This week we had the pleasure to chat with Priya Singh, BA, MPH, MHA. Priya joined SVP in June 2022 as serves as Director of Pet Resorts & Boarding. 

In one or two sentences, what are your responsibilities in your role? 

Pet resorts are a new line of business for SVP, which is extremely exhilarating. I am helping run this new business from the ground up and determining the best way to manage/grow this unique sector in the veterinary world. 

Provide a few short paragraphs of your career journey. How did you get to where you are now? 

I was a psychology/pre-med major in college and had all intentions to go to medical school to become a child psychiatrist. I shadowed various physicians and quickly learned that I wanted to make a different impact than what I was seeing. I switched gears a bit and decided to obtain my Masters in Public Health (MPH) while continuing to shadow more physicians. 
My MPH degree opened a completely different view of medicine for me and made me realize that there were many other ways for me to have an impact in the healthcare field without pursuing an MD degree. I continued on to get my Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) to have a more well-rounded understanding of management in a healthcare world. 
During my educational journey of obtaining my BA, MPH, & MHA, I worked in several healthcare settings. I worked as a Practice Manager for a multispecialty group of physicians, worked as a Operations Manager and Operations Director for a large hospital group, and overall obtained extensive exposure to both clinic and hospital settings. 
When a recruiter called me asking if I’d be interested in the veterinary medicine space, I was thrilled to make the jump and have not looked back for even a second. Best decision ever! 

How has SVP been instrumental to your development?

SVP does it right. I have always yearned to be a part of a company that encourages you to think outside the box, voice your opinions, and have autonomy. SVP has incredible leaders that allow you to do so much and have utmost trust in you while also being there as a soundboard and to give advice/direction at any point. 

As a woman leader in a predominantly male-led industry, what impact do you hope to leave?

I seek to be the individual that I looked for when I was younger. An individual who is a leader, who is female, who is of color, who is understanding, who is positive, who is influential, and who is impactful amongst many other qualities. I hope to be an inspiration to those not only younger, but also older than me—there is nothing women can’t do as long as you have the strength and determination.  

What are your tips for maintaining your health and well-being as a working professional?

It’s all about balancing everything I do—working hard and vacationing hard, exercising well and relaxing well, eating healthy and indulging healthily, being social and being a homebody, etc. Everything can be done when there’s moderation and balance in your life!

What is your advice to other women looking to join the veterinary industry in a role similar to yours?

Just. Do. It. It is so special to be in the veterinary industry, where you not only impact the lives of pets, but also the lives of the pet owners. It is such a unique and impactful world and I absolutely love it. There’s nothing better than being surrounded by amazing, knowledgeable, passionate people! And no matter what level you start at, there’s always room to gain more knowledge, more experience, and GROW! 

Name a woman who has served as an inspiration in your life and why.

My grandmother (Surinder Sahni) is by far the most inspirational woman I have met. She grew up in tough times and in a tough environment, but she overcame every obstacle to get to where she is today. She is a self-taught, self-motivated, & selfless human. I inspire to be as smart, kind, and as amazing of a wife/mother/grandmother/great grandmother as she is.