The landscape of veterinary and human healthcare is continuously evolving, shaped by visionary leaders who combine deep expertise with strategic insight to improve wellness outcomes across both markets. In an industry where innovation, communication, and tailored solutions are paramount, it takes a seasoned professional with a broad and nuanced understanding of both business and healthcare to lead the way in creating meaningful impact. This is the domain where strategy meets empathy, and where informed leadership can transform care standards and client relationships.
Steven May, CVJ, VRCE, stands as a distinguished figure in this space with more than nearly five decades of experience. As the founder and driving force behind SLM, he specializes in strategic marketing, business development, and communication solutions uniquely tailored for veterinary, pet, and human healthcare sectors. With a background as a Certified Veterinary Journalist and a proven track record managing multi-million-dollar operations and leading industry communications, Steven’s expertise spans franchise development, strategic marketing, public relations, social media, and more, empowering healthcare providers to achieve greater reach and effectiveness in their mission to enhance health and wellness.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Bridging Veterinary and Human Healthcare
Steven May’s healthcare journey stretches across more than fifty years and reflects a rare perspective that connects both veterinary and human wellness. His commitment began in 1976, and by 1984 with the founding and franchising of Pet Limo 24/7 in Los Angeles – a groundbreaking patient transport service for veterinary facilities that garnered global media attention including People Magazine, Wall Street Journal, AP News, The Today Show, The New York Times, Reuters, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and A Day In The Life of Hollywood to mention a few. Steven also co-authored a book with David T. Pisarra, Esq.
named, What About Wally? Co-Parenting a Pet with Your Ex.
This formative experience illuminated the similar challenges faced in all areas of healthcare, such as compassion, fatigue, and communication barriers, and it ignited his lifelong commitment to the essential link between human and animal health – now known as the “One Health Initiative.”
As a retired EMT, Steven has seen firsthand the emotional and operational parallels between veterinary and human medicine. His leadership positions with Vet’s Choice, Veterinary Pet Insurance, Antech Diagnostics, Veterinary Centers of America (VCA), over three decades have deepened his belief that compassion, accessibility, communication, and education are crucial for effective healthcare.
Today, through SLM, he offers business development, marketing, and strategic communication services for both sectors, assisting organizations with advancing professional education. As a Certified Veterinary Journalist (CVJ) and Veterinary Receptionist Certificate of Excellence (VRCE) holder, Steven is passionate about improving workforce wellbeing, mental health, and access-to-care. At home with his daughter, three dogs, three cats, and spirited parrot Tequila, Steven May is constantly reminded of his mission: “to strengthen both veterinary and human healthcare for healthier, more connected communities.”
Innovation Inspired by the Human-Animal Health Connection
Steven’s inspiration for advancing wellness innovation stems from decades of observing the strong connection between veterinary and healthcare. Early in his career, while owner-operator, franchiser of Pet Limo International’s 24/7 and working with veterinary hospitals, he noticed a remarkable bond: when pets experienced anxiety or illness, their human companions felt similar stress, and when pet parents faced emotional challenges, their animals reflected those struggles. This insight revealed the vital truth that human and animal wellness are deeply intertwined.
This understanding formed the basis of his professional philosophy and drew him to the One Health Initiative – an integrated approach that promotes collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health. Over his career, Steven May has supported efforts in zoonotic disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and integrated diagnostics. He advocates for cross-disciplinary teamwork involving veterinarians, physicians, and public health professionals to address shared challenges.
Passionate about leadership skills, workforce development, and mental health in veterinary care, Steven also founded Praxis Magazine to bridge leadership knowledge gaps between the medical and veterinary fields. His mission remains clear: “to strengthen both veterinary and human healthcare for healthier, more connected communities by promoting prevention, education, and collaborative innovation.” Praxis Magazine: Where Leadership Lives.
