FVMA Foundation Leadership Initiative

Shape your career.
Influence the profession.
Lead the future.

An exclusive, year-long leadership development program designed specifically for early-career veterinarians in Florida.

What is the Power of Ten?

Hosted by the Foundation at the Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), this transformative program brings together a select cohort of ten promising veterinary professionals to build essential skills, navigate career challenges, and foster lifelong peer networks.

Through a series of four interactive, weekend-long sessions across the year, participants step away from daily practice to focus on personal and professional growth—covering communication dynamics, practice finance, team culture, and industry advocacy.

Why Join? The Value to Your Career

  • Targeted Leadership Development: Gain practical insights into practice management, financial metrics, conflict resolution, and self-care strategies tailored to the veterinary profession.
  • Direct Access to Industry Experts: Engage directly with national speakers, executive leaders, and industry partners in intimate, workshop-style settings.
  • All-Expenses-Paid Experience: Through generous donor and sponsor support, participant travel stipends, lodging, meals, and curriculum materials are fully covered.
  • A Lifelong Network: Build deep, lasting connections with a tight-knit cohort of peers and mentors who will support your journey throughout your career.
Dr. Erin Nadler

“Power of Ten expanded my knowledge of the importance of organized veterinary medicine and how it directly impacts our careers.”

Dr. Erin Nadler, DVM Now serves on the FVMA Board of Directors

Timeline & Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open October 1st – December 15th of each year. Selected candidates are notified in January and tenure officially begins in April.

Applicant Requirements:

  • Experience Level: Open to licensed veterinarians graduated within the last 10 years (or current final-year veterinary students preparing to practice in Florida).
  • FVMA Membership: Must be a member in good standing of the FVMA (or commit to joining prior to session one).
  • State Practice: Must currently reside or practice veterinary medicine within the state of Florida.
  • Leadership Commitment: A demonstrated passion for professional growth and active participation in organized veterinary medicine.
Dr. Michael Kearley

“Vet school makes good doctors but this program makes good leaders.”

Dr. Michael Kearley, DVM Now serves on the FVMA’s Power of Ten Committee

Time Commitment & Expectation

Power of Ten is a two-year commitment over select dates, and attendance at all meetings is mandatory.

Year One – Leadership Development Training

Dedicated to immersive professional growth across four dynamic sessions hosted in conjunction with FVMA conferences—covering practice finance, employment law, regulatory compliance, inclusive leadership, and personal wellbeing.

Year Two – Putting Training Into Action

Transition into a year-long action leadership role on a dedicated taskforce working in tandem with FVMA leadership on key organizational initiatives like membership growth and annual meetings.

Total Time Commitment Overview:

  • In-Person Meetings: 8 total sessions (4 learning modules in Year One, followed by 4 quarterly taskforce/board meetings in Year Two).
  • Virtual Collaboration: 1–2 hours per month for taskforce alignment and project check-ins during Year Two.
  • Inter-Session Work: 1–2 hours of prep work or light reading prior to training sessions in Year One.
Curriculum Roadmap

Program Structure & Key Dates

An overview of the training sessions and key milestones across your two-year journey.

Session 1

Orientation, Self-Leadership & Practice Foundations

April 14th – April 18th, 2027 | Orlando, FL

Features community impact projects, introduction to organized veterinary medicine, personal leadership style insights, and hands-on leadership bootcamps.

Session 2

Advocacy, Law, DEI & Practice Management

June 2027 | Orlando, FL

Covers legislative advocacy, employment law and workplace contracts, DEI workshops, and foundational practice finance and business strategy.

Session 3

Regulation, Governance & Liability

September 30th – October 3rd, 2027 | Orlando, FL

Explores navigating state regulations, board compliance standards, risk management, and professional liability protection.

Session 4 & Beyond

Wellbeing, Graduation & Capstone

Dec 2027 – Dec 2028 | Orlando, FL

Includes professional development for industry trends, wellness workshops, graduation, and year-long taskforce capstone projects.

Dr. William Hernandez

“P10 significantly impacted me by giving the tools to feel confident enough to lead others in my practice.”

Dr. William Hernandez, DVM Now serves on the FVMA’s Power of Ten Committee
Alumni Impact

A Proven Track Record of Leadership

Since its inception, the Power of Ten program has graduated cohorts of driven veterinarians who go on to shape the future of veterinary medicine in Florida. Our alumni lead on the FVMA Board of Directors, chair state committees, and direct community standards.

6 Years of Impact
Developing elite early-career veterinary leaders across Florida.
60 Leaders Developed
Alumni representation spanning local clinics to the FVMA Board.
Sponsor-Backed Access
Travel, lodging, and curriculum made possible by our industry partners.

Past Participants & Alumni Directory

Explore the veterinary leaders who have completed the Power of Ten program.

Ready to Lead?

Whether you’re looking to elevate your practice skills, connect with industry leaders, or step into a leadership role within the veterinary community, the Power of Ten is your launching pad.