Meet Dr. Pugh, This Month’s TopDoc Award Winner

This month, we’re excited to recognize Dr. Pugh as our TopDoc Award recipient. This award celebrates veterinarians who make a real difference in their communities and the lives of their patients. Dr. Pugh’s commitment to honest communication, patient care, and leadership embodies everything this honor stands for. As part of the recognition, Dr. Pugh has chosen Bags with a Blessing to receive a donation.

In this Q&A, Dr. Pugh reflects on his career journey, shares his approach to veterinary medicine, and offers advice for those considering a path in the field.

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Can you tell us about your path to becoming a veterinarian? When did you know you wanted to be a vet, and why?‍

Growing up on a small hobby beef farm and working at my grandparents’ dairy farm gave me an early appreciation for animal care. By middle school, my desire to be a veterinarian was solidified after shadowing a large mixed-animal practice. I admired the relationships those veterinarians built with their clients and the respect they earned. Those memories have guided me throughout my nearly 30 years of practice.

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What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work as a veterinarian?

I love the challenges of veterinary practice and ownership. The relationships I’ve built with clients, staff, and the community are incredibly rewarding.

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How has your role evolved over the years?

Since the day after graduation, I have been the chief medical officer of Hometown Veterinary Services, Inc. However, in its early days, HVS consisted of a wife/practice manager, a toddler, debt, a truck, a strong work ethic, and me. 

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Many of those things have remained the same (except the toddler, who has grown into four adult children, and we now have a recent first grandchild). Over nearly 30 years, the practice has evolved to include 2-3 additional doctors, 35 support staff members, a recently renovated 11,000-square-foot hospital, the integration of AI in several aspects of daily practice (including HappyDoc), and an industry that is no longer dominated by sole practitioners.

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How do you feel you make the biggest impact on your patients and their families?

I strive to be honest, empathetic, and transparent. Answering the question, “What would you do if it were your pet, Doc?” helps me connect with clients and provide the best guidance.

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What separates good vets from great vets?

To become a great veterinarian, you must first realize this is not just an occupation but a lifestyle profession that is only gradually mastered through compassion, continual learning, and dedication. I have yet to meet anyone “great” in their vocation who does not love and live by what they do, aspire to do “whatever it is they do” better every day, and encourage those around them to do the same — sometimes to the point of annoyance!

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What advice would you give to someone considering a career in veterinary medicine?

Recognize the commitment it takes financially, emotionally, and personally. Consider taking an aptitude test to determine if the profession is right for you (especially if you're considering private practice). Then, explore three other professions. If you still want to be a veterinarian, “Go for it!” 

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I truly live by the saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

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Are there any misconceptions about veterinary care that you wish more people understood?

Dealing with the financial constraints or priorities of pet owners is always difficult. It’s something you must come to terms with early in your career, or you will be very disappointed in the profession. I also don’t think most people realize what it’s like to leave a room after euthanizing a pet and crying with a family, only to walk into the next appointment with a new client and their puppy and share in their excitement—often four to five times a day.

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How do you manage the responsibilities of running a practice while staying focused on patient care?

I am incredibly fortunate to have my wife, Cathy, who has been with me since day one. She would quickly point out that she shoulders the majority of the burden, and she does so with the help of our daughter, who serves as our assistant manager. We firmly believe that good medicine, client education, and constant learning are paramount to our leadership team. It has undoubtedly become more challenging to run a practice since COVID-19, and my wife and I are often “tired.” However, we feel we make a difference and recognize that our business is responsible not only for our family but for the families of our employees. This understanding guides everything we do.

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If you weren’t a veterinarian, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I have always loved agriculture and farming. I’m not sure if I would have chosen a different path, as I’ve grown my hobby into a nearly 1,000-acre grain operation (though I recently exited the cattle-feeding business). Lately, I have transitioned from doing most of the hands-on work to taking on more of a managerial role, which seems to happen as a business grows.

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Why did you choose the organization for HappyDoc’s donation?

I selected Bags with a Blessing, a 501(c)(3) founded by my oldest daughter, Taylor, about 7-8 years ago. 

It collects slightly used purses and fills them with necessities and needed items for those less fortunate in our community. Since its inception, our staff and clients have participated each December. It has grown into a community-wide effort involving volunteers from local 4-H groups, high schools, and colleges. 

This year, in addition to distributing over 500 bags locally, an additional 300 bags were sent to North Carolina to aid flood victims. I greatly appreciate the donation made in my name to such a worthy cause.