Bridging Veterinary and Human Healthcare
SLM is dedicated to improving outcomes in both veterinary and human healthcare through a core belief: education drives wellness. The company empowers patients, pet parents, and healthcare professionals with knowledge, communication, and strategic support to enhance care for the entire family unit. Its educational model bridges human and animal health by creating campaigns that simplify medical concepts into practical information, helping families make informed decisions about preventive care, nutrition, and zoonotic diseases.
Steven May also focuses on professional education by delivering presentations, workshops, and thought leadership to both veterinary and human healthcare audiences. His work through Praxis Magazine supports leadership development, burnout prevention, and One Health collaboration. SLM stands out for its unique expertise across veterinary and human healthcare, driven by nearly 50 years of experience. Its clear business approach – You Share, We Listen, We Strategize, We Work, We Deliver – ensures measurable results with real impact. SLM’s initiatives extend to workforce development, early disease detection marketing, and promoting the health benefits of animal companionship. Its mission is simple yet powerful: “to educate, empower, and elevate healthcare for all species,” reflecting the interconnectedness of life and the ecosystem of care.
Innovations Driving Better Care for People and Pets
The healthcare sector, including both human and veterinary medicine, is transforming through three main innovations: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Telemedicine, and Advanced Diagnostics. AI now assists in interpreting medical imaging and laboratory results with greater accuracy, making clinical decisions more precise and reducing errors. In veterinary medicine, AI supports diagnostics like cytology, histopathology for reference laboratories and behavioral assessments, improving both speed and quality of care. Advances in diagnostics, such as liquid biopsies and genetic testing, allow early disease detection and personalized treatments, shifting healthcare toward prevention and prediction. It is a tool that enhances clinician judgment without replacing it.
Telemedicine has evolved into a vital care model, offering virtual consultations that improve access-to-care and ongoing management for patients and pet owners alike. It complements in-person visits by enabling earlier interventions and better continuity of care.
Despite rapid innovation, fear of technology replacing human care remains. Education is key to transforming this fear into empowerment. Technology should enhance, not replace, empathy and human connection, which remain central to care. “Behind every case… is a person or pet whose trust gives meaning to our work.” The future of healthcare will be defined by blending technology with compassion, ensuring better outcomes through understanding and human touch.
Awards Honoring Contributions to Health and Wellness
These awards and recognitions celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions Steven has made in veterinary and human healthcare. They reflect his unwavering dedication, innovative leadership, and impact on advancing wellness through education, communication, and One Health collaboration. Each honor symbolizes a milestone in his career – a testament to his commitment to improving healthcare for both people and animals.
Additionally, Steven May and Robert Murtaugh, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVECC, FCCM, were awarded the prestigious 2025 Marcom Award for Praxis Magazine (www.praxisleadership.org).
Steven also publishes Rounds, a series that highlights universities and organizations around the world recognized for excellence in medical and veterinary curricula, as well as nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing quality medicine and expanding access to care. You can read issues in their entirety at https://www.vetbroadcast.com.
Meeting Veterinary Workforce Needs with the VPA Initiative
After nearly five decades in healthcare, Steven May is more energized than ever by the future of veterinary and human medicine. For 2025–2026, his primary focus is on advancing initiatives that support these sectors. Like Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates, the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) is soon to follow.
The creation of the Veterinary Professional Associate position represents a potentially transformative solution to address persistent veterinary workforce shortages and the access-to-care crisis affecting millions of animals and their families. Colorado’s pioneering direction reflects not only growing recognition that traditional approaches may be insufficient but also a moral imperative to ensure that financial circumstances do not determine whether animals receive necessary medical care.
VPAs offer hope for transforming this crisis into an opportunity. By expanding the veterinary workforce, reducing costs, and increasing accessibility, VPAs could significantly impact the 29 million dogs and cats living in financially struggling families to receive the care they deserve. For rural communities, animal shelters, and underserved populations, VPAs represent not just workforce expansion but the possibility of preserving relationships that provide immeasurable emotional, psychological, and social benefits. Steven is the Executive Director, Coalition for The Veterinary Professional Associates (CVPA).
