From Small-Town Roots to Critical Care Dreams: The Unstoppable Journey of Casey Lavender
When you meet Casey Lavender, a fourth-year veterinary student at Mississippi State University, two things quickly stand out: his natural ability to lead and his unwavering optimism. With a smile that radiates warmth and a sense of purpose that commands attention, Casey’s journey to veterinary medicine is nothing short of extraordinary.
Raised in the small town of Wiggins, Mississippi, Casey didn’t have the typical blueprint for a career in veterinary medicine. Instead, he built his path one step at a time, always focused on the opportunities before him. From earning his associate’s degree at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to pursuing a BA in multidisciplinary studies—focusing on biology, chemistry, and business—at the University of Mississippi, Casey has always taken a determined, multifaceted approach to his dreams.
But it wasn’t an easy ride. After facing rejection from veterinary school on his first attempt, Casey could have given up. Instead, he leaned into his backup plan—healthcare administration—while still keeping his eyes on the prize: veterinary medicine. That resilience paid off when he was accepted to Mississippi State’s veterinary program, and today, as he gears up for a Small Animal Medicine/Surgery Rotating Internship at Colorado State University, his story is a powerful testament to grit, growth, and the unrelenting pursuit of his passions.
The Hustle That Built a Leader
Casey’s veterinary journey has been anything but conventional, marked by achievements that span far beyond the classroom. Amidst the intense demands of clinical training, he’s been building a legacy:
Co-founding the Mississippi State Veterinary Leadership and Wellness Conference, a platform designed to support the mental health and well-being of veterinary professionals.
Earning a spot as one of 15 students nationwide selected for Chewy’s prestigious inaugural Veterinary Leaders Program, a distinction that came with a $20,000 scholarship.
Logging over 120 surgeries, ranging from routine spays and neuters to complex limb amputations and BOAS corrections.
Embarking on his MBA journey to fuel his dream of owning and leading a veterinary hospital one day.
Yet, it’s the lessons he’s learned along the way that truly define his path. After burning out from juggling 13 leadership roles in a single year, Casey realized that success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it in a way that’s sustainable. “Put your oxygen mask on first,” he says, reflecting on the importance of self-care. “To care for others, I had to learn how to care for myself first.”
Three Qualities That Define Him
Through it all, three core qualities have defined Casey’s journey:
Personableness – “I want to make sure everyone feels heard, important, and valued. Whether it’s a patient, a colleague, or a client, empathy is key.”
Perseverance – “Optimism isn’t just blind positivity. It’s the belief that you can outlast the challenges in front of you, even when the road gets tough.”
Growth Mindset – “Change isn’t scary. It’s an opportunity for growth. Stagnancy? That’s the real danger.”
The Easy (and Hard) Decisions
When it comes to his career choices, Casey’s path to veterinary medicine was clear. “Vet med was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. It combines my love for animals and people—it’s the perfect fit,” he says. But it hasn’t been without hard lessons. Looking back, he’s learned that success is not about avoiding mistakes—it’s about how you respond to them. “My younger self needed to hear that I deserve my success. Mistakes don’t define you—your response to them does,” he says.
A Vision for the Future
Casey’s ultimate mission is to leave the field of veterinary medicine better than he found it. For him, that means tackling some of the profession’s biggest challenges—from addressing the mental health crises plaguing veterinary professionals to overcoming the financial strain many face. His approach is rooted in empathy, leadership, and community building, and he believes these qualities are the foundation of real change in vet med.
In five years, Casey sees himself as Dr. Lavender, a Criticalist, settled into his career but never stagnant, always striving for progress. Whether in the ICU or the boardroom, he’s committed to pushing boundaries and transforming the field.
Casey’s Call to Action
For students, his advice is simple: “Travel. Live outside your hometown. The world and its perspectives will change you. You’ll never stop growing.”
For the veterinary profession, Casey urges: “Seek to understand before you respond. Empathy is the foundation of real change.”
One thing’s for sure: Casey Lavender’s journey is just beginning. Whether he’s saving lives in the ICU or leading a transformative practice, he’s a force for good—and his impact on the veterinary world will be felt for years to come.
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Inspired by Casey’s story? Drop a comment below—and tag a vet student or professional who embodies resilience, leadership, and a relentless drive for change!
