neurology, and internal medicine. These sessions will provide students with the latest medical knowledge and exam preparation tips.
- Weekly Quizzes: Participate in structured quizzes and group meetups to review sample questions, discuss strategies for tackling multiple-choice questions, and deepen your understanding of key concepts.
- Extensive Lessons: Access a vast library of video courses and species specific lessons. These lessons are designed to cater to different learning styles, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the exam material.
- Practice tests: Our course helps you test your knowledge with hundreds of practice questions covering critical NAVLE topics with explanations to help with understanding medical concepts.
- Comprehensive Study Resources: Benefit from an array of study materials, including study schedules, progress charts, and strategy tips.
A Thriving Community:
This course is more than just an educational resource; it is a community where veterinary students can come together, interact, and support each other. By collaborating and sharing knowledge, students can strengthen their understanding and confidence, making the journey to becoming a licensed veterinarian a shared and enriching experience.
Keri Kamba, President and Founder of Hometown Veterinary Partners, underscored the importance of their collaboration: “Supporting the veterinary community is at the heart of what we do. The NAVLE is a critical milestone in a veterinarian’s career, and we are committed to helping students overcome this challenge. By partnering with Vet Candy, we are providing essential resources that will help future veterinarians excel and advance in their professional journeys.”
NAVLE Exam Structure:
Each year, thousands of veterinary students and graduates take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) before they begin their careers. The number of NAVLE candidates has been climbing in the past few years. While a great majority pass, not all do, or at least not on their first try. In fact, the ultimate performance passing rate has been on the decline in the past four cycles. This rate indicates passage of the test by the time of graduation for senior students from veterinary colleges accredited by the AVMA Council on Education (AVMA COE).
At the same time, the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA) recently announced some changes it is making to better accommodate test takers as well as limit how many times someone can retake the test.
The NAVLE test comprises 300 scored items, divided into categories based on the ICVA’s most recent Practice Analysis. This analysis, which is updated to stay current with knowledge and trends in veterinary medicine, provides information about:
- Work context
- Animal species and diagnoses managed
- Clinical and professional competencies required for success
- Foundational and basic veterinary sciences knowledge required for effective practice
More Test Takers:
The NAVLE has been administered by the ICVA since 2000 and is a requirement for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in all licensing jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada.
A total of 2,357 candidates took the NAVLE during the April 2023 testing window, which is an increase of 676 from the April 2022 window, according to the ICVA. Overall, during the 2022-23 testing cycle, 8,230 candidates took the NAVLE, showing a 17.2% increase from the 7,019 candidates who tested during the 2021-22 cycle. The ICVA says there has been a 33.3% increase in the total number of examinations taken in the past five years.
The increase in tests taken is multifactorial. For one, the number of first-year students at U.S. veterinary colleges increased an average of 3% per year from 2019-23, or by about 15% total, from 3,456 to 4,047. Overall enrollment for U.S. colleges of veterinary medicine hit 15,157 for the 2022-23 academic year.
These growing numbers come not only from existing veterinary colleges growing their class sizes, but also from new veterinary colleges as their inaugural classes approach graduation. The University of Arizona graduated its first class in 2023. The inaugural class at Long Island University (LIU) College of Veterinary Medicine in Brookville, New York, will graduate this coming spring. And Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine’s inaugural class will graduate in May 2025.
In addition, there have been increasing numbers of candidates from the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) and Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) educational equivalency programs.
Results from the 2023-24 cycle will be available on the ICVA website in September, after completion of the April administration and roster verifications from the AVMA Council on Education–accredited veterinary colleges.
Sign Up Today:
Don’t miss this opportunity to access top-tier NAVLE prep resources for free. Sign up now at myvetcandy.com/prep.
For more information about Hometown Veterinary Partners, visit hometownvetpartners.com.
About Vet Candy:
Delivering fun, insightful and relatable conversations centered around the biggest veterinary news stories today. Vet Candy is also the streaming platform where veterinary professionals can learn from the world’s most exciting experts and top influencers. Visit myvetcandy.com to learn more!
About Hometown Veterinary Partners:
At Hometown Veterinary Partners, we’re not just changing the game; we’re creating a new one. We’re on a mission to empower veterinary professionals to be a part of an inclusive environment. You have the opportunity to build the career that aligns with your aspirations and supports our core values of community, collaboration and culture.
