Not every veterinary career is defined by growth or expansion. Some are defined by steadiness — showing up, taking responsibility, and doing the work when a hospital needs structure and direction.
That’s been the case for Dr. Tiffany Premo, Medical Director at Woodland Animal Hospital.
Learning the work from the ground up
Dr. Premo’s path into veterinary medicine started early and practically. She worked kennel and assistant roles as a teenager, gaining firsthand experience with how hospitals function long before she became a doctor. That foundation shaped how she practices today — with a strong understanding of workflow, teamwork, and the realities staff face every day.
After veterinary school, she joined Freeland Animal Hospital, where she spent much of her career. Over nearly a decade, she built lasting client relationships, learned from mentors who trusted her judgment, and practiced in an environment where collaboration between doctors, technicians, and support staff was central to how the hospital operated.
Freeland became the place where she learned what a strong, functional hospital looks like — and why those details matter.
Stepping into leadership
Dr. Premo’s move to Woodland Animal Hospital wasn’t a carefully planned career step. The hospital was navigating staffing challenges and frequent change, and she was asked to step into the Medical Director role during a period that required stability and follow-through.
While leadership wasn’t something she actively sought out, she accepted the role with the mindset that progress doesn’t always happen quickly — but it does happen with consistency.
At Woodland, improvement has come through small, meaningful shifts: rebuilding a team, establishing routines, and creating a more reliable day-to-day experience for staff and clients alike.
Leading by example
Dr. Premo leads in a hands-on, practical way. She works alongside her team, helps train where needed, and stays closely connected to daily operations. Having worked nearly every role in a hospital herself, she brings a level of empathy and understanding that resonates with her staff.
Over time, that consistency has paid off. As the team grows more confident and systems become smoother, she’s been able to step back in thoughtful ways — a sign that the foundation is taking hold.
The constant: relationships
Even as her responsibilities have expanded, the part of veterinary medicine Dr. Premo values most hasn’t changed: relationships.
She takes pride in the trust built with clients over time and in the ability to guide pet owners through decisions with clarity and compassion. Those connections, formed early in her career, continue to be a source of motivation and perspective.
She also recognizes how closely connected the veterinary profession is — and how much professionalism, kindness, and follow-through matter in the long run.
Looking ahead
When asked what she hopes to be remembered for, Dr. Premo focuses less on titles and more on people. She reflects on mentors who supported her early on and helped her grow into roles she didn’t initially imagine for herself.
Her goal is to offer that same support to others — to recognize strengths, encourage growth, and help team members find their footing.
