Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto started her veterinary career in mixed animal practice in West Virginia before finding her footing in relief practice across Florida. She holds a master's degree in Animal Nutrition from the University of Florida, has served on the university's admissions committee, and now volunteers her time providing acupuncture and laser therapy for horses at a rescue she worked with even before vet school. She hopes to transition into alternative and rehabilitation medicine next, a shift that relief work gave her the flexibility to plan for. This profile first ran on Relief Rover, the relief-vet community platform that joined Hound in 2023.
In Her Own Words
What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
"It was more a who than a what. My cousin in Arizona was a zookeeper when I was a child, and I got to visit her at work. I thought it was so cool that she worked with all sorts of exotic animals, though funnily enough, I never wanted to be a zoo vet myself. I thought I'd end up doing solely equine medicine, since I've ridden horses since I was quite young, but horse people can be particular (myself included), so I started my veterinary career in mixed animal practice in West Virginia instead. Another memory that stands out is from childhood: one of my favorite school horses, Millie, was having a bout of colic. I didn't understand what that was at the time, but I spent my lesson walking her in the indoor arena and held her while my instructor gave her an injection (I suspect it was Banamine) while we waited for the vet to arrive. That experience cemented that I wanted to be a veterinarian, and I ended up shadowing that same doctor a few years later for an eighth grade project."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What roles have you had within the veterinary profession, and outside of it?
"I started as an associate but have been doing relief work for the last two years, and I'm hoping to transition to alternative and rehabilitation medicine mostly within the next few months. I've been a member of several veterinary associations and served on the admissions committee for the University of Florida, where I also earned my MS in Animal Nutrition. I was quite active in clubs and committees in college and veterinary school, though not as much since. Currently, I donate my time doing acupuncture and laser therapy for horses at a rescue I volunteered with even before I became a veterinarian."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What made you switch to relief practice?
"A few things came together at once. I think I was getting burned out, or at least I didn't want to work more than four days a week. I had an opportunity to buy into a practice and also considered starting my own. My significant other was considering a move to another part of Florida, so I started looking for associate jobs and found so many open positions. Since I wasn't feeling pushed in any particular direction, I started relieving."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What is your most memorable relief job?
"My first relief gig was at a local ER, and I was recruited by the practice manager, who I knew from a previous employer. I wasn't prepared for the caseload or the severity, or lack thereof, of some of the emergency cases, but I learned a lot really fast."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
How do you feel that relief practice supports the veterinary profession as a whole?
"My experience has changed significantly over the last two years. It started off as filling in for veterinarians on leave, whether vacation or medical, but quickly shifted to filling a gap while practices looked for a new associate. I might be at a different practice every day, or on a rotation between the same few clinics. Whatever the need is, I'm happy to be there."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What are your favorite things about being a relief vet?
"First, I'm always learning something new, whether that's an anesthetic protocol, a nifty trick like Cerenia nasal drops, or a different record keeping program. Second, I enjoy working with new staff. There's always a period of getting a feel for each other, but everyone has something to gain from one another. Third, I love making my own schedule. I usually only book one month in advance so I can keep my options open."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What are your least favorite things about being a relief vet?
"There are only a couple. I don't like getting caught up in clinic drama, and I don't like staff adding appointments or drop offs without consulting me first. I usually won't say no, since I want to be accommodating, but I still need to feel like I can work at my best."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What do you look for in a practice when deciding whether to cover shifts there?
"Staff to doctor ratio, efficiency and proficiency, and paperless or paper light medical records."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What supplies or equipment do you bring with you on the job?
"I always have an extra set of scrubs, my stethoscope, a copy of my licenses, a calculator, pens, and a Sharpie. My VIN membership has been well worth it, since I use that resource at least once a shift. I also keep a hard copy planner, and I always have a paperback book and at least one water bottle in my bag. I've been fortunate to bring my dogs to work with me at most clinics, so I have to pack for them too."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
Have you picked up any unique practice tips while doing relief work, whether related to medicine, workflow, or practice organization?
"So many. My experiences have shown me what works best for me, what I can tolerate, and what I'll never allow myself to go through again. Should I ever decide to own my own practice, I know what I need to succeed. I've also learned how to stay firm and consistent in how I practice medicine, while still feeling like I have my finger on the pulse as things change."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about becoming a relief vet?
"You should probably develop a contract, but it might be more useful to first figure out your parameters for an ideal day, whether that's appointment length, breaks, or surgical comfort, and put that in a document to bring to your initial discussion with whoever is hiring you. It helps to get a sense of the going rate in your area, and don't be afraid to increase it over time. Take advantage of being able to make your own schedule, and don't get bullied into taking on more days than you want to work. It's vital to be reliable, so don't put yourself in a position where you might have to cancel. That's why I don't book more than a month in advance, in case I need to take time for myself, family, or health appointments."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
How has the pandemic affected your relief practice?
"At the start of it, I had a few cancellations, but I've never had to solicit work, which is awesome. My Relief Rover membership has gotten me several requests. I'm only working curbside only clinics now. I don't mind the phone calls at all, but I have to remind myself to finish my medical record before I talk to the owner, since I can get ahead of myself with what I want to do versus what I'm allowed to do. I've also developed several template discharge instructions that I email to clients to summarize our conversation and plan, since I suspect not everything is taken in over the phone."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What states are you licensed in, or working toward licensure in?
"I'm currently only actively licensed in Florida, and I've let my West Virginia and Ohio licenses become inactive. I'm considering getting a Georgia license, since I live in north Florida, so I can offer my rehabilitation services there, as well as a Connecticut license since my parents still live there and I travel home a few times a year."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
Aside from English, what languages do you speak?
"I only speak English, but I can understand basic French and Spanish and read both fairly well."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?
"I read a lot. I also like doing puzzles, and I hang out with my dogs and my horse. Before the pandemic, I hosted monthly poker nights at my place and was involved in local sports leagues, kickball and ultimate frisbee, though we joked they were really beer leagues."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto
Anything else you'd like to share?
"My favorite color is orange, and I love dairy cows."
Dr. Elisabeth D’Agosto