From associate to leader: Brooklyn Park Pet Hospital
When Dr. Kari Strohmaier envisioned the next chapter of her veterinary career, she knew she wanted to make a greater impact, not just for her patients, but for her team and community. She didn’t want to leave clinical medicine behind; she wanted to grow within it.
With guidance from Veterinarian Partners, mentorship from Jami Stromberg, DVM, MBA (former Medical Director at BPPH, now Regional Medical Director), and the structured support of the Doctor Leadership Program, Dr. Strohmaier transitioned from associate veterinarian to Medical Director of Brooklyn Park Pet Hospital. She stepped confidently into a role where she could lead with purpose, elevate the practice, and strengthen its culture.
"I’ve gained a new perspective..."
"Personally, the DLP has pushed me outside of my comfort zone; it has made me more curious, more reflective, and more open to growth. Professionally, I’ve gained a new perspective on how leadership can shape not only the culture of a hospital but also its success."
Dr. Kari Strohmaier Medical Director
Our customized plan for career advancement
Veterinarian Partners doesn’t just offer a title change; we offer a support system built to develop strong, empowered veterinary leaders. From the earliest conversations, our team worked closely with Dr. Strohmaier to ensure she had the tools, mentorship, and clarity to succeed in her new role.
Leadership coaching and guidance
Through our Doctor Leadership Program, Dr. Strohmaier joined a cohort of emerging veterinary leaders focused on skill-building, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. With structured check-ins, in-person gatherings, and one-on-one mentorship, she was equipped to lead her hospital with confidence and compassion.
Mentorship from a proven leader
Jami Stromberg, DVM, MBA, who purchased Brooklyn Park Pet Hospital in 2007 and sold in 2021, taught at the University of Minnesota and has mentored numerous veterinarians throughout her career. She was hands-on with Dr. Strohmaier’s transition as she transitioned herself to the Regional Medical Director position, providing day-to-day guidance, wisdom, and experience. She taught the operational and leadership skills needed for success, and remained available even after Dr. Strohmaier had stepped fully into the Medical Director role.
Practice-level support
Behind the scenes, Veterinarian Partners provided operational support in HR, marketing, finance, and technology, freeing up Dr. Strohmaier’s time to focus on patient care, team development, and hospital culture.
A platform for growth
Becoming Medical Director wasn't just a new role; it was a renewed opportunity to shape the future of the hospital she loved. With our support, she was empowered to build on Brooklyn Park's strengths, introduce new services, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Powerful partners, powerful results
Since stepping into the Medical Director role, Dr. Strohmaier’s leadership has already made a tremendous mark. Brooklyn Park Pet Hospital was recently honored as one of the Top 500 Veterinary Hospitals in America by USA Today, a testament to the high-quality medicine, compassionate culture, and dedicated team she’s helped shape.
Other key highlights include:
- A smoother onboarding process for new associates
- Improved collaboration and communication across departments
- Greater team retention and morale
- A renewed focus on mentorship and development within the hospital
"...more clarity and intention."
"The most impactful part of the DLP for me has been the exposure to financial and business strategy concepts—areas where I had little prior experience. Gaining that knowledge has given me context for the decisions we make as a hospital and has helped me contribute more meaningfully to those conversations. The DLP’s people management training sessions have also been very valuable; they have helped me approach team dynamics with more clarity and intention."
Dr. Kari Strohmaier Medical Director
Cultivating leaders to transform hospitals
Dr. Strohmaier’s story is proof that leadership can look different for every veterinarian, and that meaningful growth doesn’t always require starting from scratch. With the right support, structure, and mentorship, you can take the lead in your hospital, your way.
At Veterinarian Partners, we’re proud to walk alongside veterinarians who want to shape the future of their practices, without giving up what they love most about medicine. Whether you’re an associate vet with big ideas or a hospital owner thinking about what’s next, we’re here to support your next step.
Ready to explore what leadership could look like for you? Let’s talk about your vision and how we can help bring it to life, together.