The Power of Listening in Leadership
Steven’s most important lesson in his career is the power of listening. He initially believed that effective communication meant having answers and offering quick solutions. Over time, he realized that true leadership begins with listening to understand, not just to respond. Listening involves empathy, patience, and understanding – qualities that foster trust and meaningful connections. His guiding framework is: You Share, We Listen, We Strategize, We Work, We Deliver.
Steven also learned the importance of pausing, accepting, and understanding in leadership. Asking the right questions with sincerity and empathy opens up new possibilities and builds trust. He emphasizes that change cannot be forced – people develop at their own pace. Recognizing that not everyone is meant to lead has helped him create growth pathways that respect individual strengths.
Most importantly, Steven understands that leadership is an ongoing journey of self-awareness. “Leadership is an inside job,” he says, requiring continuous reflection, humility, and learning from mentors. His philosophy is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and courage – values that guide his work and relationships, emphasizing connection over control and understanding over assumption.
Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Understanding
As Steven May May looks ahead to 2025–2026, his professional focus centers on strengthening leadership in veterinary and human healthcare through education, collaboration, and innovation. He aims to transform Praxis Magazine from a publication into a comprehensive leadership development platform, guided by the principle: “Where Leadership Lives.” Central to this expansion will be a newly formed Editorial Advisory Board and a series of cross-sector webinars designed to equip current and aspiring leaders with the tools to manage today’s evolving healthcare environment.
These webinars will address leadership fundamentals, communication, team building, workforce development, and One Health innovation. Praxis also plans to launch its first joint Leadership Conference for veterinary and medical professionals, focused on workforce retention, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), technology integration, and well-being, in late 2026.
An Open Letter to Emerging Healthcare Leaders
Dear Emerging Healthcare Leaders,
Welcome to a profession defined by compassion, curiosity, and courage. After nearly five decades in veterinary and human healthcare, I want to share what I’ve learned.
Master the art of listening. True leadership starts by understanding, not just hearing. Remember “LAUP”: Listen deeply, Accept different views, Understand before judging, Pause before responding. Ask thoughtful questions that open dialogue, not close it.
Leadership begins within. Know yourself, embrace humility, seek mentors, and admit mistakes. Change takes time—plant seeds and nurture growth patiently.
Use technology wisely. AI and telemedicine enhance care but should never replace human connection. Focus on empathy first.
Embrace One Health—the link between human, animal, and environmental wellness. See workforce challenges as leadership opportunities to create supportive, lasting teams.
Be a lifelong learner. Build genuine relationships and protect your purpose. Healthcare isn’t about being a superhero—it’s about being human.
Lead wisely, learn endlessly, and remember: your humanity is your greatest gift.
Steven May, CVJ, VRCE, founder
SLM
5 Key Takeaways from Steven May’s Impact in Healthcare Leadership
1. Bridging Human and Animal Health (One Health):
Steven May is a pioneer who emphasizes the “One Health Initiative,” recognizing that human and animal wellness are deeply connected. His work aims to strengthen both veterinary and human healthcare through collaboration and shared knowledge.
2. Focus on Workforce Well-being and Access:
He is deeply committed to addressing issues like burnout in the veterinary field and expanding access-to-care. A major current focus is supporting the new Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) role to help ease veterinarian shortages and improve access-to-care.
3. Communication and Education as Core Strategy:
Through his company, SLM, Steven May drives change by prioritizing education, strategic marketing, and clear communication. He simplifies complex medical information for families and empowers healthcare professionals with knowledge.
4. The Power of Listening in Leadership:
Steven’s most important lesson is that true leadership starts with empathy and deep listening—understanding others before offering solutions. He advocates for fostering trust, continuous learning, and self-awareness in leaders.
5. Technology Enhances, But Doesn’t Replace, Compassion:
While he embraces innovations like AI and Telemedicine, he stresses that these tools must enhance, not replace, the essential human element of empathy and connection in healthcare.
