Finding balance: How this Virginia Tech alum reimagined veterinary practice
The contrasts in Greg Echols' life tell a compelling story: By day, he performs soft tissue surgeries at veterinary clinics across the Carolinas. By evening, he's often in the gym, preparing for his return to competitive bodybuilding.
And unlike most veterinarians, tomorrow he may not return to the same practice — he might be in an entirely different city at another clinic.
As a relief veterinarian and 2020 Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Echols has crafted a career that offers flexibility in a profession often challenged by demanding schedules.
His approach means more balanced days, evenings free from catching up on records, and the ability to practice in varied clinical settings rather than being tied to a single practice.
The journey from exhausted associate to fulfilled relief veterinarian wasn't one he initially imagined. "I never thought I would be out on my own doing this," Echols said. "I always thought I was going to be an associate for the rest of my life."
His story begins with careful preparation, was shaped by mentors at Virginia Tech, and demonstrates how combining professional knowledge with personal passions can create a sustainable career in veterinary medicine.
From assistant to doctor, building a foundation
Unlike many of his peers, Echols didn't rush into veterinary school. Growing up in Burlington, North Carolina, pets surrounded him. "I've always had dogs. We had pocket pets like ferrets and gerbils. We had a pot belly pig at one point... birds. So I grew up with a lot of pets."
When Echols was in high school, his guidance counselor asked a question that would shape his future: "Why would you want to stop at being a vet assistant? Why not be the doctor?"
This question pushed Echols to consider his long-term goals, though he still took a methodical approach. "I still pursued the path of being a vet assistant and that route, and just to make sure that was something I still really wanted to do throughout that time frame," he said.
He gained invaluable experience working his way up from kennel assistant to veterinary assistant. "I stayed a vet assistant 7½ years before I even pursued vet school," Echols said, "which I felt like was a real great aspect to have for me to get that clinical experience."
The Virginia Tech experience, mentors and a new curriculum
When Echols, who did undergraduate work at Alamance Community College and at North Carolina A&T, finally arrived at VMCVM, he found himself part of the first class to experience a revamped curriculum.
"It was very challenging, because we were the first class to go through an updated, new curriculum they had started," he recalled. "The clinicians were adapting just as we were learning, trying to figure out what best worked with everybody."
Rather than the traditional subject-based approach, VMCVM had shifted to a body system-based learning model. "Our tests, exams, practicals, all related just to that organ we were working on," Echols explained. "When we went to the next section, it was more reiterating what we previously learned and then continuing on, so you just didn't forget that information. It all connected."
The innovative curriculum proved successful for Echols. "I felt like I've retained a lot more compared to previous years," he said. "It helped me grasp concepts way better for me, versus learning three to four different body systems at one time."
During this challenging program, certain faculty members made a lasting impact. "I would say Dr. [Phillip] Sponenberg is a big one as well as Dr. [Tom] Cecere."
Echols said that Sponenberg, now professor emeritus, often checked in on him. "He was probably my biggest asset and mentor that I had going through," Echols said.
These mentoring relationships provided more than just academic support, but also helped Echols navigate the personal challenges of veterinary education. "We had a lot of talks throughout vet school when I was dealing with a lot of things," Echols said.
The VMCVM program also gave students early clinical exposure, beginning rotations during the second year.
"Once I was in there learning from fourth-years, a lot more things clicked," Echols said. "By the time fourth year came around, everything was falling into place."
Facing burnout early in his career
After graduation, Echols completed a one-year emergency and surgery internship before becoming an associate veterinarian. However, the demanding hours and emotional toll quickly became overwhelming, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic.
"There would be days I would leave at 6 p.m.," Echols said. "My records are not done. I want to leave, go to the gym for an hour, go relax, and then I've got to come back and type my records. I'm not getting out till 8 or 9 and then returning in the morning."
The pressure of keeping up with high caseloads, incomplete records, and unpredictable hours eventually led him to reassess his career path.
A new path — relief veterinary work
In 2022, Echols transitioned to relief work — a role similar to that of a travel nurse, where he fills in at veterinary clinics on a temporary basis.
"You basically are just going in to fill in and help out another clinic," he explained. "You're an affiliate trying to help keep the business running and get their patients seen."
The shift gave him control over his schedule, allowing him to focus on soft tissue surgery while avoiding the day-to-day stress of clinic life. Today, he works with about 15 clinics across North Carolina and South Carolina and is typically booked solid for the year.
"It's a great thing because I don't have to worry about the in-clinic drama," Echols said. "If it's a clinic you like and you love, that's great — but if it's one that you don't feel great about, it's not like you have to go back."
Giving back to the profession
Beyond clinical work, Echols has also found a passion for supporting others in the veterinary field — particularly those facing licensing exam challenges.
Drawing from his experience sponsoring athletes in bodybuilding, he created a program that helps veterinary professionals retake licensing exams by covering associated costs and providing emotional support.
"I was thinking, 'How can I make this less weight-bearing on an individual who may be experiencing and going through this?' " he said.
What started as a one-time sponsorship for a veterinarian and a veterinary technician has grown. In a recent year, Echols supported five veterinarians and two technicians.
His motivation is personal, inspired by classmates who struggled with exam failures and by the memory of his late mother, whom he credits as his biggest supporter.
"She was the main one to pour into me and guide me, support me in any avenue that I went in," he said. "I just want individuals to know that they have that support too, even if it's somebody that may not be their immediate family."
Advice for new graduates
For those entering the field, Echols stresses that being a strong veterinarian goes beyond textbook knowledge.
"Don't be textbook savvy. It's okay to know the knowledge of the textbook, but come out and have great communication skills with your clients," he said.
His advice: be human, be honest, and build trust.
"They're going to be way more engaged with you if they know you love their pet, you respect their pet. Don't be scared to say you don't know something."
Looking ahead
Today, Echols continues his relief work while preparing to return to competitive bodybuilding. He also takes advantage of the flexibility in his schedule to travel, with Turks and Caicos among his planned destinations.
As the veterinary industry evolves — with corporate practices acquiring more independent clinics — Echols' story offers an inspiring example of how professionals can chart their own path, prioritize well-being, and give back to their community.