We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adam Lassin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Adam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

My name is Dr. Adam Lassin, a licensed Veterinarian with over 14 years of experience. From the moment I graduated veterinary school I knew there was a void within the profession. My journey into integrative veterinary medicine began when I witnessed the limitations of conventional treatments in addressing complex underlying health issues in pets. This realization prompted me to delve deep into alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and food therapy.

At the time there was western medicine and holistic medicine. Both types of medicine and veterinarians were practicing independently from each other. I struggled with this concept and couldn’t separate the types of medical approaches from my mind. They existed synergistically complementing each other in my mind. Over the years I was told I could only offer one type of medicine or had to constantly disagree with my colleagues on the choice my clients and I decided were best for their pets.

All along the way my wife, Jessica Lassin, was very supportive and the main reason I was able to take a leap of faith to open our own clinic, Roots Integrative Veterinary Care. We started the journey in 2018 not knowing a world wide pandemic would hit in 2020. The pandemic was one of the main road blocks as we opened during the pandemic. The other main challenge was opening an integrative functional medicine veterinary practice. There were no road maps to follow unlike a standard western practice. To this day we are still learning and adjusting as we pave the road for other like minded veterinarians. Shockingly one would think opening a practice with no clients would pose an issue. However, prior to opening we had a wait list of over 200 clients. This is a strong testament to the paradigm shift within the veterinary profession. Clients are seeking alternative options to standard western medicine.

The practice is centered around the belief that the right nutrition can not only treat but also prevent a myriad of health issues in animals. Looking back I wish I took the leap sooner. My advise to young veterinarians is to follow your heart. There are options for those who are seeking something different the conventional path.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dr. Adam Lassin, a licensed Veterinarian with over 14 years of experience. I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. My passion for animals has been a constant throughout my life. My journey into integrative veterinary medicine began when I saw the limitations of conventional treatments in addressing complex underlying health issues in pets in veterinary school and rotating internship. This realization prompted me to dive deep into alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and food therapy. My personal upbringing has a huge influence on a cleaner more holistic lifestyle that has translated into my approach to medicine. I became TCVM certified in Acupuncture at the Chi University as well as TCVM certified in Food therapy during my internship 13 years ago. I practice around a core belief that the right nutrition can not only treat but also prevent a myriad of health issues in animals.

We believe in a more human approach to pet care. That means bringing hope for healthy and happy years together. Being a partner that listens and guides clients along the road to wellness. Innovating to bring the best options from holistic and Western traditions into pet care. We focus on finding and treating the root causes of illness to nourish and grow health.

Root cause. Root nutrition. Root wellness.

I am proud we are paving a new path and helping countless of pets and owners along they way. Giving them hope when all hope was lost.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Roots Integrative Veterinary Care wouldn’t exist without my wife Jessica Lassin. She is equally the soul and heart beat of the clinic. I met my wife 10 years ago while practicing in Lake Forest California. She is a veterinary technician with a special interest in emergency and critical care. As I continued to push the boundaries in integrative medicine she continued to push the boundaries of what became “acceptable in general practice. She is the visionary and helped push me out of my comfort to open our clinic. ‘

She is the heart of Roots Integrative Veterinary Care, brings her experience in veterinary care, business acumen, and entrepreneurship. Jessica’s passion for animal welfare began early in her life and evolved into a lifelong mission to make a positive impact on the lives of pets. She skillfully manages the day-to-day operations of Roots Integrative Veterinary Care along with the business duties ensuring that the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently. While keeping the day to day operations of the business running smoothly, her passion lies in elevating general practice medicine to specialty and university level standards.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

At Root Veterinary Medicine, we take pride in our innovative approach to pet care, offering integrative functional medicine that seamlessly combines the strengths of Eastern and Western healing traditions. What makes us unique is our commitment to building strong partnerships with our clients. Unlike traditional western practices, we actively listen to their concerns, educate them about their pet’s health, and collaboratively make informed decisions to enhance the overall well-being of their beloved pets. Root Veterinary Medicine is at the forefront of reinventing veterinary care with modern, integrative practices that set higher standards for improving the health and happiness of pets.

Our philosophy revolves around a more human approach to pet care, creating hope for healthy and happy years together. We see ourselves as partners, guiding clients along the road to wellness. Innovation is a key aspect of our philosophy, as we continuously bring forth the best options from both holistic and Western traditions. Our focus is on finding and treating the root causes of illness, nourishing and growing health by considering the whole pet, including lifestyle and overall well-being. A distinctive feature of our practice is the heavy emphasis on gut health and nutrition, recognizing their critical roles in achieving holistic pet wellness.

By choosing Root Veterinary Medicine, clients are not just accessing veterinary care; they are embarking on a collaborative journey toward building health together. Root cause, root nutrition, root wellness—these principles guide us as we strive to provide the best care experience possible for pets.

Contact Info:

• Website: roots.vet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootsvet?igsh=MTRhaGRjbTJ0N3NlZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Bry Penney