Why Dr. Michael Wong is psyched for the future

With his Miami practice, Southeast Veterinary Neurology, thriving, a daily commitment to health that keeps him centered, and a tight family bond, Dr. Michael Wong is feeling psyched for the future.

Dr. Michael Wong is one of fewer than 300 board-certified veterinary neurologists practicing in North America. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine and while there, founded the University’s Veterinary Business Management Association.

He went on to complete a medical and surgical internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and he received his neurology and neurosurgery training at North Florida Neurology.

After completing his residency, Dr. Wong successfully passed his examination and became board-certified in veterinary neurology in the same year. He founded Southeast Veterinary Neurology (SEVN) in 2010.

We caught up with cool dad of three to learn more:

If I wasn’t a veterinarian what would I be:

I’ve always wanted to be a veterinarian, so I haven’t put much thought into that question.  Prior to veterinary school I was a life guard at the beach and really enjoyed that.  Maybe something with the ocean?  Marine biologist?  Tour guide?  Not sure.

Best career advice I ever received:

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint”.  My first year out of veterinary school, Dr. Rick Glass, the neurologist at my internship used to say this.  The particular context he used it in was with reference to another veterinarian who didn’t think about the effects her decision had on referring vets wanting to refer to her in the future.

It’s really shaped the way I view things.  I have a long view.  I think in the macro.  I try to see the big picture.  I make decisions based on the effects they will have in the long term as opposed to just the short term gain.  I give up lots of short-term wins (profit, awards, etc) knowing that I’ve made the right decision for my team and the pets and people that care for them.

 How it felt becoming board certified:

Most people hated taking boards.  It’s a 2-day, five part test that has around a 30% pass rate.  But for me, it wasn’t stressful – it was exciting.  I was just putting down on paper all the knowledge I had been acquiring as part of living my dream of becoming a neurologist.  

 In between sections of the exam, I would head back to my room at the hotel.  I remember thinking the lyrics from a song:  “I’ve waited for this moment.  Dreamed it every day.  This is my one true purpose.”  It sounds cheesy, and I’m sure many people had a very different experience around taking boards and are probably rolling their eyes at me right now.  It’s just my experience… and a happy memory.

 Easiest career decision I made

I won’t call it the easiest, but certainly the best career decision I made was to open Southeast Veterinary Neurology.  Practice ownership, entrepreneurship and leadership have opened up avenues in my life and career that I never would have had without them.  

Related, I’d say another best decision I made was to surround myself with people that share the vision of bringing hope to people and their pets.

Interesting way I made extra cash in vet school:

In vet school, I would make sushi at home and sell it to my classmates for lunch.  I’d take orders earlier in the week, buy the ingredients, make the rice, roll the sushi, then deliver at class.

Book that left a lasting impression on me:

Simon Sinek’s “ “Leaders Eat Last”  this book is for those who want to feel they and their work matter and for those who want to inspire others to feel the same. 

How I clear my head after a stressful day

Tennis.  Family.  Orangetheory.   Orangetheory is a science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out.

What adventure most changed my life:

Meeting my wife, Myri-Ann. She was a St. George’s student, doing her clinical year of veterinary school at the University of Florida.  Her first rotation was neurology, and we were on together.  

I remember seeing her for the first time: she was the first person to the neurology rounds room, sitting nervously with her books on her lap, reviewing her notes.  The neurology service was slow for those two weeks.  I’d come in early to help with neuro exams on her patients, since I didn’t have any myself.  I wasn’t much of a help, as I still knew nothing about neurology at the time.  She ended up getting an A and I got a B+.  She likes to remind me of that.  

We started off as friends.  She was very hesitant to get romantically involved with someone from the mainland.  Her plan was to go back to Puerto Rico and start a practice after finishing up school.  

But, one day I walked her home after clinics were finished and we came across an earthworm struggling to cross the sidewalk in the Florida heat.  She told me that her perspective on our romance changed when I picked the earthworm up and moved it to the grass.  I’m still indebted to that worm, because everything I have in my life right now (kids, family, house, business, etc) is because of this worm.  

What’s my favorite way of spending a day off from work:

My perfect day would spending the day with my wife and then later picking up our kids and stopping by a park together on the way home.  Play with Disney princesses, build Thomas the Train playset tracks, run around the back yard, exploring the dirt and hiding in the bushes.  Jump in the pool.  Cook dinner while the kids get a bath.  Talk about the day at the dinner table: what we learned at school, who we sat with the lunch table, who we met, who we made smile, who we played with.  Have the kids FaceTime with grandparents.  Brush teeth.  Read stories.  Get ready for bed.

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