Podcast A Vet: Stories, Support & Community From Leaders In The Veterinary Field

Podcast A Vet is taking a break, but don't worry, we'll be back with more stories and insights from our incredible veterinary community soon! In this episode, I wanted to share some of the reasons why we're taking this break - don't worry, nothing serious, life is just full right now. I'm guessing you can relate, and hopefully this episode will be a reminder to look after yourself and do what you need to do to look after yourself and ensure you're showing up for your family, colleagues, friends, and community. We'll be back with more stories soon. Links Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

This week we're doing something a little different! If you tuned in last week to our episode with Dr. Seth Williams, you heard the first half of our talk. This week, you can catch the second half of our conversation over on Seth's podcast, Vet School Unleased. Check out part two of this conversation here. If you haven't checked it out, you can listen to part one here. Links Listen to part two of our conversation here! Listen to part one Follow Dr. Seth The Vet on Instagram Vet School Unleashed Website Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Seth Williams is the mastermind behind Vet School Unleashed and a DVM who plays by his own rules. After graduating with a music business degree Seth went back to veterinary school when he realized his passion could bring him closer to a job he could never have dreamed of. Tackling everything from looking on the positive side of a career change to the importance of work ethic and investing in your future, Seth is here today to share his perspective on the veterinary world. If you have ever been curious of what goes on behind the scenes of some of your favorite veterinary social media accounts or podcasts, are hoping to gain insight from those who have come before you, or just want to join in the conversation of sharing both your good and bad days in the field, this is the episode for you. By having confidence in yourself and the work that you are doing you can help the animals you seek without taking everything so personally. Instead of living a life full of the status quo, which eventually will lead to boredom and burnout, Seth wants to encourage you to take each opportunity to stretch yourself and grow as a person. You are not alone, and Seth is here to let you know that you shouldn’t be afraid to fail. Stocked with advice for everyone from a new grad to a seasoned clinic owner, Seth’s attitude and dedication to self-improvement is something you can’t miss. What did you love most about Seth’s can-do approach to veterinary medicine? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section on the episode page. In This Episode How to figure out what sets you apart when applying to veterinary schoolThe importance of having an outlet and finding a work-life balanceTips for becoming successful on social media as a veterinary professionalRecommendations for dealing with irrational or emotional patientsGet into the head of a new veterinary school graduate, their concerns and expectations Quotes “I realized that I could fulfill my business interests, medicine, and work with some pretty kick-ass animals and be a vet.” (6:48) “You get on a plane and you say you are a veterinarian and you get into this whole conversation about either their pets or that they wanted to be a vet and it didn’t work out, it’s the job that almost everyone seems to want to have.” (17:47) “The world needs vets now, and good vets. This is just a good way to show why it’s so awesome to be in this profession.” (18:28) “You’re human, you are going to make mistakes, everybody does. If you expect that you are going to be perfect, you are just going to be set up for a life of disappointment.” (30:20) Links Follow Dr. Seth The Vet on Instagram Vet School Unleashed Website Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

If you want to get to the top of any niche in the veterinary world, you probably know it's going to be a tough slog at times. You might not realize, however, the impact of our career pursuits on other areas of our lives. Dr. Jon Congdon shares his insight into how to navigate your way to the top of a specialized field while maintaining your relationships, and sanity. Dr. Congdon started from the bottom cleaning cages and worked his way up to being Director of Anesthesiology at one of the top 3 schools in the country, NC State Veterinary. He is one of only 230 board-certified veterinary anesthesiologists in the country, one of my former classmates and a personal friend. Recorded live on location at the 2018 AVMA Convention in Denver Colorado, we discuss the progression of veterinary medicine, the highs and lows of being a specialist, and how to accept vulnerability in your knowledge. Dr. Congdon lays out his pragmatic practical approach to how to make everybody’s veterinary experience better with anesthesia. Getting into the meat of his veterinary story, the struggle of residency and the toll his career had on his relationships, Dr. Congdon relays his advice for those starting out on their journey and anyone interested in anesthesia. Putting importance on learning to think for yourself, searching for information and being prepared, Dr. Congdon brings a no judgment attitude to the field of anesthesiology. In This Episode An overview of the path to becoming an anesthesiologistTake home tidbits from Jon’s AVMA 2018 LectureMaking the veterinarian experience better for fractious catsThe 4 major mechanisms for low blood pressureRelationship advice for anyone going into a residencyBeing satisfied without recognition Quotes “You go to a conference and how much