Background
When Dr. Erin Abrahams opened Calico Veterinary, a feline-exclusive practice in New York City, she faced the same challenge most veterinarians know too well: how to balance exceptional patient care with the overwhelming administrative workload that comes with running a practice.
With over a decade of experience including time at Angel Memorial in Boston and years specializing in feline dentistry, Dr. Abrahams knew she wanted to build something unique. But launching a new practice while managing client communication, scheduling, and medical documentation on her own quickly became unsustainable.
That is when she discovered Teem’s Veterinary Virtual Assistants (VAs), remote professionals trained to support healthcare teams with daily operations. Dr. Abrahams hired Isabella, a veterinarian from Brazil, as her first team member even before her clinic officially opened.
“Isabella has been with me literally from day zero,” says Dr. Abrahams. “She’s helped me get the practice up and running, learn our software, set up systems, everything. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her.”
Challenge
Like many veterinary professionals, Dr. Abrahams struggled with time-consuming administrative tasks that pulled her away from her patients.
Before working with Isabella, even simple processes like managing referrals or updating dental charts would take hours after surgery.
“I used to handwrite my dental notes and then retype everything after surgery,” Dr. Abrahams explains. “By that point, my brain was fried, and I’d make mistakes. Now Isabella handles all of it in real time. My records are more accurate, and I can focus on my patients.”
Beyond administrative work, the clinic’s operations had to be built from scratch, including scheduling systems, communications, templates, and client workflows. As a solo practice owner, Dr. Abrahams needed someone dependable to help her organize, document, and execute her vision.
The Solution: A True Virtual Partnership
Isabella joined as Calico Veterinary’s remote assistant through Teem. From day one, she became an extension of the clinic, handling communication, scheduling, and medical documentation, all while helping design efficient processes alongside Dr. Abrahams.
Isabella is based in Paraguay, but works seemlessly with her New York practice through Dialpad, Vetspire, Google Meet, and WhatsApp.
“She’s on video with me pretty much all day,” Dr. Abrahams says. “She scribes my consultations, enters charges, updates vitals, and even communicates with clients. It’s like she’s right next door.”
As a licensed veterinarian in her home country, Isabella brings clinical understanding that enhances her administrative support. From completing anesthesia logs to preparing post-surgery reports, she ensures accuracy and clarity in every medical record.
“Even though I’m remote, I’m part of everything that happens in the clinic,” says Isabella. “When Dr. Erin is in surgery, I scribe, monitor times, prepare documents, and follow up with clients afterward. It’s teamwork, just virtual.”
Results
Greater Efficiency and Time Savings
With Isabella managing administrative workflows, Dr. Abrahams has reclaimed hours each day once lost to charting and client communication. Tasks that previously delayed her schedule are now handled in real time during appointments.
Improved Client Experience
Clients benefit too. They receive prompt responses, organized follow-ups, and personal communication that strengthens loyalty and trust. Many even request to speak directly with Isabella.
“Clients love her,” says Dr. Abrahams. “They don’t even realize she’s not in the clinic because she handles everything so naturally.”
Stronger Team Connection
Although remote, Isabella participates fully in the practice culture. She attends virtual meetings, collaborates daily, and even helps test and refine new processes. As Teem Success Manager Monique explains, this integration is intentional:
“We always tell practices to treat your Virtual Assistant just like an in-office employee. Include them in meetings, share updates, let them be part of the team. That’s what makes it work.”
A Human Impact
For Isabella, working with Teem has been transformative both professionally and personally.
“I never thought veterinary work could be done remotely,” she says. “But this job changed my life. I can support patients and doctors while being close to my family again. It’s perfect.”
Beyond flexibility and stability, Isabella has found purpose in contributing to a practice that values her input. She continues to grow alongside Calico Veterinary, now helping train future team members and refining clinic systems.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Abrahams plans to expand her team and hopes Isabella will help lead to that growth.
“If I could clone Isabella, I would,” she laughs. “She’s so wonderful. When we hire more people, she’ll be the one training them.”
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, Calico Veterinary demonstrates how remote collaboration can transform the way clinics operate, improving efficiency, reducing burnout, and enhancing care quality without sacrificing connection.
Key Takeaways
- Teem Virtual Assistants can handle everything from client calls and scheduling to scribing and record management.
- Veterinary teams save hours daily, freeing doctors to focus on patient care.
- Remote does not mean distant: with video tools and structured processes, VAs operate as full members of the clinic team.
- Cultural fit matters: Teem’s matching process ensures VAs align with each practice’s workflow, communication style, and values.
About Teem
Teem helps healthcare practices across the U.S. build reliable, skilled, and integrated virtual teams. Each practice is paired with a dedicated Success Manager who supports onboarding, performance, and long-term growth, without long-term contracts or hidden costs.
Learn more by visiting our page on Veterinary Virtual Assistants.
