Area Chief of Staff Helps DVMs Thrive

Successful leaders help create environments where associates thrive, something Dr. Glorymar Molina, DVM, knows well in her role as an Area Chief of Staff (ACOS). Banfield created the ACOS role this year based on associates feedback from doctors for a leadership role that provides focused support to our doctors. We heard you! The Area Chief of Staff role is unique in the way it directly supports our veterinarians inside the hospital with focused coaching and onboarding. The role also creates more career pathing opportunities for our veterinarians that want to stay on the clinical medicine side of the practice. From her start on a family farm in Puerto Rico to her current role as Area Chief of Staff, see how hard work and mentorship drives Dr. Molina to create a better world for pets and those who care for them.

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey with Banfield:

I was born and raised on the enchanting island of Barranquitas, Puerto Rico. Growing up on a family farm, it was no surprise when I decided to pursue my dream in veterinary medicine. At a very young age, my instinct was to be a phenomenal veterinarian. My love for animals and the people who care for them came naturally to me. I started my carrier in Grand Cayman while attending St. Matthew's University College of Veterinary Medicine and finished a clinical year at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I received my DVM in 2013. In 2021, I also got my certification in Acupuncture from Chi University.

I started working for Banfield in 2012 as a veterinary assistant while earning my DVM degree. Since then, with the guidance of great mentors and hard work, I have evolved to be an Area Chief of Staff (ACOS).

Why did you choose to become an ACOS?

I loved to see my para professionals and doctors thrive. It's something that fulfills me.

The opportunity to coach and mentor one-on-one gives me the ability to make a dereference in that person's life. Together we will continue building a better world for pets.

What does your day-to-day look like?

My morning starts by letting my four-legged son Parker out to use the bathroom, followed by a healthy breakfast, coffee, and music by Andrea Bocelli. When I get to work, I review the daily schedule, read my emails, and prioritize my day. I'm a functional veterinarian 25-50% of the time. I partner with my practice managers to solve problems and check-in with para staff and doctors for support, coaching, etc. I end my workday at 6 pm. Afterward, I go to the gym for an hour and have dinner around 8:30 pm. I make time to check in with my family members in Puerto Rico after dinner by call or text message. I get ready to go to bed around 10:30 pm while listening to a Spanish tv show or reading a fun book.

What do you look forward to the most in your work with Banfield?

I look forward to continuing my personal development while building efficient, confident, strong, and knowledgeable teams. I want to make my doctors' lives easier so they can continue to focus on practicing quality medicine!

If someone is interested in pursuing an ACOS role, what career tips would you give?

My advice is to be the hardest worker in the room and lead by example. Make sure you lean on our culture and focus on strong quality medicine, nurture a sense of belonging, and promote an environment where associates thrive. Also, don't forget to always take care of yourself first so you can take care of others. Focus on a work-life balance!