of it is really applicable? How much can you take home and use the next day? And that’s really the probably driving idea behind lectures that I do, is what do they really want to know, I mean I’m guessing but you know, and what might they take home tomorrow and actually do something with?” (6:40) “We get so worked up about our little niches, but there is a bigger world out there. And as I have heard many many times at NC State, believe in good intentions, take faith that people have the best of intentions. And they may make mistakes and it may look bad from the outside, but it's not like any of us are trying to make mistakes or are trying to be lazy, we're just busy. And cases come to us that we think are straightforward and then they are not and we have to adapt on the fly. This idea of community and this podcast is a huge part of that.” (40:46) “Anesthesia is super cool for me because I can identify a problem, I can administer a treatment, and I get to fix it right away. Anesthesia, it’s real-time physiology.” (1:04:54) “You will never get the credit. You will never be at the forefront of the story. But it shouldn't matter. We are not here to get accolades, we're here to get them through. We're not here to judge if they should be anesthetized, we're here to get them through. Other doctors are having those conversations with the clients, it's not our role to judge. If they need us we should be here, we are service specialists, we are here to serve the other doctors.” (1:17:50) Links Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perks! AVMA Convention PAV 017: Jeanne Ficociello Invisibles Book Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go through veterinary school with a new baby? Erika Berra is doing just that, currently in her third year of veterinary school and crushing it as a super mom with her 14-month-year-old, Teddy. Today Teddy and Erika join us to give us a real, honest look at what it looks like to be a new parent in vet school. Everything from planning her final exams around Teddy’s birth to balancing clinic hours with a sick child is on the table today as Erika dives into the hard truths around being a parent. If you are wondering if it is the right time to have kids, want a realistic look at the balancing act of veterinary school and parenthood or just want to hear some adorable background baby gurgles, this is the episode for you. A proponent for makings things work no matter what and proving to yourself that you are stronger than you think you are, Erika dreams of doing it all and is well on her way there. Are you thinking about having kids during veterinary school, or have already had some? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section on the episode page. In This Episode Tips for balancing new motherhood and veterinary school pressuresAdvice for future moms or those who are struggling to keep it togetherThe importance of having a support network when becoming a new parentExplore the advantages of having children during veterinary school Addressing the misconceptions around having a child in veterinary school Quotes “People always tell me they don’t know how I do it either, and I don’t have a good answer. But I think it is one of those situations where you can do more than you think you can when you are in a situation where you need to do it.” (6:41) “If somebody is in vet school and is at the age where they are thinking that they want kids, just make sure that you have that support system. I’m sure you could do it without it, but it makes a huge difference.” (9:34) “I actually want to mixed animal, I want to do it all.” (18:24) “No matter what is going on, most things that are like terrifying, in the grand scheme of things they are not that big. But you can’t see that far until you are past it. So I think that is the thing, to try and keep everything in perspective.” (22:30) “If you learn how to balance life and school and work now, then theoretically by the time I am out in practice I will be really good at it.” (26:17) “If you can do vet school and be a parent, I know a couple of people that are planning to have a kid or two kids in vet school, and if you can do more than one man, you are truly superwoman.” (34:28) Links Enjoying the show? Help support Podcast A Vet on Patreon! Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

For a lot of people unfamiliar with the pet oncology space, it comes as a surprise that pets can develop the exact same strains of cancer that humans do. Perhaps even more surprising however is that in many cases, research into cancer treatment for dogs in particular could be the missing link between mice and humans. At the forefront of this research which has already boasted many breakthroughs into both human and animal treatment, is today’s guest, Dr. Christine Hardy. Christine has done enough already to fill multiple lifetimes, with masters degrees in both business and public health, she was formerly the Co-Director of the DBM/MBA combined program at CSU, has served as Senior Director of professional veterinary medicine student services at CSU, and is not the Director of Operations and Strategy at the Flint Animal Cancer Center at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Oh, and she’s also an entrepreneur, and has worked in human health education as well as international wildlife conservation. Phew! Today she shares her personal story of what led her into cancer research and treatment, the links between animal and human diseases, and how veterinarians and physicians are working together extensively to improve outcomes for both human and animal patients. In this episode: How research into cancer in pets leads to breakthroughs in human cancersHow vets and physicians are working together to treat and cure cancerWhy getting rejected from vet school initially was actually a blessing in disguiseWhy deciding to get her MBA was one of the best career decisions she ever madeHow volunteering at cancer camp helps keep Christine groundedWhat we can learn from kids about dealing with cancer Quotes: “Most of the things that I’ve done, haven't necessarily been part of the plan. Opportunities just presented themselves or there was a fork in the road and I took it, and it's been an incredible privilege honor and a tremendous amount of fun.” (3:26) “We’ve asked [pet owners], ‘why do you enroll your pets in a clinical trial?’ for the most part, they all do it for altruistic reasons. They want to do something to contribute to the science. Everybody's been affected by cancer.” (24:20) “I think a lot of times we don’t necessarily know what other people see in us. He must’ve seen something, I sure knew that it was a great opportunity and that I wasn’t going to let him down.” (41:25) “To get to veterinary medicine, there’s a path that you have to go down, there are certain things that you have to achieve to get where you’re going, so I think so many of us are really goal-oriented. And I think at some point I’ve learned to actually be ok with not knowing exactly where I’m going and that opportunities will present themselves.” (43:15) Links: Enjoying the show? Help support Podcast A Vet on Patreon! One Cure Sky High Hope Camp Camp Dost Episode 24 with Laurie Fonken Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

It's no secret that the most common career path in the veterinary field is the one that leads to small animal care. But that's not every vet's calling. Today we talk with Dr. Myra Barrett about what it takes to break out of that track and specialize in an area that really lights you up. Dr. Myra Barrett is a board-certified radiologist specializing in equine radiology, as well as President of the Large Animal Diagnostic Society, founding partner of Inside Information Radiology a telemedicine radiology company, Assistant Professor of Radiology at Colorado State University, and head of Equine Radiology. On top of all that, she’s also a skier, mountain biker, and super mom. Today we talk about her journey from operating on her stuffed animals to a Stanford degree in Psychology to her now trailblazing the official specialization of equine radiology. She discusses the work-life balance and how to manage a relationship while going to vet school and doing your residency. We also talk about the importance of boundaries and knowing what kind of lifestyle you need as an individual. How to you navigate the work-life balance? Do you have any activities or rituals that help? Leave us a comment below and let us know on the episode page! In this episode: How she built her own residency to specialize in equine radiology rather than small animalsThe importance of give and take in managing a relationship as a vet school studentManaging personal priorities and building your work lifestyle to fit your needsDr. Barrett’s past as a girl riding horses bareback in Montana Quotes: “There’s nothing better for the soul than time at the barn” 8:20 “The traditional residency is very heavily small animal weighted… [which] takes away that time where you could be becoming an expert in that field where you really want to train.” 27:38 “You can’t be excellent at everything, and we put this pressure on ourselves to be excellent at everything and we can’t be and we need to back that down a little bit” 37:43 “It’s not always the internship or the residency. There are a lot of roads that can lead to happiness and success.” 1:01:54 Links Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Sir Isaac Newtown once said that in order to see further than others you must stand on the shoulders of giants. Simon Turner is an equine surgeon originally from Australia who lives this philosophy every day. Through the mentorship, he has received, and in turn, the mentorship he provides others, Simon is a pristine example of the beauty found in the veterinary profession. After a successful career in equine surgery, Simon has leaned his hand into everything from orthopedic research in human labs to traveling the world and being a conductor of a 100+-year-old trolley. Always in training for ‘The Olympics of Life’, Simon is proof that you don’t have to settle no matter your perceived limitations. Today Simon is here to provide insight into everything from staying fit, to hosting a dinner party, and the importance of developing a specialty for new grads entering the field. A humble giant who is as dedicated to his craft as he is modest, Simon is here to provide you with a vision of the potential wonders that veterinary medicine has to offer. Do you have a giant who you’d like to thank for allowing you to stand on their shoulders? Tag them in the comments on the episode page and let us know what is most special to you about your memories. In This Episode The importance of being part of the close-knit veterinary familyWhy you should be donating plasma cells and red platelets if you canHow to guide yourself to retire to something instead of from somethingWhat you should be looking out for in a mentor and vice versaAdvice for new graduates and the necessity of finding a modern niche Quotes “There were a few giants in Australia, I stood on their shoulders, but I had to come to the good old USA to stand on a few more giants shoulders, and look where I am! I stood on giants’ shoulders and saw farther than others.” (9:38) “I don’t do things halfway, I go the whole hog. That is why I have lived in Fort Collins for most of my life but I am still very Australian. But I go, pardon the expression, ‘balls out’ on everything.” (26:14) “The Olympics of life, that is what I am training for.” (29:01) “I am very proud to get up as a veterinarian and to say ‘hey, I am not a physician, I am a veterinarian, look at me now, look at what I have done. And I am very quick to say that MD does not stand for ‘major deity’.” (49:09) Links Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Dr. Sarah Wooten is a veterinarian who believes in pushing boundaries. An advocate for women in veterinary leadership roles, a writer for Pet MD and DVM 360, restaurant owner as well as the creator of Vets Against Insanity, a ‘cards against humanity’ style game for veterinarians, Sarah is a woman of many hats. Today we are putting the fun back into vet medicine as Sarah gets real on everything from getting over your fear of rejection to eliminating your negative self-talk and expectations. Join in on the discussion around where the veterinary medicine industry currently stands and where it is going, why you need to listen to the messages your body is sending you and explore veterinary medicine from a non-traditional angle. Even if you don’t know what you are doing, Sarah is here to encourage you to keep showing up and trying your best because you are worth it. Are you ready for a roadmap to taking control of your fear and following the doors that open for you? Share your favorite part of today’s episode in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Techniques to help you put yourself out there and face your fear head-onCommon themes in the professional veterinary medicine world right nowThe importance of conflict management in the workplace to avoid fatigueA look at the amount of quickly changing diversity in veterinary leadership rolesHow to become more present and increase your recreational time enjoyment Quotes “I didn’t realize that it was a problem for me because I just pushed through it, I would feel dread and anxiety before I was going into the surgeries and I would feel dread and anxiety when I was scrubbing or I would feel it in the morning as I was driving to work because I didn’t know what I had on my board for that day, and I would feel it Friday afternoon about having to go to work on Monday morning. And it just became such a nightmare for me, and I didn’t know that that was not normal.” (11:19) “It’s not ‘wait until you have the courage’, its ‘do it when you are scared’ anyways.” (16:50) “You get to a place where you just don’t really care anymore. I mean you care, but you don’t care in such a way that you let it get in the way of what you are on this planet to do.” (23:45) “A lot of us have forgotten that we are badasses, that we actually got into vet school, that we’re amazing, strong, resilient, powerful people, superheroes, and we’ve accepted another story about ourselves.” (28:00) “Vets need to be making more money, we need to have better balance within our work lives and our personal lives, and we gotta figure out how veterinary medicine looks in this new world we are creating. Because I guarantee you, the world that my children live in is a very different world than I live in.” (40:03) Links Purchase Vets Against Insanity Here Dr. Sarah Wooten website Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Happy New Year Podcat A Vet family! While we can barely believe that 2020 is already upon us, it is an exciting time of year here at the Podcast A Vet headquarters. As we look forward to Season 3 of Podcast A Vet and reflect on the past year, we want to say thank you to our wonderful community and Patreons. This show wouldn’t exist without you and it is our pleasure to recognize all you do for your profession and each other. What are your goals for 2020 and how can Podcast A Vet help support you in achieving those goals? Share with us in the comments on the episode page or through a direct message! In This Episode A look at the goals for Podcast A Vet and the PAV Community in 2020Meaningful and heartfelt shoutouts to our Patreons and guests from the past yearBehind the scenes peek at what goes into the Podcast A Vet Instagram Quotes “We have got lots of goals as a podcast, we have got lots of goals for our community, we’re obviously pushing forward with a whole new set of episodes starting in Season 3 starting next week, we can’t wait for your guys to meet all of these storytellers. It seems like every episode just gets better and better and people are just so excited to share with us and we are excited to share that with you.” (2:24) - Kelsey “We found a niche in the podcats world, in the veterinary world, and you can bet that we are going to run with it.” (4:01) - Kelsey “Its really great to see guests contributing in so many ways, not only did they share their story but really believing in what we are doing here.” (5:07) - Dr. Arnold Links PAV 015: Tim Hackett PAV 026: Christine Hardy PAV 025: Erin Crawford PAV 005: Mike Suit Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Happy Holiday’s Podcast A Vet family! Today I am joined by our Director of Operations, Kelsey Cates, to have a look back on all that we have accomplished this past year on Podcast A Vet. With the end of ‘Season 2’ approaching and the start of a new decade we thought we would take the opportunity to thank you as our listeners and look forward into the new year. Join us as we look back at the last year of Podcast A Vet and keep an ear out for when we will be starting again in 2020! What story stands out from the past year on Podcast A Vet? Share your favorite memories with us in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode The lifechanging magic of flushable baby wipes A look back at the highlights from Season 2 on Podcast A VetExploring the future of Podcast A Vet and what to expect in the new yearA big thank you to our audience and Podcast A Vet community Quotes “I feel like its just one of those times when we just keep growing at a pace where we are so inspired to keep doing this. And that is because of you guys.” (4:29) - Dr. Arnold “All of a sudden it was just like this community grew out of something that we hoped would take off but we just never knew if it could.” (5:49) - Kelsey “Just knowing that [the stories] are hitting home for other people, it is really powerful and it is really moving and I am enjoying every minute of that.” (6:17) - Kelsey Links: Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

