Veterinary Heroes™ 2022 winners: Mary Beth LaBee, Client Service Representative

Mary Beth LaBee currently works at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, Texas, and was honored with the Client Service Representative award at our Veterinary Heroes™ gala during the recent Fetch dvm360® conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Get to know Mary Beth LaBee in this brief biography:

Mary Beth LaBee grew up in a household filled with animals before she got her own job as a veterinary clinic receptionist at the age of 19. “The connection with the pet parents [and] the animals is significant, and [this job is] all I’ve ever wanted to do,” LaBee said in an interview with dvm360®.

LaBee expressed her deep level of passion for this kind of work and is grateful to be recognized for her hard work in the veterinary field. She noted that she has seen many individuals in the veterinary field struggle to stay in the industry long term. With almost 35 years of experience, LaBee expressed just how important these recognitions can be. “A lot of [individuals] that far into their career are losing their zest for it. To still be recognized, be thought of that way, and affect clients that way—it makes me very proud,” she said.

The key to being a compassionate client service representative and hospitality coordinator comes from the strong and genuine relationships formed with the client, according to LaBee. When she no longer feels that compassion, she knows it’s time to leave the field, she explained. “Most [clients] I’ve known for many years because we see them through multiple pets...seeing clients more and more [helps with] forging those relationships. [The clients] feel like they’re coming to see their friend,” she said.

To learn more about Mary Beth LaBee, watch this video from the Veterinary Heroes™ gala.