INTRODUCTION

Good morning, I am Dr John Coyne, class of 1974 . First, I am deeply honored to be speaking at this event today. I LOVE this university, so the opportunity to come back and give all of you insight into this incredible profession, which has meant so much to me and my family… well it’s an honor and a pleasure.

BACKGROUND

I suppose I’ll start with a brief history about myself. I grew up on a livestock farm in North Central Illinois. I raised purebred swine and this was my 4H project. In fact,I was able to pay for my first three years of college by selling my purebreds.

It was at age 10 that I decided I’d like to be a doctor of veterinary medicine. A situation arose in which there was a virus that was attacking our young piglets. Neither my father or older brother wanted to give the injections for the medicine they needed. SO, I was nominated for that task. This took a great deal of time each morning and night, and I realized.. “you know, I think I want to do this for a living. I like this!”

At the time, the University of Illinois was one of the few states that had a veterinary school. But also– I had always desired to attend here for my higher education… it seemed prestigious, special, and nearly a booming metropolis compared to where I grew up! So I set my sights on trying to get good grades and do everything that I could do to get in. It was very selective, but I got accepted. I completed my undergrad in 3 years, which wasn’t uncommon at that time. Next up, was to get into the Veterinary School that I had set my sights on many years before. I applied, and I waited. As classmates received acceptance letters, I waited. I finally received an acceptance late in August, right before classes started… this told me there were many qualified candidates and I was not at the top of their list. This was humbling, but motivating. I knew I was going to have to work hard.

So in my class were about 15 of my closest friends and every single one of us wanted to have our own hospital. Many of us got on that track within a few years after graduating. However, there was a surplus of vets at that time, so there was much competition for the available positions.

Well, I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. I had done it. I had accomplished my childhood dream of attending this university and becoming a veterinarian… but my hard work was just getting started.

I was fortunate enough to get a job at a hospital… ironically, a position that one of my classmates had turned down. Again, I wasn’t the first choice! Yet I had NO idea how this first opportunity was going to influence the rest of my life.

PROFESSIONAL STORY

At this hospital— my very first one— the senior doctor was very entrepreneurial. He had three hospitals at the time, and in addition to surgeries and medicine these hospitals provided boarding, grooming, worked with breeders and humane societies…. some of that was considered non professional at the time. But in reality, my mentor was very forward-thinking.

On my fourth day at work– in a very busy hospital– the senior doctor left for the entire day and told me to manage it. Talk about pressure and nerves! I had no choice but to step up, and figure it out FAST. While I was very panicked, it was also satisfying that the doctor was willing to see what I could do on my own… and it was an exhilarating feeling that everyone in the hospital would be coming to me with their concerns and for direction. It was very novel to be the guy in charge… and I liked it!

After 6 months I was given the opportunity to manage a one doctor hospital. I felt I was a little short on experience, but I knew I would learn a lot. I even considered that I might fail, but I knew I had to seize this opportunity and take that risk. So I accepted very quickly.

I learned so much that first year… managing expenses, staff, upset clients, difficult cases. Overall I recall I had exceeded expectations and was looking forward to my year review, expecting a pay increase. To my dismay, I didn’t receive what I had expected. I was a little disappointed, but I told this doctor “That’s ok. I’ve learned a lot. And I’m going to do even better next year.”

I didn’t bow out, get emotional or take it personally, leave to find something easier… I stuck with it. Once again I had been humbled, but motivated. I was going to continue to accept these challenges. Get better every day. Personally, and for the sake of the hospital.

Why I consider myself extra fortunate for having this experience in the beginning is because I had a crash course in all that it takes to develop and run a small business, let alone all the experience and expertise I was gaining practicing veterinary medicine. This was a game changer for me.

I want to stop and make a point here for you. You will continue to learn every day. I’m still learning every day! I’m also not saying this was easy. I was nervous in the beginning, panicked even… obsessing over preparation and execution. I would dream up scenarios or cases in my mind, and determine what questions I would ask to get a good history. Or what tests I was going to do to make a diagnosis. What medications I would prescribe, etc… But over time it gets easier, and your confidence grows. Allow yourself that time when you enter into this profession. This university has prepared you. The university has given you the tools to do all of this, and do it well.

After two years, my mentor gave me the opportunity to buy into the practice and own it after a ten year period. That particular opportunity transitioned me to a partner where I could begin the fulfillment of my dream to own a practice. Interestingly, by the time we reached the end of that ten year period I had grown that hospital to be a 6 doctor hospital. Eventually, I was a junior partner at at least 10 different hospitals.

ALSO— through this whole thing, I had an extremely supportive spouse. We had 2 young daughters and while I was working seven days a week and taking emergency calls at all hours of the night, she was holding down the fort. Taking care of everything else so that —while providing as best I could for my family— I could pursue all my veterinary medicine dreams. I am so grateful to my wife Ruth of almost 48 years.

