The Vets Unleashed

Beep boop beep, veterinarians and bartenders beware, the robots are coming to take yer jobs! While AI is an integral part of running our societies, it’s been the center of sensationalism in the news. So what’s the reality of how it’s being used, and where is it showing up in animal care practice? The Vets courageously trust AI to help write out show talking points. Fearlessly employ it to concoct delicious cocktail recipes. And responsibly address the way that AI acts as a helpful tool in the clinic and the profession. Whether it’s providing better records, interpreting huge swaths of medical data, or assisting medical staff analyze samples and images to improve care, AI is becoming an integral part of treatment. Bow down before your Overlords, and be nice to your Alexa. This week's drink from ChatGPT, the "Neural Nectar": Ingredients: - 2 oz Botanical Infused Gin (representing the precision of AI) - 1 oz Blue Curacao (symbolizing the digital aspect of medicine) - 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur (for a touch of elegance) - 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (adding a zing of vitality) Instructions: 1. In a shaker, combine the infused gin, Blue Curacao, Elderflower Liqueur, and fresh lemon juice with ice. 2. Shake vigorously to blend the flavors and chill the mixture. 3. Strain into a martini glass to capture the essence of innovation. 4. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel for a visually appealing touch. 5. Sip and savor the Neural Nectar, celebrating the harmonious blend of technology and healthcare in a single delightful concoction. Cheers to the future of AI in medicine!

This episode dives into a topic near and dear to Dr. Mike’s heart: humor! Salient and diverse, it’s potential to create a better visit experience for clients, and better patient outcomes, is undeniable. Laughter is an important part of healing and creating bonds. But not all jokes are appropriate for the exam room, so Dr. Mike prescribes a special blend of qualities to make sure the use of humor is effective, and welcome, in the doctor-client relationship. Strap in and get ready to learn the ABCs of Virtuous Humor! This Week’s Drink: The Virtuous Humor! A Dr. Scott Special….. Blue Curacao Malibu Rum Dark Rum Simple Syrup Orange Juice

Life is full of interruptions. Whether on personal or professional time, being able to assess and pivot where to put your focus and resources is a crucial skill set. The choices we make in those moments can have ripple effects through our day. The Vets look at effective ways to manage your time, especially in an ever changing clinical environment. From triage to treatment, our hosts discuss best practice in emergency situations, and Dr. Scott’s (patent pending!) TIMBR approach to time management, to create the best outcome for all patients with limited time and resources. This week’s potent potable: Time Flies by High West Distillery Bourbon Dark and White Rum Sherry Vanilla Syrup Lime Juice Apricot Brandy

Vets and pet parents come to the medical care experience with their own viewpoints and assumptions on what is necessary or practical when it concerns delivering care. But what does it mean to give, or receive, the right treatment for our pets? In this episode, we explore the spectrum of care, and how professionals balance what might be considered top-tier or “gold standard” treatment against what clients are reasonably able to afford. Diving into real life examples, Dr. Mike and Dr. Scott discuss how individual cases can be approached in a spectrum of care, so that every animal is able to leave the office with a plan to achieve the most healthful outcome, and best quality of life. This week’s cocktail: The Gold Standard- Curacao Marshmallow Liqueur Orange Juice (who needs ratios, just eyeball it till the fumes make your eyes water)

Whether it’s in our personal or professional lives, for those of us who are naturally empathetic and people pleasers, it’s easy to find ourselves over committed, and taking care of others before taking care of numero uno. Doctoral candidate Kelly Burich offers services and insight to the veterinary field on how we can draw necessary boundaries, for our own mental health, respectful relationships with clients, and ultimately, the best care scenario for the patients we aim to serve. This week’s cocktail: The Boundary (Border Crossing) 2 oz Tequila Squeeze of Lime Squeeze of Lemon Top off with Cola. https://sitchconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/welcome-sitch-kelly-burich-ms-cvbl-ccfp/

