Behind the Stethoscope with Dr. Tony Luchetti
Written by: Rebecca O. Gustafson
Dr. Tony Luchetti, DVM at Peak Pet Urgent CareWelcome to our very first Behind the Stethoscope! Where we will be sharing veterinary professionals’ stories in order to show you you’re not alone in your everyday struggles. And to show the public there are regular people behind the stethoscope.
Meet our very first feature, Dr. Tony Luchetti! Dr. Luchetti has been practicing veterinary medicine for 25 years. He was born and raised in Northern Nevada. He worked at a mixed animal practice for the first five years after vet school. After that he went to a larger practice in Reno and now he has ventured out to a startup urgent care in South Reno, called Peak Pet Urgent Care with his partner Dr. Josh Mull.
We asked Dr. Luchetti a few questions and these were his answers.
What is a positive memory you have working in the veterinary field?
Recently a client Dr. Luchetti has not seen for 5 or 6 years sent him a card wishing him luck on their startup. The client wrote, “Hey you probably don’t remember me, I had a dog that had some back issues and you actually listened to me.”
Dr. Luchetti was very touched to have a client he hadn't seen in years take the time to send him a card wishing him luck on his new venture. “I think all of us in the profession—at least I know I do, and maybe I’m a little bit in left field here—but I think we all keep those cards. I keep them in my desk drawer, so when we have those challenging days, when things aren’t going right, I pull them out and look at those cards from those people who do appreciate all the hard work that we do.”
What is a hurdle you had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
In 2019, Dr. Luchetti left full time practice because he was burnt-out. He then went on to work for 4 - 4.5 years for a pharmaceutical company and did some consulting work. “When that burnout was occurring I was probably where some veterinarians are at certain times. I was asking ‘What options do I have? I can’t keep doing what I’m doing.’”
He admits there were some health effects associated with the burn-out as well, “Part of it was self induced. I was getting stressed when I shouldn’t have been getting stressed. I was burnt-out.”
Fortunately, he mentions how one of the cool things about the profession is that there are a lot of alternatives to full time private practice. Some veterinary professionals probably won’t realize it until they’re in the same situation Dr. Luchetti was in.
Fortunately a door opened for Dr. Luchetti which allowed him to explore another route in the field. Eventually he realized there were a lot of things he missed about full time private practice. That’s why he’s back in full time practice and co-started Peak Pet Urgent Care. He says he’s really enjoying what he’s doing now.
Why did you decide to work in the veterinary field?
When Dr. Luchetti was in high school he had a working black lab, named Gino, that he would go hunting with. He spent all his time training him and he was a phenomenal dog. He was such a phenomenal dog his son is named after him.
Unfortunately, the gate to the backyard was left open and Gino got out. They searched for him for days. Sadly, Gino found his way onto the highway. He was hit by a car and passed away.
“I just remember, at that point in time, feeling like I wished I could have helped him.” This was one of his main reasons for getting into the vet field. He wanted to help injured pets.
What has kept you from changing careers?
There are so many different options in the veterinary field. Dr. Luchetti was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to explore those other options when he felt a need for change. “A vast majority of veterinarians are in private practice, but it's not the do all, end all.”
Some of those other options are:
Pharmaceutical / Professional Services Vet
Telemedicine Vet
Poison Control Consultant
Teaching
Practice Consultant
Government Vet
Most of us got into the veterinary field to help pets and their families. But as we know there can be stressors associated with working in the veterinary field. Dr. Luchetti shared his experience with one of his colleagues and they were amazed by all of the other opportunities in the veterinary field. Lucky for us it is because of the different options available that Dr. Luchetti is still in the veterinary field today.
What’s something you wish to share with other vet professionals or the public about the field?
Dr. Luchetti would like the public to know that the people in this profession are truly passionate about what they do everyday. And the public may not realize that. “These people are passionate about what they do and I see it everyday with my staff. Just their interactions with the pets that come in shows how passionate they are.”
It seems the veterinary field attracts a certain type of person. “The people that are driven, or called, to this profession are certain personalities, which we all think we need to be perfect. And we all know you can’t be perfect in life.”
Dr. Luchetti explained when veterinary professionals are not perfect, they take it really hard. Sometimes the public may not see exactly how hard they take it. You can’t be perfect 100% of the time.
Dr. Luchetti wanted to leave us with this final comment, “My one ask of the public is just to take it easy on the profession as much as you can. I know that's cliche, but take it easy on the profession. Everyone is truly passionate about helping your pet, helping your life to be better because of that pet. And support Nevada PAW Society and the other organizations that are out there that are supporting veterinary mental health.”
A Few Kinds Words:
Below are Few Kind Words from colleagues and other veterinary professionals who have worked with Dr. Luchetti.
“I have been fortunate to work alongside Dr. Luchetti for over a decade. He is one of the most genuine persons I have known. What you see is what you get with him. His patients, clients, and coworkers are made better with every interaction with him,” —Dr. Crumley, DMV and former colleague.
“He [Dr. Luchetti] teaches me so much. He shares his knowledge completely and nurtures the younger assistants,” —Montana, Veterinary Assistant at Peak Pet Urgent Care.
“Dr. Luchetti is a fantastic role model in all categories who just happens to be a veterinarian. He is constantly doing what is best for the client and their pet whether or not it complicates his day. He approaches medicine and practice management in a manner that is fair, caring, and pragmatic,” —Dr. Perera DVM at Peak Pet Urgent Care.
”Dr. Luchetti is one of the most inspirational people I have met not only in veterinary medicine but in life. He always makes people laugh and brightens every room he walks into! It's an honor to be able to work with him,” —Rhiannon, former Doctor’s Assistant.
“Dr. Luchetti is just kind of like everyone’s second dad. I love working with [Dr. Luchetti],” —Adrian, LVT at Peak Pet Urgent Care.
“I always looked forward to working with Dr. Luchetti, especially during our surgery days. He makes sure to take an interest in the people around him and he’s passionate about what he does. He is an incredible person and veterinarian. I truly miss our conversations while working together,” —Rebecca, former Veterinary Assistant.
Want to be featured on our next Behind the Stethoscope? Know of a veterinary professional who wants to share their story? Email us at NevadaPAWSociety@gmail.com for more information!