I should also mention that all the hospitals I've ever worked at were on a walk-in basis only- no appointments! You never know what is going to walk through that door. It makes it more challenging, but also more interesting. Providing this service made me able to think on my feet and adapt, AND create high-volume hospitals, able to serve many.

Over the years, my love for veterinary medicine never waned, and my businesses grew. Eventually Coyne Veterinary Services was formed and I was the primary or associate owner of 11 hospitals, supplying around 500 jobs. When I stop and think about that now, it’s pretty cool.

I still work almost every day (I know that’s not normal!). And I still love what I do. Because it’s not work to me. It’s my passion. And it’s where I want to be.

VETERINARY MEDICINE NOW

Let’s move on from my story and fast forward to 2022… Unlike when I graduated, never has there been a bigger shortage of veterinarians. Veterinary medicine has exploded during the pandemic. The opportunities for young veterinarians are off the charts. You have your pick of the type of practice or professional experience you want: private practice, speciality practice, relief practice, rescue… working in industry, working at the university… also consider telemedicine (state licensing boards still need to work out the fine details of how to establish this, but it’s probably here to stay).

So find out what you like. Then it is FUN to go to work, even if full of challenges.

You can work at a 2-3 doctor hospital, or set out on your own as an owner. Also corporate groups are starting to take over hospitals. For those not interested in ownership, these are good opportunities to just immerse yourself in caring for the animals and leave it there. My point is, you have your selection of whatever it is that you want to do!

The future of veterinary medicine has never been brighter. There’s so much that increases our accuracy to treat: new instruments, new diagnostics, surgical improvements and advanced diets… We take for granted things like ultrasound, which wasn’t even available when I graduated, but now it is standard equipment for your hospital.

When I started practicing veterinary medicine, it was the minority of companion animals that spent time in the home. NOW, the vast majority spend time in the home. These pets mean so much to their owners. The animal-human bond has never been better, stronger and more important. We hear over and over that human-pet relationships are instrumental in good physical and mental health for the owners.

Another element that has really developed in the last 30 years is talented technicians to support you. Let the technicians be the technicians. You’re the doctor. They want to do this work for you.. So let them do the blood draws, the x rays, the quick scans… these technicians are begging to do your bidding. Working as a team is much more efficient… and I can speak from experience that the people you share this passion with can become your lifelong friends.

As your career develops, I encourage you to stay on top of your profession. Go to wet labs. Go to seminars. Do webinars and of course come down to the annual University of Illinois fall conference.

Before I move on I’m going to put in a plug for our Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (the ISVMA). They do a lot under the radar to protect the integrity of the profession. This group reviews legislation that is unfavorable to us, arranges for special rates on insurance and services you will need, among other things. I encourage you to become a member of the ISVMA.

ADVICE

Now I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine for almost 50 years now… as I’ve thought about what knowledge I’d like to share with you, so many things come to mind…some advice, I guess. Here they are, in random order..

I have a personal philosophy to try things, and then see what I can do to improve any and every service. I encourage you to do that!

If you want everything to be perfect, that never happens. Let that go and learn to adapt. If plan A doesn’t work , you go to plan B, and so on. Improving every step of the way.

The two legged animals are altogether tougher than the four legged animals. You have a more educated clientele. Some have good information, some don’t. Dr. Google is always there… so you will need to educate owners.

You have been in an educational mecca, with unlimited resources and solutions in your study. However, depending on your practice, not everyone is going to allow you to go with your treatment plan, and you have to adapt to what they can afford… (again, plan A to plan B…)

It’s good to be a little bit nervous… I think that pumps you up to where you’re on point. Embrace it.

Try to lean on your co-workers and develop a team of people who work together. If you can collaborate and give your best to each other every day, you’ll be fine.

There will be tough times, and losses. But the satisfaction of returning a very sick dog or puppy to its family– or to a child– is something you’ll never forget. This is good work.

Perhaps my best advice– and I might’ve mentioned this a time or two already– find what you love. This is the path to success, and to happiness.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

I owe this university so much. It has given me the ability to thoroughly enjoy what I do, and take care of my family in ways I never thought possible. I know that a lot of you have financial burdens, and I am happy to be able to help in some small way by providing my scholarships.

Think about the last two years… because of the pandemic, you have had unforeseen challenges in your life and education. No one could have anticipated such circumstances. The fact that you students have persevered and remained committed to your studies, your future… well, I think you’re ready for anything.

I hope you love your profession, and I hope you love this university for the opportunity it has bestowed upon you.

If there is ever a quote out there that could perfectly sum up how I feel about my chosen profession, it is the following quote from Steve Jobs:

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

Thank you.