VHMA names 2025 Practice Manager of the Year

Photos provided by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association

Lynsey Mohr, CVPM

When emergency cases began overwhelming Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital in Delaware, Lynsey Mohr, CVPM, responded with a bold solution: the creation of a 5-day-a-week urgent care service that made her hospital the only local provider. The move dramatically improved access to treatment in her community, eased strain on general practice operations, brought in more than 1200 new clients, increased annual patient visits by 2400, and boosted gross profit by more than 20%, according to the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

In recognition of her leadership and impact, VHMA has named Mohr its 2025 Practice Manager of the Year (PMOY). The award recognizes a practice manager who has used their knowledge, experience, and expertise to transform their practice and improve business operations. These efforts have led to a better workplace for staff, improved care for pets, and a better return for ownership. Award candidates are nominated by practice owners and colleagues.

"Lynsey Mohr's innovative launch of urgent care services enhanced both patient care and hospital performance. Her visionary leadership truly represents the best of veterinary hospital management," Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA executive director, said in a news release.

Mohr first came to Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital as a high school student, interning as a veterinary assistant. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences with a concentration in dairy science from Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and later managed operations at a large dairy farm. In 2020, she returned to Rehoboth as practice manager.

To address rising emergency caseloads that were straining the hospital's operations, Mohr began tapping into her professional network. At the 2023 VHMA Annual Conference in Glendale, Arizona, she connected with critical care managers for advice on balancing urgent needs with limited resources. One message stuck with her: "If there's a need in your area, the patients will follow."

Lynsey Mohr, CVPM

Mohr partnered with Sarah Hirsch, DVM, chief of staff at Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, to pilot a single urgent care day to test the concept. Within 90 minutes, every appointment was booked. Encouraged by the overwhelming demand, Mohr and Hirsch led the expansion to a 5-day-a-week, full day urgent care model.

Initially, some staff felt uncertain about their roles in emergency care because of limited training. However, Mohr addressed these concerns with targeted training, clear protocols, and open communication to build confidence across the team. She also adapted a curbside care model, leveraging protocols developed during the pandemic, to deliver efficient, flexible treatment despite limited exam room space.

Mohr earned her practice manager certification while launching the hospital's urgent care service, balancing exam preparation with the complex demands of staffing and managing a major new initiative. "Pursuing my [certification] while launching urgent care pushed me to grow in every direction as a leader," Mohr said in a news release. "It gave me the tools and confidence to implement change effectively and support my team through each step."

That experience also deepened her passion for mentorship, according to VHMA. "When I became a practice manager, I was in a sink-or-swim situation, with only 2 days of training. I remember wishing I had a mentor to lean on, which sparked my passion for supporting others. Once I was riding the bike with no training wheels, I wanted to help others take theirs off," Mohr added.

Through Vetcor, the parent company of Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, Mohr co-leads an 8-week onboarding program for new hospital managers each quarter. She provides real-time guidance, follow-up support, and 1-on1 mentorship in collaboration with regional managers.

As PMOY, Mohr looks forward to expanding opportunities to share best practices and strengthen collaboration across the veterinary community. "This award is more than recognition. It's a powerful reminder that the hard work and knowledge I've invested as a CVPM truly make a difference. It fuels my commitment to grow as a leader and inspire practice managers everywhere to elevate their teams and transform veterinary care," she said.

The title of PMOY also comes with complimentary registration to the VHMA 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana: September 4-6, 2025. Additionally, the award package includes $1,250 for travel, lodging, and meals; and VHMA/ACT Client Service Certificate Program registration, which is sponsored by VHMA Platinum Sponsor CareCredit.

Reference

VHMA announces 2025 Practice Manager of the Year: Lynsey Mohr, CVPM. News release. Veterinary Hospital Managers Association. June 10, 2025.