Stephanie Han returns as a 3rd year student; calmer, wiser, more balanced and attenuated to creating a better experience in the doctor-client relationship. Half the challenge (read joy) of the profession is working with clients and patients, and different folks have different needs in the communication department. Sometimes the best lessons are learned in real time, and adapting your communication style for the moment can make all the difference. Dr. Scott trashcans this week’s libation, and Dr. Mike starts his promo reel for a side gig in liqueur advertising. Currently taking bids for sponsorships…. This Week’s Drink Recipe: The Sapphire Alpine Cocktail: No need to worry about ratios Gin Blue Curaco (or Orange Liqueur of choice and blue edible glitter) Peach Schnapps

Clients sometimes don’t realize how above and beyond their vets go for their patients. But some of you have made a real impact on veterinary staff through your acts of gratitude and generosity. This episode, Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike reflect on some of their favorite clients, and celebrate the amazing ways they’ve shown their gratitude through the years. Whether it’s a thank you card, a good online review, some nice bourbon, or the much preferred box of doughnuts; clients can make a real difference in the lives and mental health of the care providers of their pets. So cheers to you, the clients whose gratitude goes above and beyond for the vets in their lives (more doughnuts please!)

We are back celebrating Season 7! Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike catch up after a brief hiatus and discuss what to look forward to in upcoming episodes. New drinks, returning friends, and signature banter to be sure. This season the Docs put a focus on the client, and optimizing the experience for everyone involved with the care of our animals. Get your ears and your cocktail shakers ready, this is the Vets Unleashed!

The Vets Unleashed celebrates the wrap of Season 6! Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike share their favorite episodes, favorite drinks, and lessons learned from this season. And thanks to all of you who have listened and supported the podcast over the last several years! Please take time to fill out this survey on our IG page to help us plan out future episodes for our return in the fall. Cheers to Season 6, here’s looking ahead to Season 7!

In this episode we check in with return guest Stephanie Han on the conclusion to her 2nd year of veterinary school. The gang swaps stories about the trials and tribulations of what 2nd year looks like, and how to navigate self care through a demanding program. Cultivating the right mindset to handle the workload of vet school requires balancing discipline, ambition, and community. And while vet school is hard, finding the application of lessons learned is both gratifying and life saving. This episode’s cocktail: Aperol Spritz 3 oz Aperol 3 oz Prosecco 1 oz Club Soda

Dr. Doug Mader is a triple boarded veterinarian, author, mentor, teacher, and story teller whose new book, The Vet at Noah’s Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner City Animal Hospital, traverses themes as diverse as One Health, Underserved Communities, Mental Health, Not One More Vet, Business and medical interactions. The vets discuss their role in promoting the Human-Animal Bond, going above and beyond to get animals the treatment they need, and how to prepare yourself to endure the tough days through strong social support networks. Check out The Vet at Noah’s Ark online or at your local retailer! This Week’s Drink: Papa Doble 3 ½ oz Gold Rum 1 oz Grapefruit Juice ¾ oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 1 oz Lime Juice ½ oz Simple Syrup

Paid time off is one thing, but the ability to take an extended leave from your job without worrying about money or insurance is something else entirely. Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike explore the benefits and challenges of being able to take a sabbatical to rejuvenate your soul and re-evaluate where you are in your profession. It can be hard to find the time or be offered the resources to take a sabbatical in the veterinary field. The Vets offer up some tactics to to approach the conversation with your employer, and to keep yourself covered if the possibility arises. This week’s beverage: The Indepence Swizzle 2 oz Dark Rum 3 dashes Angostura Bitters 1/4oz Honey ½ oz Lime Juice 1 tsp Sugar Pour over ice. Swizzle!

There’s a lot of options when it comes to taking care of your pets. Whether it’s food bowls, leashes, beds, or puzzles, it’s easy to get target confusion when trying to outfit your pet with life’s necessities. Let the Vets ease your mind and give you their two cents. With decades of experience between the two, they’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t. Get some expert advice and treat your pet right!

