Dr. Ericka Carroll has built an unusually varied career, serving as a Veterinary Corps Officer in the U.S. Army before working as an associate, completing an MBA, and writing for Clinician's Brief and VetPrep. She now splits her time between relief work and freelance consulting for veterinary start-ups, picking up shifts across California, Pennsylvania, and New York. A jar of peanut butter travels with her to every shift, an icebreaker for nervous canine patients. 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?

"I'm a curious person by nature, and I get bored easily. I love that as a veterinarian there are so many options within the profession, not only in terms of animals to work with, but also different career paths. I knew it was a profession that had what it takes to hold my interest long term. I also love puppies and kittens."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What roles have you had within the veterinary profession, and outside of it?

"I've had a few. I was a Veterinary Corps Officer in the U.S. Army, an associate in general practice, and I just completed an MBA and interned with various start-ups in the veterinary space. In addition, I was a writer for Clinician's Brief and VetPrep, and I continue to be a freelance consultant to various start-ups in the veterinary industry."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What made you switch to relief practice?

"Since I've been on the business side of the profession for a few years, I love relief as a means of keeping my clinical skills sharp. It also gives me rich, first hand perspective to better serve my consulting clients."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What is your most memorable relief job?

"I brought video streaming into one practice to allow clients to see their pets and interact with me, since the practice was curbside due to COVID. The clients really enjoyed it, and it shaved a lot of time off the workflow."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

How do you feel relief practice supports the veterinary profession as a whole?

"I think it really allows associates, medical directors, and clinic owners to take a much needed break."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What are your favorite things about being a relief vet?

"Aside from my answer above, I love that I get to help other vets take a break. Often, I fill in so my colleagues can take a vacation, get a day off, or go to a CE."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What are your least favorite things about being a relief vet?

"While necessary, my least favorite part is having to adapt to different PIMS, practice information management systems. I'm also curious about how cases turn out, and sometimes I miss having regular follow up to learn from."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What do you look for in a practice when deciding to cover shifts for them?

"I honestly try to be flexible and don't have too many deal breakers."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What supplies or equipment do you bring with you on the job?

"Good shoes, a stethoscope, my VIN login info, copies of my state and DEA licenses, a jar of peanut butter to help warm up to my canine patients, and a bag of candy for the staff."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

Have you picked up any unique practice tips along the way?

"I can't think of any at the moment, since I've only been doing this a few months."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What advice would you give new relief vets?

"Be flexible. Know what your deal breakers are, and let the smaller things go."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

How has the pandemic affected your relief practice?

"I've only been a relief vet during COVID, so I don't have a pre pandemic basis for comparison."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What states are you licensed in?

"California, Pennsylvania, and New York."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

Aside from English, what languages do you speak?

"German."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

"Vegetarian cooking, running, and traveling."
Dr. Ericka Carroll

Anything else you'd like to share?

"Not that I can think of."
Dr. Ericka Carroll