A woman who wears many hats, Lori Cesario is passionate about having her hand in many fields while remaining dedicated to her oncology patients. Originally hailing from California and a Ross University Vet School graduate, Lori is here today to remind us not to sweat the small stuff. Today Lori is here to share insider tips on everything from what it takes to build an online oncology resource to paying off student debt and what kept her focused on the oncology road. If you are looking for tips on motivating yourself while feeling accomplished, want to learn about surgical oncology as a general practitioner or are interested in learning how journaling improved Lori’s life, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. How do you take stalk in what you have done and keep moving towards your future goals? Share your motivational tips with us in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Tips for getting out of debt by making some serious money spending changesThe importance of getting your thoughts down on paper to better relaxWhy you should be setting real-life actionable steps to accomplishing your goalsA peek into the life of an oncologist and ways to not be consumed by the workLearn what it takes to become a surgical oncologist and what keeps the passion alive Quotes “It feels a lot better just to confront it and figure out a plan and make progress and make progress and make progress rather than to get all of that anxiety.” (15:32) “If I’m just still kind of going over and over a case or a client that was really difficult or something, I have found that journaling really helps.” (22:27) “When you set goals or you have things that you want to do, you are comparing where you are now to where you want to go. And so you often never feel like you have accomplished everything, so you can sort of feel negative about that. But if you look back at older journal entries or make sure to say ‘what have I done in the last 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, then you can realize all of the things you have accomplished.” (25:11) “It’s nice to learn how to do new things and I like being able to do multiple different things at once, I think that is nice. It is nice to have multiple different types of outlets.” (30:17) Links Canine Cancer Academy Website ORU Wrapping Fabric Website Advanced Surgical Oncology at the Oquendo Centre Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

MJ Hamilton has spent his entire life in veterinary medicine and it has taken him across the country from Las Vegas to Michigan and more. On top of the wild parties he hosted during veterinary school, MJ realized that even though he had a strong love for veterinary practice, not everything was the right fit. After he hit is a critical breaking point, MJ realized he needed to go after his passion rather than the status quo and started PVS Pet Cancer, the world’s first mobile oncology unit. In this episode, MJ gets real about vulnerability and masculinity, how to find a balance, and why he is looking for his happy. By improving the lives of cancer patients, opening up about the dark times of veterinary medicine and appreciating that time really is our biggest commodity, MJ is proof that sometimes we all need somebody to lean on. If you are in the process of figuring out what you want next and need some guidance on finding your happy place, MJ is the expert for you. A story of inspiration and perseverance, MJ is proof that sometimes you need to dig deep to figure out what you really want. How has anxiety and panic impacted your ability to do your job? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Addressing the trauma that many experience from imperfect days in the fieldTips for getting through a residency by learning to ask for help when you need itWhat it is like to run the worlds first mobile oncology departmentThe importance of asking your peers how they are doing and ways to combat traumaAdvice to fellow veterinarians and strategies for staying balanced Quotes “Being the jack of all trades just didn’t work for me… I realized that I needed to specialize, I needed to just do one thing really well. I started pursuing that more, more my interests, and I always had specialty interests, but then out there I really just said, ‘I gotta do this to survive, I need to just do what works best for my brain’.” (8:44) “It was to kind of find my happy because at that point I had been doing everything for everybody but me.” (25:42) “I was like, you know what, I think I am going to do this. I think I am going to do the first mobile oncology department, and I can still be me but I can do it my way and also be different.” (29:29) “All of these things that we are talking about, taking care of each other, it is a movement now and I really want to support it.” (42:23) Links PVS Private Veterinary Specialties Website PAV 042: Meghann Berglund Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Often during this celebratory time of year, I like to take a look back and remember all of the moments where I physically felt the feeling of ‘wow, I can’t