Everyone Leaves a Legacy: Rachel Yurcaba’s Journey from Vet Tech to Purchasing Coordinator
At Lakefield Veterinary Group, career paths are not one-size-fits-all. Rachel Yurcaba’s journey—from a Market Research Analyst to Veterinary Technician to Purchasing Coordinator—is a testament to the many ways passion for veterinary medicine can evolve over time. Through each role, she has remained committed to supporting pets, their owners, and the veterinary teams that care for them.
A Career Change Fueled by Purpose
Rachel began her professional life in Marketing Research, but after nearly a decade, she felt unfulfilled. “I just didn’t feel like I was contributing to anything meaningful,” she shares. After two years of research and volunteering at her local SPCA, she made a bold decision—she left her analyst job to go back to school to become a licensed veterinary technician.
Rachel started in general practice, later moving into emergency medicine and house-call veterinary care, where she became passionate about the Fear Free movement. “Helping pets in their home environment, reducing stress, and seeing the impact on both the pet and owner was incredibly rewarding,” she recalls.
Transitioning to a Corporate Role
Rachel’s introduction to Lakefield came when Juanita Bay Veterinary Hospital (Kirkland, WA) joined the Lakefield family. The experience opened her eyes to the business side of veterinary medicine. “I knew how to run a surgery, order supplies, and manage patient care, but I wanted to understand hospital operations on a larger scale,” she explains.
When an opportunity arose to join Lakefield’s corporate team as a Purchasing Coordinator, she saw it as a chance to expand her knowledge. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found a team that truly cares about supporting hospitals. Even those in other departments—who have never worked in a clinic—share the same compassion for helping veterinary teams succeed.”
A Commitment to Giving Back
Rachel’s passion for veterinary medicine extends beyond hospital walls. Through Lakefield’s partnership with World Vets, she has participated in multiple trips, traveling to underserved communities to provide free veterinary care. “These pet owners love their animals just as much as we do, but they don’t always have access to medical care. Being able to help is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
Inspired by her first trip to Ecuador, Rachel later volunteered in Guatemala, assisting with nearly 500 spay and neuter procedures in just three days. “It was an eye-opening experience, and now I have the bug to keep going—traveling and giving back at the same time.”
Leaving a Lasting Impact
When asked about the legacy she hopes to leave, Rachel’s answer is simple: “I want to be remembered for my kindness and compassion. Whether it’s helping an owner through a tough decision, making veterinary care more accessible, or supporting hospitals in their daily operations—I just want to know I made a difference.”
Rachel’s journey is a reminder that there is no single path to a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine. Whether on the floor assisting patients, behind the scenes managing operations, or volunteering in communities around the world, her impact is undeniable.
