In the world of veterinary care, much of the spotlight often shines on the veterinarians and technicians who directly interact with the animals, but behind every smoothly run clinic is a practice manager who keeps everything in perfect balance. At Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic, we are fortunate to have Mila Falbaum in this role—a seasoned professional who brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and dedication to our practice.
This Practice Managers Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to celebrate Mila and share more about the incredible contributions she makes to our clinic. From her vast experience in the field to her deep love for animals, Mila is the heart and soul of our operations.
Over Four Decades of Dedication
Mila’s career in the veterinary field spans more than 40 years. That level of experience is rare and incredibly valuable, especially in a clinic like Homey Gnome, which provides care for a diverse array of species, from birds to pocket pets. Mila has held numerous roles throughout her career, which makes her uniquely qualified to manage the many moving parts of a busy veterinary practice.
Her journey began in 1980 when she started working in a veterinary clinic. She met Dr. Plantz in 2000. Over her career, she’s gained hands-on experience in everything from client communication to clinic management. In 2020, Mila officially became part of the Homey Gnome family, and it’s hard to imagine our clinic without her steady guidance.
Mila’s depth of experience means that she understands the importance of every detail in running a clinic—from ensuring that we have the right supplies and medications stocked to managing staff schedules and keeping things running efficiently. But for Mila, it’s not just about logistics; it’s about making sure that both pets and their owners have the best possible experience from the moment they walk through our doors.
A Lifelong Love for Animals
For Mila, working in a veterinary practice isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Her love for animals began as a little girl when she would bring home injured or abandoned animals, caring for them as if they were her own. Whether it was a bird with a broken wing or a stray kitten in need of shelter, Mila’s compassionate heart was always open to helping animals in need.
This early passion laid the foundation for her career in veterinary care, and it continues to inspire her every day. At Homey Gnome, she thrives on the variety of species that come through our doors. Whether it’s an exotic pet like a snake or a rabbit or a more traditional companion like a dog or cat, Mila loves learning about each one and helping their owners feel confident in the care we provide.
Her compassion for animals doesn’t end at the clinic. Over the years, Mila and her husband have opened their home to countless pets, including many cats, dogs, and birds. They’ve even worked with Sheltie Rescue, volunteering as foster parents for Shetland Sheepdogs. One special foster pup ended up becoming a permanent member of their family, showing that, for Mila, there’s always room for one more.
The Heart of Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic
What makes Mila truly special is the way she brings her personal passion for animals into her professional life at Homey Gnome. As the practice manager, Mila is responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly, from managing our staff to making sure that we are well-equipped to care for the diverse range of species that we see everyday.
Her organizational skills are impeccable. Mila is the person behind the scenes who ensures that all the little details are taken care of, so our veterinarians and veterinary technicians can focus on providing top-notch care. She handles scheduling, inventory, and client communications with precision and grace, and she always does it with a smile.
Mila’s leadership style is one of empathy and support. More than a manager—she’s a mentor to the entire team. Her door is always open, whether someone has a question about a patient or just needs a little advice. Her calm and positive demeanor sets the tone for the entire clinic, creating an environment where both staff and clients feel comfortable and supported.
Building Relationships with Clients
One of the things Mila loves most about her role is the opportunity to build relationships with the pets and their owners. For Mila, every interaction is personal. She takes the time to get to know the animals and their families, understanding that the human-animal bond is at the core of everything we do at Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic.
Her dedication to client care goes beyond ensuring appointments run smoothly. Mila makes it a priority to listen to our clients, addressing any concerns or questions they may have. Her goal is to make every client feel like they’re part of the Homey Gnome family. Whether it’s a routine wellness check or a more complex health issue, Mila ensures that every pet and their owner receives the care and attention they deserve.
Life Beyond the Clinic
When she’s not at the clinic, Mila enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her nurturing and creative nature. She loves spending time with her family and friends, and she’s an avid reader, knitter, and baker. One of her most unique hobbies is creating and collecting miniatures—an intricate art form that requires both patience and attention to detail, traits that serve her well in her professional life.
Mila’s family includes two adorable cats, Anya and Lola, and two playful puppies, Blanton and Violet. Together, they keep her busy and entertained outside of her workday, and they remind her of the joy that comes with sharing your life with pets.
Thank You, Mila: A Visionary Practice Manager
As we celebrate Practice Managers Appreciation Week, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mila for everything she does for Homey Gnome Veterinary Clinic. Her hard work, dedication, and passion for animals make her an irreplaceable part of our team.
Mila’s love for her work shines through in every aspect of her role, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her leading our clinic. From all of us at Homey Gnome, thank you, Mila, for the countless ways you make a difference every day.
Want to meet Mila and the rest of our amazing team? Call us at (651) 202-3388 or request an appointment. We’d love to welcome you and your pet to our clinic, where Mila and the team are ready to provide compassionate, expert care.