2025 Veterinary Heroes: Nadine Wolfe

The opportunity to become a practice manager fell into the lap of Nadine Wolfe. After she had her first son, she began to look for a part-time job close to home and stumbled upon a practice manager position.

“What began as something small has since grown into a full-time position that I truly enjoy. Early on, I discovered that my strengths lie in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. I found purpose in supporting the team—making it easier for our veterinarians and tech- nicians to focus on patient care by ensuring efficient workflows, happy teams, and satisfied clients,” Wolfe told dvm360.

Wolfe began to grow into her role and learn that when it comes to managing a practice, the success of her job was not just about efficiency or profit but about the people within its 4 walls. As a practice manager, she had to learn how to manage a wide range of personalities, emotions, and challenges when it came to staff. Wolfe also learned through her time that it is as crucial to be a good listener and have good communication and empathy as it is to manage team schedules and budgets. When the team she is managing feels seen and supported, every other aspect of their duties and careers naturally improves.

“Veterinary medicine can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding, so it’s essential to support your team, communicate clearly, and create a culture where people feel valued. Don’t be afraid to get involved in every part of the practice—whether it’s understanding the front desk workflow, helping with inventory, or learning more about medical procedures. The more you know, the better decisions you can make,” she concluded.