Sit down, have a drink, or a happy pill, what else do you need? In this episode, the vets look at what it means to be happy as a person and a professional. Are we passive in our ability to find happiness, or is it a mindset we cultivate? We all deal with different challenges in life, whether it’s at our jobs, in our relationships, because of our health, or because of our finances. The Doctors look at different methods they’ve learned over the years to set themselves up for happiness in life and at the workplace. Whether it’s taking time for yourself, learning to be grateful, showing kindness to others, or building a strong social circle, there are many keys to unlock happiness. This weeks drink: The Happy Pill: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/happy-pill/ 1 oz White Rum 1 oz Dark Rim .75 oz Pineapple Juice .75 oz Orange Juice .5 oz Lime Juice .5 oz Cream of Coconut

There’s a lot to consider when deciding to bring a new cat into the home. Do I want a kitten? An older cat? Do I have space? Or the resources to care for it? Will it fit into an established pet dynamic? What should I name it ,and will it even respond if I do? The Vets delve into the basics of deciding if adding a new cat to the home is right for you, and bring light to some of the hard questions one should ask before jumping into caring for another life. And if you need ideas for a name, Wordle is taken….. This week’s pinky tipper: The Fuzzy Navel 3 oz Peach Schnapp’s 3 oz Orange Juice (0 oz Fur)

With the rise of social media every vet has a platform to reach as many followers as they can garner. Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike are joined by Dr. Courtney Campbell to discuss the pitfalls and benefits of putting yourself and your opinions out in the world. Join them as with the custom drink made in Dr. Courtney's honor: Matcha-do About Nothing Juice 1 Lime 1 oz Simple Syrup Matcha powder to taste (try starting with 1/2 tsp) 1 oz Yuzu juice Soda water Combine lime, simple syrup, matcha and whisk. Add to glass with ice. Add yuzu juice and top with soda water. Enjoy!

Vet techs play a vital role in patient care and client communication in ways that touch people’s lives forever. Return guest Jessie Johan stops by to swap stories about first hand experiences in the way vet techs positively impact their community. For some, it’s the mentorship they provide training and guiding the next generation of the industry. For others, it’s the extra care they show to the animals we love. But most of all, it’s exemplified by their drive to go above and beyond the call of duty, giving back in ways that are invaluable to the nexus of lives they touch. This episode is a call to appreciation for all the vet techs who go the extra mile caring for us and our pets. This Episode’s drinkypoo: Laid Back: 1 oz. Gin 1 oz Apple Vodka 2 oz Pineapple Juice 1 oz Sparkling Water

Whether it’s being cut off in traffic or dealing with an irate client, it’s natural to react in anger. Is there anything we can do to change our nature and create a more positive response? Today, Dr. Scott and Dr. Mike talk with writer, podcaster and dog life coach extraordinaire Katya Lidsky on the ways we can approach and assess frustrating situations, and to actively choose kindness as our first response. As veterinarians, patience and love for animals is crucial to understanding and dealing with behaviors that are born of fear, pain, or lack of control. Learning to extend that mentality towards the people in our lives can teach us to adjust our inner response, and approach difficulty with kindness. https://www.katyalidsky.com/ Twitter @katyalidsky The Old Cuban: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/old-cuban/ Steps

Welcome to Season 6 of the Vets Unleashed! After a brief hiatus, Dr. Mike and Dr. Scott spend this episode catching up with return guest UC Davis veterinary student Stephanie Han as she enters year 2. Finding your footing in an intensive program means learning your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes within the field, and keeping your sanity. Stephanie reflects on the transition into her second year, and finding a happier balance between life, work and school. Embracing new tactics to distress, re-evaluating obligations, and quieting the voice of imposter syndrome all play a part in building up the psyche for a happy life and successful career. Morning drinks with friends don’t hurt either. Bottoms up to Season 6, cheers! This Episode’s libation: The Broken Heart: 2 oz Vodka 1 oz Pomegranate Juice ½-1 oz Triple Sec or Grand Marnier (It could use something else @ 5:22) ½ oz Chocolate Liqueur 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder

Happy 2023 and welcome to Season 6 of The Vets Unleashed! Get a glimpse of the year to come as we lay out the focus for this season’s modus operandi and celebrate those people who are making a positive impact on the veterinary community. We’ve got a great line up including some of your favorite return guests! Take time with us this season to appreciate all the good work these animal lovers are doing to go above and beyond in the care of our fauna family.