believe we get to do this’. Podcast A Vet has shared over 100 people’s stories and it is only through being transparent and helping the community grow that we can continue to build the Podcast A Vet Family. What we do as veterinarians matters, and I think it is important to look back at the path of Podcast A Vet and highlight the things that make us tick. Family, support and saving lives is the medicine that we need every day to keep going and is the ultimate goal of Podcast A Vet. Join me for a recap of some extra-special gratitude based episodes and look into the future of Podcast A Vet for the coming new year. What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? Share your hopes, memories, and dreams with us in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode A recap of episodes perfect for re-listening too during the holidaysWhy you should focus on your family and being thankful this holiday seasonThe impact of having a daughter when viewing time in regards to veterinary workGain insight into the perspective that goes into the making of Podcast A Vet Quotes “It is almost a physical feeling for me, of ‘wow, we get to do this’, I feel like Thanksgiving is one of those times.” (1:36) “Never in my wildest dreams did I think we were going to share, at this point, 100 stories. That is just something that I am so so thankful for.” (2:57) “Everybody mentions family as super important, as part of your tribe, whether it is your blood family or your tribe family, having that support is what gets us through and it is what Podcast A Vet is all about.” (4:26) Links PAV 001: Bronwen Foster PAV 005: Mike Suit PAV 050: Mark Stetter PAV 061: Andy Rourke PAV 072: Trent Gall PAV 071: Becky Krull PAV 038: Kristin Gablehouse PAV 041: Nate Daughenbaugh Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Alissa Edoff’s path to veterinary medicine has taken her all over the world, from her native Colorado to Australia, Glasgow and beyond, she is passionate about exploring and setting yourself apart from the crowd. From hospital work to research and corporate positions, Alissa has the determination to follow what she wants and is here today to share her story of how she was able to find happiness in starting her own business. Everything from travel to alcohol dependency and finding a partner over diarrhea is on this episode as we dive into Alissa’s experience in veterinary school and beyond. Alissa loves to share her passion, connect with her mobile canine rehab and large and small animal acupuncture clients, and share her passion with the world. An advocate for the importance of having a fulfilling life outside of work and following what makes you happy, Alissa is an inspiring example of dedication and finding joy in the unexpected. How do you balance your career with your desires outside of work? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode A look into the life of an international veterinary program How to become okay with not being perfect at everythingTips to cope with times when you are second-guessing your career pathWhy Alissa came to the realization that she was using alcohol as a crutchReasons mobile canine rehab and acupuncture ended up being Alissa’s calling Quotes “I had never been to either London or Glasgow so I didn’t know what life was like there really. So I just figured, I have to take loans out regardless if I can have more money for traveling rather than rent in somewhere like London, that just made more sense to me.” (12:12) “Travelling to me is one of my #1 priorities and goals in life, to see the world.” (22:32) “It was 100% a coping mechanism and she helped me figure out alternatives, and then I haven’t had a drink for almost 3.5 years.” (34:26) “I started my own business and now I have made veterinary medicine something that I enjoy again.” (39:27) “I am now an extra, so I am not general practice, so if people reach out to me it is because they want to do more for their pets. So they are dedicated and they want the best for their animals.” (42:08) Links Longevity and Wellness Vet Follow Alissa on Facebook Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

After brief stints playing in a band in Mexico, working as a waitress and putting herself through veterinary school, H. Howells learned that she enjoyed supporting veterinarians much more than she enjoyed practicing. This inspired her to create Agents of Change, a coaching program focusing on the health, life and team aspects of veterinary medicine. A self-described extrovert who went into school with a ‘B is for Badass’ mentality, H is here today to share how you can look at veterinary medicine through her mindset. Instead of placing your entire identity in what you do, H wants to destigmatize doing something ‘just as a job’ and give veterinarians the freedom to be okay with being more than what they do for a living. H loves to listen to other veterinarians and provide an outlet outside of your immediate workplace to let others know that they are not as alone or as trapped as they think they are. Learn how she was able to resuscitate herself by giving back to the community, why she loves to help others find meaning in veterinary medicine and explore the importance of staying connected as a vital tool to not getting sucked into your daily routines and pressures. If you are looking for a way to find meaning in what you do without it becoming an all-consuming aspect of your life, H. is who you need to hear from. Are you able to look at your role in veterinary medicine as ‘just a job’? Share what you think about H’s perspective in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode How you can recognize and address the stressors of veterinary medicineWays that you can start being more