Musings

Aubrey J. Lavizzo, DVM

Latest Posts

HOPE

Aubrey J. Lavizzo, DVM, February 3, 2011

Well, at last! We in Colorado got our slap in the face this morning after enjoying balmy, spring-like weather the last couple weeks. My wife Gayle was up early feeding the cats (I get to clean litter boxes!), and getting organized for work (she’s a psychotherapist whose life’s work is helping families and troubled teen-agers re-build their lives).

The Race

Aubrey Lavizzo, DVM, July 28, 2010

A note from EVT coeditor in chief, Kathleen Ruby: At EVT, we believe that everyone in the profession can and should be a leader. No matter where you sit on your team, or in your practice, you have the power to make a positive difference. Whether it is deciding to smile or treat coworkers with kindness, OR create a transformation that changes the entire way your practice functions, you can find a way to be a difference maker.

One of the guiding values of our publication is the concept of Servant Leadership. We think that this leadership paradigm mirrors the honor and commitment of the "calling" to the life of medical caregiver.

A Thank You to Those Who Inspired Me...

Aubrey Lavizzo, DVM, June 1, 2010

This morning, flying over Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains on my way to the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Experience, I turned forty. As I looked out the window, I hoped for a glimpse of Mount Silverheels, the graciously-sloped peak named by the people of the town Buckskin Joe for the dance-hall girl whose inner beauty shone brightly when she risked her life to help the miners and their families after an outbreak of smallpox struck the town. Silverheels is veiled in clouds this morning, much as it is said she veiled herself after the disease disfigured her 150 years ago.

Dive

Aubrey Lavizzo, DVM, April 28, 2010

“This is a good day to die,” I thought, recalling the words of courage of Sitting Bull’s Lakota warrior Low Dog as the Battle of the Little Bighorn began. Above, the sky was a frosted blue; below, the warm waters of the Caribbean shimmered turquoise. For days, I had contemplated this one moment of my life when I must choose – and the choice I made may have been the last. I could not escape a choice...

Well...I didn’t die.

Where's the Mouse?

Aubrey Lavizzo, DVM, March 15, 2010

I’m usually at my favorite coffee shop by 8:20 at least three mornings a week. I need to be at the office, which is 3 minutes away, by 8:30. That is our head tech Cole’s rule, not mine.

Introduction

Aubrey J. Lavizzo, DVM, February 18, 2010

“Do you see...?” Fred asked calmly as the headlights suddenly appeared. I had only enough time to react and steer left slightly as they quickly came straight at us. It was about 2 a.m. December 12, 1971.

The night before, we left Denver driving to Omaha, Nebraska seeking advice on partnering and buying a practice. Our non-stop conversation had been full of hope.