Dr. Richard Joseph is rewriting vet med
We all experience life changing moments.
For some, it’s an inner epiphany. Others say starting a new job, getting married, having children, travelling around the world, or finally retiring were their biggest and most memorable lifechanging adventures.
But for Dr. Richard Joseph, one lifechanging moment occurred at a rest stop with a stranger, of all places.
Yes, really!
“Driving cross country in a van and having a conversation at a rest stop off the highway with a highly successful attorney changed my aspirations of working on an organic farm to deciding to become a veterinarian,” he recalls.
Recently Vet Candy had the opportunity to speak with the visionary Dr. Richard Joseph - Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Veterinary Telespecialty by VOCN– about this monumental moment and more. Today, he shares how he came to be a Board Certified Veterinary Neurologist, the three qualities that led to his success, and also discusses why affordable animal care is a top issue in our field.
So, without further ado…
Introducing, the amazing Dr. Richard Joseph!
Focus on Your Goals Instead of Obstacles
Choosing to become a vet neurologist was the easiest decision Dr. Richard ever made.
“I had passions for cardiology, ophthalmology, and emergency medicine,” he explains. “Finally, I rotated on neurology service and the logic of the discipline, and my amazing mentor was the right combination to inspire me to specialize in neurology.”
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
As we all know, veterinary school is challenging. Add to that the culture shock of studying in Monterrey Mexico and the Dominican Republic before transferring to UT Knoxville vet school as a freshman of a three-year program, and suddenly it seemed like getting his veterinary education would be a series of never-ending trials!
Luckily, Dr. Richard Joseph possessed the qualities to push through.
When asked about how he got to where he is today, Dr. Joseph listed the following tried and true statements he lives by: Everything happens for a reason, nothing good comes easy, and when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Ultimately, he made it. Now, Dr. Richard Joseph helps pets nationwide by connecting veterinarians with specialists virtually via VOCN, the telemedicine consultation platform he is CEO and Founder of. Alongside his vet tech daughter Caira, he is connecting world class veterinary specialists with veterinarians in need of expert help and mentorship on complicated or chronic cases – no matter where in the world they are located.
This is revolutionary, for several reasons.
Improved Access to Veterinary Specialists: General practice veterinarians often encounter complex cases that require specialized knowledge and expertise.
Enhanced Diagnostic Capabilities: The integration of a veterinary specialist telemedicine platform enables general practice veterinarians to tap into the expertise of specialists for assistance with diagnostic challenges.
Continual Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing: A veterinary specialist telemedicine platform fosters a culture of continuous learning within general practice clinics.
Increased Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness: The integration of telemedicine technology optimizes workflow efficiency in general practice veterinary clinics. Rather than referring cases to external specialists, virtual consultations allow for seamless collaboration within the clinic's existing infrastructure.
Veterinarians in remote locations no longer need to wait days or weeks. They can get the answers their patients require fast, leading to better outcomes.
Absolutely astounding!
If It’s Not Affordable, It’s Not Accessible
Being a leader in the vet med industry, Dr. Richard is all too aware of the problems pet parents face.
For example, did you know?
According to a survey of 5,000 US dog owners, Forbes discovered that almost half of all people spend between $500 and $1,999 a year on their dogs for things like veterinary care, food, treats, grooming, toys, etc. Another 8% spend more than $2,000. If that sounds like a large amount of money…it’s because it is.
Particularly given the current cost of living crisis.
Where does this leave families with animals? Unfortunately, often scrambling to pay for basic pet necessities, including routine trips to the vet (never mind unexpected emergency procedures).
“Cost of healthcare is not within the reach of many families,” Dr. Richard agrees. “We need to join forces to help more animals get the care they deserve.”
Fortunately, VOCN is working hard to do just that.
Dr. Richard Joseph’s final words of advice?
“Know your goals,” he tells fellow veterinarians. “Take note as the journey is full of lessons. And celebrate the wins!”