The journey of Dr. Jaime Pickett through veterinary medicine has been anything but conventional. A veterinarian, executive, entrepreneur, and innovator, she has navigated diverse roles that span practice ownership, franchising, executive leadership, and technology advisory. With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida, an MBA from St. George’s University, a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences from Johns Hopkins University, and executive education from The Wharton School, Dr. Pickett has paired clinical expertise with sharp business acumen to shape the veterinary landscape.
Today, she serves as a consulting Chief Medical Officer for Equusir—a global company specializing in photobiomodulation, infrared-B therapy, and neurostimulation—and for Alexander International Innovations, which pioneers technologies to improve care delivery, efficiency, and medication usage in veterinary practices. Her career is a testament to curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the human–animal bond.
A Calling Rooted in Curiosity and Compassion
When asked what inspired her to pursue veterinary medicine, Dr. Pickett reflects on the blend of curiosity, compassion, and purpose that shaped her decision.
“Veterinary medicine was deeply personal for me. I’ve always had an innate curiosity that began with business and entrepreneurship and expanded into biology, anatomy, and animal behavior,” she explains. “But what truly inspired me was the profound emotional reward of strengthening the human–animal bond.”
She also points to the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, as an early influence. The intellectual challenge and broad impact of veterinary medicine—from ecosystem balance to zoonotic disease prevention—made the profession a natural fit for her blend of scientific interest and social purpose.
From Practice Ownership to Executive Leadership
Dr. Pickett’s career journey has been defined by versatility. Early on, she built and managed multiple Banfield Pet Hospitals, gaining first-hand experience in clinical excellence and operational leadership. She later transitioned into executive roles with Pet Paradise & New Day Veterinary Care, where she served as Chief Medical Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and Senior Vice President.
There, she directed the clinical and operational strategy for a network of hospitals, raising patient care standards and increasing employee retention by 20%. She also demonstrated her financial and operational acumen, boosting average patient charges by 30% while maintaining quality care.
Her most recent executive role was as CEO and Board Member at Hannah Pet Hospitals, where she oversaw strategic vision, M&A opportunities, and national expansion. Beyond veterinary medicine, Dr. Pickett has even led successful Papa John’s franchises, highlighting her entrepreneurial adaptability and ability to create thriving business ecosystems.
“Each role shaped my leadership style. As a clinician, I learned the power of compassion and communication. As an executive, I gained perspective on team alignment, resource management, and innovation. Together, those experiences shaped a philosophy that balances science with humanity and leadership with collaboration.”
Philosophy and Guiding Principles
Dr. Pickett emphasizes the core values that guide her work: compassion, empathy, clinical excellence, integrity, communication, teamwork, and accountability.
“Veterinary medicine isn’t just about solving cases—it’s about leading people through them. Whether it’s a family facing a difficult decision or a young veterinarian finding their footing, how we communicate and guide others matters as much as the medicine.”
Her leadership philosophy centers on creating environments where people and ideas can thrive. Mentorship, she notes, is a responsibility she carries forward from her own mentors, who pushed her to grow early in her career.
Resilience in High-Stress Situations
The demands of veterinary medicine often test emotional and intellectual resilience. Dr. Pickett recalls an emergency case involving a dog in acute respiratory distress as a pivotal moment.
“The family was panicked, the medical team was moving quickly, and the stakes were high. I focused on clear direction for the team and steady communication with the family. The patient pulled through, but what struck me most was how calm leadership created calmness in others.”
For her, resilience is not about ignoring stress but channeling it into focus and fostering trust across the team and client base.
Challenges and Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Pickett is candid about the profession’s challenges. Burnout, workforce sustainability, and access to care remain top concerns.
“Too many talented veterinarians leave the profession early. We need mentorship, flexible career paths, and support systems to keep them engaged. Rising costs and professional shortages also limit access to care, especially in rural areas. Innovation in telemedicine and urgent care models can help close that gap.”
Technology, she believes, is both a challenge and an opportunity. The rapid rise of AI tools, advanced diagnostics, and regenerative therapies offers immense promise, but only if integrated in ways that reduce—not add to—workload.
Embracing Innovation and Technology
Dr. Pickett’s advisory work reflects her commitment to innovation. At Equusir, she helps advance technologies like photobiomodulation, infrared-B, and neurostimulation for pet rehabilitation. She is also pursuing certification as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) to expand her direct impact in this field.
With Alexander International Innovations, she focuses on solutions that reduce medication usage and improve efficiency. For her, these ventures reflect a broader belief: that technology should serve both pets and practitioners.
The Digital Reputation of Veterinarians
In today’s connected world, Dr. Pickett emphasizes the importance of managing digital presence.
“A veterinarian’s digital reputation is often the first point of contact for clients. If we’re not proactive, misinformation or a single negative review can overshadow the quality of care we provide. Sharing knowledge, engaging with the community, and being visible online isn’t just marketing—it’s part of patient care.”
Her approach to combating misinformation is rooted in empathy and education. By responding with clarity rather than frustration, she helps pet owners feel reassured and informed.
Advice for the Next Generation
For young veterinarians entering the profession, Dr. Pickett offers a clear message: mentorship, resilience, and curiosity are essential.
“This profession is a marathon, not a sprint. Seek out mentors, ask questions, and remember that learning never stops. Just as importantly, take care of yourself. Veterinary medicine is demanding, and your well-being is as important as your patients’.”
She stresses the importance of lifelong learning and embracing innovation as the field evolves.
Beyond Veterinary Medicine
Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Pickett places family and wellness at the center of her life. She enjoys running, cycling, and training, seeing physical health as essential to professional resilience. She also supports her son’s ambitions as a licensed pilot and student leader, finding joy in his growth.
Philanthropy and mentorship remain important to her. She believes in giving back to communities, both through veterinary outreach and educational initiatives.
A Legacy of Innovation and Mentorship
Looking ahead, Dr. Pickett hopes her legacy will be one of innovation, mentorship, and compassion.
“I want to be remembered not only for advancing veterinary medicine through new technologies and practice models, but also for investing in others. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the medicine—it’s about the people who carry it forward.”
Her vision for the future of veterinary medicine is clear: a profession that empowers teams, embraces technology wisely, and expands access to care, all while staying rooted in compassion for pets and the people who love them.
Conclusion
Dr. Jaime Pickett’s career illustrates what happens when clinical expertise meets strategic leadership and innovation. From hospital ownership to executive leadership to advisory work in groundbreaking technologies, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of veterinary care.
Her insights on resilience, mentorship, innovation, and compassion offer both guidance and inspiration for veterinarians, business leaders, and pet care professionals. As the field continues to evolve, Dr. Pickett stands as a voice of clarity and vision, shaping not just practices, but the very future of veterinary medicine.