vulnerable and find a better work-life balanceWhy you should stop viewing veterinary medicine as your ‘calling’Exploring The Power of 10 Program and the lifechanging realizations it can spurThe importance of actively pursuing things outside of the veterinary profession Quotes “I can only envision going back and doing more school if I promise myself that it is not going to swallow me alive.” (7:30) “The only thing that I could think was ‘I got to figure out how in the world to get myself out of this profession without incurring another dollar of debt, the end’. And that was really hard.” (18:03) “I really love coaching and connecting with other veterinarians. And the way that I always describe it is, over time I realized I feel a lot more fired up about supporting other veterinarians than I do about being one.” (21:39) “I think we need to start to have a little bit higher level of being willing to be vulnerable and say when we are struggling so that we can receive the support that exists out there.” (24:37) “That’s where I think the danger lies when you conflate veterinary medicine with your identity so much so that the rest of our life takes a back seat.” (29:58) Links Agents of Change Coaching The Power of 10 Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Chris Chase believes in the necessity of the spiritual, mental and educational aspects to becoming a great veterinarian. A DVM, speaker, educator, and chief scientific officer at RTI, Chris is a trained classic virologist and immunologist who uses his unconditional love and commitment to make the profession a better place. A South Dakota native who is passionate about the need to be involved in some level of practice despite your current field, Chris is here to shine a light on microbiology and viruses as well as the importance of exploring all of your possible opportunities with no regrets. Diving deep into the complexities of an animal’s microbiome, the financial implications of scientific research, the importance of developing your ‘soft’ skills, and so much more, Chris is a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to foster a sense of adventure and a child-like fascination with the world. Do you have a vision of what your veterinary career may look like 10, 20 or 30 years into the future? Share what you learned from Chris today in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode How to embrace variety as the spice of life in work and playA deep look into decades of change in organized veterinary medicine Analyzing the role of business and ROI in the field of scientific explorationThe importance of figuring out what you do want to do as well as what you don’tUnderstanding how the gut and the immune system interact with each other in animals Quotes “If you are going to be good at research or anything else outside of veterinary medicine practice, you got to know what is going on in practice.” (5:03) “I find everything interesting, there is just not anything I don’t find interesting. It has always been me. And that frustrates some people because in academia when I get reviewed they always walk in like ‘here is your program, you just do this little piece of the puzzle and that is your focus. Focus, focus, focus’. And I am certainly not.” (23:47) “Most of the time I can see what I don’t want to be or what I don’t want to do, and figure out what you can do to limit that or make sure that you don’t make those same mistakes.” (26:03) “Here is something that is sort of new and novel to me, I sort of turn it around like a Rubix cube in every way that I can to figure out how I can run with that with what I am doing.” (37:52) “What is really important to me is to figure out what you don’t want to do. Because the worst thing you can do is go downstream in something and realize ‘I hate this’.” (56:28) Links RTI Website Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Jennifer House is a real-life virus hunter, DVM, and public health veterinarian. Jennifer is passionate about keeping animals and humans safe from diseases such as rabies, plague, and tularemia. While the diseases may sound scary, Jennifer is here to educate about the preventable and treatable ways that you can protect yourself and your animals. An interesting look into alternative veterinary careers, Jennifer is fervent about what she does and stopping diseases in their tracks. If you are looking into a career at the state health department, want to understand the stress behind making life or death decisions when it comes to public health or are interested in learning more about how diseases can impact humans, animals, and the environment, Jennifer is the expert you need to listen too. Do you have an infectious disease story? Share your experience with us in the comments on the episode page! In This Episode Understanding the value of having a dedicated human and animal health specialistA peek into the stress behind physician recommendations when diagnosing diseaseLearn how infectious diseases can impact humans, animals, and the environmentDiscover the measures taken to protect humans and animals from infectious diseaseWhy you should get rabies vaccines for you and your beloved animals Quotes “I was called to go down this path. Oddly enough the Hantavirus was the trigger, and so I intentionally went to college and veterinary school with the intent of doing public health, and this career certainly lead me further than I ever anticipated going.” (11:33) “I think it is very valuable to have one person that is looking at that bigger picture of looking at human and animal health concurrently.” (17:55) “It can sound very exciting on the service, but a lot of it is actually spreadsheets and phone calls and reading articles. And all of