Rev. F. Richard Lesser, DVM, MDiv, founded the Equine Clinic at OakenCroft, in Ravena, New York, with his late wife, Marilyn Schmidt, DVM, in 1986. The two successfully managed the practice while raising their three children until Schmidt’s passing in 2005. In 2012 Lesser retired from veterinary practice, and in 2015 he was ordained as a Catholic priest. He is now the pastor of four parishes and two schools in New York but remains a committed member of AAEP.
In Lesser’s keynote address, “Live Your Whole Life,” he will describe what true happiness means to him and how veterinarians and support staff can find happiness in who they are rather than their profession. He will share stories from his life and career, highlighting the crucial balance veterinarians must achieve between supporting their patients and colleagues and attending to their own needs, while also distinguishing their personal happiness from external validation and appreciation for their services.
Be sure to attend this keynote presentation on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 9:00 a.m.
Related Reading
- AAEP Milne Lecture Preview: The Equine Community Leading the Way in Orthobiologics
- 2024 AAEP Convention Sessions Preview: Key Discussions in Equine Practice
- Disease Du Jour: 2024 AAEP Convention Preview
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