Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai brings the same curiosity to veterinary medicine that he brings to his organic olive grove, where he presses his own olive oil between shifts. He built a career spanning associate work, medical direction, virtual care, and teaching veterinary technology students before settling into full time relief work to protect his work life balance. Based in California, he is also a published photographer who documents his national park road trips along the way. This profile first ran on Relief Rover, the relief-vet community platform that joined Hound in 2023.

In His Own Words

What inspired you to become a veterinarian?

"I have always enjoyed nature and animals, as well as science and problem solving. Veterinary medicine combines these favorite interests."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

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

"Within veterinary medicine, I have been an associate, a medical director, a virtual care veterinarian, and an instructor of veterinary technology students. Aside from my veterinary life, I grow organic olives and produce my own olive oil. I also indulge my lifelong adoration of photography, and I've been published a few times."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

What made you switch to relief practice?

"I began relief work to augment my income and collect experiences beyond my full time associate role. For the past few years, I've been a full time relief doctor, in order to enhance my work life balance and focus on the aspects of veterinary medicine that I enjoy the most."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

What is your most memorable relief job?

"Probably my first overnight emergency shift, in which I, miraculously, only saw one patient."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

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

"Relief practice allows continuity of care when solo owners need time off, and helps reduce the burden when an associate is not present."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

What are your favorite things about being a relief vet?

"I have control over my schedule and the locations I choose to work. Relief work also ensures that I'm comfortable with the practices I agree to work with."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

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

"I miss having my own desk at work, my own space where I can keep my reference materials handy. That, and having a place to hang my stethoscope, rather than keeping it with me in the car."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

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

"I look for a staff that strives to be at their highest potential, is comfortable to work with, and a practice that prioritizes pet healthcare through client education and offering the best treatment options."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

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

"I keep it simple, my stethoscope and phone."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

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

"I've found that a streamlined workflow is most beneficial. I focus on discussing medicine with clients while the staff reviews the finances with them. I trust the staff to charge appropriately for their practice. This structure works well."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

What advice would you give new relief vets?

"Try relief shifts while you still have your full time position. Be prepared to see things done in ways you may have never imagined, and sometimes in ways you're not comfortable with. There are pros and cons to any clinic, so experiencing a variety will help you decide which types of practices you'd like to work with, and allow you to trust the staff to do what they're good at."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

How has the pandemic affected your relief practice?

"I find myself focusing my work with practices that adhere to strict safety protocols, and I've also curtailed the jobs that involved overnight stays in hotels."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

What states are you licensed in?

"I'm currently licensed in California, but I'm considering future licensure in Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona, and Alaska."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

Aside from English, what languages do you speak?

"Punjabi."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

"When I'm not tending to my olives and producing olive oil, I take road trips to national parks. My love of photography truly surfaces on those adventures."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai

Anything else you'd like to share?

"Follow me on Instagram at ksbphotos.com and boparaifarms. My YouTube channel is KSB DVM."
Dr. Kanwarjit Singh Boparai