that really excites me, I find it interesting.” (21:03) “Ultimately the physician makes the decision of what to do, and I have to give them the available science, the protocols and the recommendations so that they can make the best decision for their patients.” (24:27) “I always want to make everybody happy, but sometimes I make nobody happy. But at the end of the day, I hope that what I have done has saved lives, both animals and peoples.” (32:10) Links Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Ryane Englar is a DVM certified in canine and feline practice and an assistant professor and clinical education coordinator at Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine. Ryane works to help her students understand life, connections, and relationships to get to the other side of hardships. Ryane believes that each person is truly enough, and it just takes a bit of sorting out to figure out what that means for each individual person. Through a mastery of work-life balance, finding a passion project such as ballroom dancing and realizing the life that you want as a veterinarian, Ryane is an inspirational teacher and motivator. We all bring different angles and perspectives to academia and our profession, and Ryane loves to have real conversations with her students to embrace this messy thing that we call life and help the new generation pull together instead of being separated by our differences. Through the writing of many books and conversations with many students, Ryane has a handle on learning about yourself and the importance of reaching out to others. What was the last ‘real’ conversation you had with somebody about the successes and failures that you are currently experiencing? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode Life lessons from the ballroom dance floor and learning how to do things betterThe importance of reaching out to people and letting someone know you are thereHow to disagree on issues and still be colleagues that can work togetherWords to help you be better veterinarians while reminding us that we are all humanWhy you need a light at the end of the tunnel to funnel your stress into and find pleasure Quotes “I thought all I could ever be was a veterinarian, that was how I defined my whole being, I lived to work and I worked to live. And then I met dance and I met Loel, and I realized a whole person inside of me that I didn’t know existed.” (7:16) “Maybe we all need to think ‘what is enough?’ and change that definition. So that to me is kind of how I am trying to live my life through teaching the students.” (11:25) “We both know that medicine is not easy, you are never going to wake up one day and it is going to be magic and perfect, but why don’t we start giving us tools that can help us succeed better?” (17:14) “That is part of my hope, that maybe someone out there, maybe not even reading the book for its purpose was written for, will say hey, maybe I need to pick up the phone and call somebody.” (26:36) “We don’t need to massive things to change the world or our profession, we just have to be kind to one another.” (31:23) Links Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!

Laurel Krause is a 4th-year veterinary student from CSU who took the long road to veterinary school and has since embraced her path to veterinary medicine. The CVMA student representative for her year and lifelong ‘cat-whisperer’, Laurel is providing insight into the delicate balance between the art and science aspect of the brain as well as veterinary medicine and how she transitioned from a life in Hollywood to finding her new home at CSU. From playing the trumpet, piano and singing opera to leaving the comfort of Iowa and making life work in LA, Laurel has an amazing story full of perseverance and passion for veterinary medicine. Someone who doesn’t like to adhere to the status quo, Laurel is proof that in the end, we all come back to our true callings. How have the aspects of community, debt, and stability played a role in your path to veterinary medicine? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page. In This Episode How to satisfy both the art and science side of the brain simultaneouslyA look into the backstage extra life on Bones, NCIS, Glee and Modern FamilyThe importance of having the courage to try something differentWhy a leadership role in school can help you connect with your communityExploring what can be done to address the financial impact of veterinary school Quotes “At first I wanted to be a cat, but someone told me that wasn’t possible so I was like oaky, how about a cat doctor?” (3:21) “Now I’m looking back at that and I’m like, man the hours were awful and you never knew what was coming next, but that was a hell of an adventure and I am so glad that I did it.” (23:00) “I wasn’t confident whatsoever that they were going to take the whole non-traditional student approach in a good light. However, from comparing websites of different programs, on the CSU website I saw that their median student age was much higher than others, and that kind of gave me a little bit of hope that maybe CSU was in the business of taking non-traditional students.” (30:25) “I visited CSU after I had been accepted and I just knew that this is where I wanted to be. The atmosphere, the culture, it felt like home.” (38:11) “I honestly don’t know what else I would do. I know I can do other things, but I don’t want to.” (41:43) Links Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk Find the full show notes here Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet Follow Podcast A Vet on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community! We'd love it (and you) if you would take 1 minute and leave us a review on iTunes!