VCA Animal Medical Center of Omaha is an AAHA-accredited, 4-doctor practice that has been serving Omaha for over 40 years. Heather Burwell is the Hospital Manager at VCA Animal Medical Center of Omaha.
Tell us a little about your business. – Our mission is to maintain high standards of pet health care, which means that we emphasize prevention as well as healing, we provide continuing education programs to our doctors and staff, we promote the open exchange of professional knowledge and expertise, and that we have established a consistent program of effective procedures and techniques that keep pets healthy.
How did you get started in the business? – I was on the pharmaceutical side of Animal Health back at the beginning of my career. I then went on to focus on Human Resources and Operations Management. When the opportunity came to pair both, I knew VCA was the right fit for me.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I am not a Veterinarian so I cannot always step up and help out in this business. This has taught me to really partner with my Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Stevens-Kopf and the importance of our relationship. We have to be on the same page and in constant communication with each other. It absolutely takes BOTH of us to run this hospital. She is my best friend and greatest mentor.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The people that I have developed and seeing where they are professionally today. Their success and growth means the world to me.
Tell me a little about your family. – I am a single girl with two dogs. I have two Border Collies that are my world, Victoria (Tori) and Dalwhinnie (Whinnie). I am very close to my parents, who are my best friends.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Most would not consider this a blessing, but getting laid off was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It allowed me to re-evaluate my goals, both personally and professionally. It was true freedom to be purposeful in my career search and allowed me to grow as a person. I was also able to consult with small business clients during that time and make some phenomenal professional contacts.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Practice agility with my dogs, have lunch with my parents, and I am a singer so I enjoy rehearsing. I do Human Resource and Accounting work for my father’s firm so I can usually be found at his office at some point. I am also a HUGE St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan so I catch a few games at Busch Stadium.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am a classically trained Soprano. I have performed all over North America and Europe including Carnegie Hall and the Vatican in Rome. I just returned from performing in the Sistine Chapel in February.
What are you the most proud of? – My education. For me my education was not just about getting my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I loved the process of learning, the relationships I built and my personal growth.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Lead with positive intent and assume positive intent with others.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 558-1522 or email heather.burwell@vcahospitals.com. We are located at 2323 S. 64th Ave. and everyone is always welcome to stop in and say hello!