Later this year, Dr. Dazjah Samuels, a 2024 graduate of Ross University College of Veterinary Medicine, will be stepping into a remarkable new role as a partner doctor with Hometown Veterinary Partners. This milestone is not just a testament to her professional skills but also her entrepreneurial spirit—a trait she inherited from her MBA mother. At 26 years old and  the only member of her graduating class to achieve practice ownership so quickly, Dr. Dazjah's journey is both unique and inspiring.

Dr. Dazjah's path to partnership began with a chance meeting with Dr. Abi Maynard of Hometown Veterinary Partners during her clinical year at the University of Minnesota. Intrigued by the opportunity of being an equity partner, she decided to test the waters as an extern at Hometown. The experience confirmed her aspirations and set her on the path to becoming a partner doctor in her home state of Illinois.

Growing up in Illinois, Dr. Dazjah always dreamed of owning her own practice. Her determination was fueled by an entrepreneurial drive and a passion for veterinary medicine that started when she was just five years old. Despite having numerous career options her senior year, she was drawn to Hometown Veterinary Partners because of their excellent mentorship program, which provides new graduates with the confidence and skills needed to run their own practices by aligned them with mentors. Dr. Dazjah is currently honing her clinical skills at a Hometown clinic in Minnesota, under the expert guidance of her medical mentor, Dr. Katie Cerulli. Simultaneously, she's gaining valuable business training from the Hometown team, equipping her for the future role of managing her own clinic. This blend of medical and business mentorship is the perfect preparation for her upcoming position as a partner vet.

"What I truly love about my journey at Hometown is the personalized mentorship program. I have the freedom to define what mentorship means to me. Right now, it means having someone by my side to guide me. Later, when I'm more confident, it's knowing there's always someone there to help me when I need it."

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Dazjah shares that her veterinary aspirations were unwavering. "Deciding to become a veterinarian was the easiest career decision I made. I've wanted to be a veterinarian since I was five years old and I've never lost sight of this goal," she says. However, choosing her first veterinary job was more challenging. "I sought out many possibilities and felt that all the opportunities offered to me were great in one aspect or another. After some careful thinking, I chose to join Hometown Veterinary Partners and I am very excited about my future with them."

Dr. Dazjah is particularly excited about Hometown Veterinary Partners' partnership with Vet Candy on their 12-week NAVLE prep program. She recalls the stress of preparing for the NAVLE and wishes such a program had been available during her own studies. "I learned through my mentor, Dr. Abi, that the best way to do your best is to be confident. This free program will help future veterinarians gain that confidence with assigned lessons based off of NAVLE Species and Diagnosis, plus weekly meet up with experts and timed self-assessments," she says.  

Her journey also includes transformative experiences, such as traveling to St. Kitts for veterinary school. "This was my first adventure outside of the country and it was transformative for me in learning about who I was as Dazjah, and as a future veterinarian. By going to school in St. Kitts, I was able to explore an alternative culture and way of life that was unforgettable."

Looking ahead, Dr. Dazjah has a clear vision for her future. In five years, she sees herself as a successful partner veterinarian and having a role mentoring other young veterinarians. “"Behind every successful veterinarian is a mentor who believed in them, guided them, and shared the wisdom to transform their passion into a lifelong mission of care and compassion, I want to be that person who is there to support others in their journey.”

Her mission in life is clear: "To help animals and be a source of support for others, either in the veterinary field or individuals wanting to pursue this profession." With her new role as a partner doctor, Dr. Samuels is poised to make a significant impact on her community and the veterinary profession at large.

As Dr. Dazjah Samuels prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, she remains guided by the best career advice she ever received: "You will never regret following your dreams." And with dreams as big as hers, the future of veterinary medicine looks bright indeed. Learn more about the pathway to partnership at hometownvetpartners.com.