Melissa Magazu-Johnsonbaugh brings over two decades of comprehensive experience in veterinary clinical and administrative leadership across diverse settings, including private practice, corporate environments, and academia. Her expertise spans a spectrum of crucial domains within the veterinary field, exemplifying proficiency in clinical nursing practice, hospital administration, industry standards, professional development, and workplace culture. Throughout her career, Melissa has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation, shaping the landscape of veterinary care through her deep knowledge and pioneering initiatives. Her work has earned her recognition for leadership, innovation, and mentorship at prominent American hospitals.
An expert in veterinary standards and best practices and Certified Phlebotomist Technician (CPT), Melissa has optimized accreditation efforts by the American Animal Hospital Association for prominent private and academic hospitals in surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology, radiology, cardiology, primary care, and emergency and critical care. Her leadership led Saint Francis Veterinary Center to become an unprecedented three-time finalist for the North American Accredited Practice of the Year award, including first place in 2019. She also led Saint Francis to become New Jersey’s first certified Level II emergency trauma center by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society.
Melissa's dedication to professional development and mentorship has been a cornerstone of her career. She has guided numerous students and mentees to gain certifications, awards, and admissions to veterinary school. Additionally, she has drafted Essential Skills Manuals that set industry standards for standard operating procedures, including the industry's first focus on emotional intelligence. Notably, Melissa created SFVC Advance, a unique program that optimized career advancement for aspiring veterinary technicians, bridging them to advancement opportunities fully within their control. She also designed a program partnering a local high school with private practice and a community college, creating career pathways for high school students by providing advanced technical training and fellowships, offering motivated young students a pathway from high school to practice. Melissa also served as an adjunct instructor in both high school and college programs, enriching the educational experience of future veterinary professionals.
Recognizing the vital role of emotional intelligence in veterinary care, Melissa has pioneered the integration of emotional intelligence training into veterinary curricula. Her innovative approach has optimized how veterinary professionals approach client communication, team dynamics, and patient care, emphasizing the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills in delivering high-quality veterinary services.
In her current role at M3 Veterinary Innovation Advisors, Melissa leverages her extensive experience and expertise to provide strategic guidance and support to clients seeking to navigate the complex landscape of veterinary medicine. With a deep understanding of industry standards, best practices, and emerging trends, she is dedicated to helping veterinary practices thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.
As owner-operators of three award-winning practices -- Saint Francis Veterinary Center, Tri-State Animal Emergency Center, and Swedesboro Animal Hospital -- the Three Ms became known for innovative approaches to medical delivery, hospital operations and workplace culture advancements, including groundbreaking human-veterinary partnerships with institutions like the Health Design Lab of Jefferson Health in Philadelphia and prominent professional athletes, to bring advanced human technologies and approaches to animal healthcare. Featured frequently in the news for initiatives like these, including early adoption of Stem Cell and PRP therapies, 3D printing applications in veterinary medicine, heart surgeries, spine surgeries, and non-profit efforts to ensure that all animals received care at their hospitals regardless of owners ability to pay, the 'Three Ms' of M3 have been at the forefront of technological, operational and veterinary workplace culture advances for decades.
Today, M3 Veterinary Innovation Advisors focuses on researching and promulgating transformative advancements in the field, leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, augmented reality, and software systems, along with a deep understanding of veterinary economics, labor markets, business practices and workplace culture issues. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of veterinary care continues to shape the industry and drive innovation forward.