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

This week is National Veterinary Tech Week, a time where we can give thanks, respect, and love to the heartbeats of our hospital. Without nurses, veterinary technicians, RVT’s, LVT’s, CVT’s and all of the heroes in our hospitals who don't get enough credit, we simply would not be able to function.  I am so grateful for everything that you do which is why we want to highlight some of the past conversations we have had with these wonderful heroes. Join us for a walk down memory lane as we look back at some of the most inspiring and hard-working people in our industry. Some wise words from our nurses and veterinary technicians are our way of saying thank you and showing our appreciation to those who deserve it the most. What is your favorite episode featuring a veterinary technician? Share with us in the comments on the episode page!   In This Episode Look back into some of the conversations we have had with veterinary technicians Exploring the specialties and wide potential of veterinary technicians  Understan

Have you ever wanted to bond with lions and tigers and bears? Becca Miceli is the Chief Officer of Science and Welfare, otherwise known as the veterinary technician, at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. From an early age she has had a fascination towards ‘animals that can eat her’, and now works in the sanctuaries 720 acres, with 532 animals ranging from tigers to grizzly bears and lynx. Taking care of carnivorous animals and giving them the freedom to choose how they want to live the rest of their lives after coming from suboptimal and even unthinkable captivity is Becca’s passion. By treating each animal as an individual, respecting their story and learning the unique needs of each animal she treats, Becca helps these mistreated animals find a new home and a new way of living. Join us as we have a look into the stories of some of the animals that Becca takes care of on a daily basis and gain a glimpse of what life is like working with some of the world’s most majestic and frightening creatures. By educ

In a lot of ways, the way we practice veterinary medicine today is not setting ourselves up for success. Many of us are burnt out, tired, and considering leaving the profession far earlier than our counterparts in generations past. Lisa Mausbach knows this feeling first hand, and after her feelings toward veterinary medicine shifted from excitement to dread, Lisa knew she needed to make a change. After going to business school and studying the organizational development of the business side of veterinary medicine, Lisa has been rejuvenated and rediscovered her passion for helping other veterinary professionals fill up their own bucket and make more money. By addressing the systemic organizational issues that are keeping us in the dark, Lisa hopes to help entire systems work smarter, not harder. If you are starting to retreat from what you used to love about veterinary medicine, burnout and stress could be playing a major role. Instead of just dealing with it, you can use your voice to create an environment th

Wendy Hauser has had a chance to wear many hats in her career, being involved in everything from pharmaceuticals, to practice ownership, consulting and pet insurance. Since deciding she was destined for veterinary medicine at age nine, Wendy has worked to develop her skills and resume to reflect her dedication, determination, and resilience.  Wendy wants to make sure that you realize all of the different gifts you can find in different jobs, never feel stuck, and find a culture that makes you feel necessary and happy. Providing advice on everything from early-career practice ownership to finding a mentor and dismissing the negative connotations around pet insurance, Wendy is proof of the power of diversity in medicine. When you are part of a culture that creates a sustainable and inviting workplace you are able to problem solve as a team, develop your own personal skills and motivate yourself to keep taking brave leaps. If you want to learn why pet insurance is a valuable way to proactively care for an animal

Alan Stockdale, Tatiana Rogers, Taylor O’Malley, and Rikki Vellman have decided to take on the world of veterinary school while simultaneously tackling an MBA. This combination of veterinary medicine and business know-how is giving these students a serious edge when it comes to practice ownership, and they are here today to shed light on what sets them apart in the big picture.  If you have any desire to learn about business, an MBA may be the push you need to set yourself apart from the crowd and get serious about business ownership. Learn what inspired these four students to do a dual degree and the benefits, hardships, and lessons learned from both the business classroom as well as the veterinary clinic.  These students believe in working on yourself rather than on paper, not conforming to any cookie-cutter molds, and ensuring that your veterinary business makes money at the end of the day. A look inside the mind of four bright, inspired and slightly tired DVM/MBA students, the class of 2023 is here to she

Cancer sucks, but learning about cancer should not suck. That’s the motto of Sue Ettinger, aka the Cancer Vet. Sue is a badass oncologist, veterinary cancer specialist and mom who believes in providing reliable and accessible content to both pet owners and veterinarians.  An author, speaker and the 2019 Western Vet Conference Small Animal Continuing Educator, Sue does what it takes to inspire others to bounce back from our shortfalls. Join in today as we talk about everything from tips to building a thriving social media presence, to role storytelling plays in finding joy and how to create more balanced work-life boundaries.  With an old fashioned hard working attitude, Sue is passionate about educating others on finding a career you love, embracing the missteps that got you to where you are and sharing cancer awareness.  How have your past hopes, dreams, and mistakes led you to the place you are in now? Share your failures and successes with us in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode Appreci

Today we’re joined by Kim Schmidt, a career CVT and veterinary technician specialist in surgery and anesthesia. She is also the program director for veterinary technology at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins where she trains some incredible CVTs.  Kim takes us on her journey from a child with a fascination in reptiles to an internship at a zoo to a certified veterinary technician and instructor. Working in surgery means a lot to Kim as she gets to be part of the team that fixes what’s broken in an animal and send them home with a new lease on life. Furthermore, as a teacher, she feels honored to help prepare the next generation of CVTs. There are so many crucial and rewarding parts of a career as a veterinary technician. From being an integral part of the veterinarian's team to helping to maintain relationships with clients, a vet tech makes the whole process possible. Kim also breaks down her training program for CVTs and explains just what is needed to make this a fulfilling and long-lasting car

Colorado State University believes in the importance of bonding with your fellow veterinary students and professors which is why they have created a Mountain Campus to help celebrate those in their first year of veterinary school. Situated up in the mountains, this two-day retreat features no phones, team bonding, and the ability to get back to nature. Unique to CSU, the Mountain Campus is a great way to embrace orientation for first-year vet students and help you get to know the people you will be working with on a personal level. Everything from ropes courses to sharing circles happens at the Mountain Campus in order to get you the best orientation experience possible. Join Dr. Arnold, Christina Geldert and Chloe Muir as they dive into the highs and lows of the first year of veterinary school. How does your university embrace orientation for first-year vet students? Share your traditions with us in the comments on the episode page.   In This Episode Highlighting the orientation program for vet school at Co

Chloe Muir is about to enter her third year of veterinary school and has a wide range of experience under her belt already. Having just returned from working at a clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal, as well as a stint at a pop-up clinic in Guatemala, Chloe is an expert in the challenges of doing veterinary work abroad and the importance of being resourceful.  On this special ‘back to school’ episode, Chloe shares stories of her adventures, inspirational tips for fellow veterinary students, and reflects on the journey that brought her here. Learn why she equates veterinary medicine to summiting a mountain, why she thinks we need to talk more about student debt and get into the mind of a modern veterinary student.  If you are looking to get into the mind of an almost graduated veterinary student, or are hoping to open up the conversation to become more resourceful, this is the episode for you. How did your experience in veterinary school shape your career? Share with us in the comments on the episode page.    In This E

Today we are switching things up as I, Dr. John Arnold, invite you to join me during my drive through Colorado as I reflect on the path that brought me to the Leadville Colorado 100 Mile Mountain Bike Race. A look inside my mind and what would be my journal, this episode is all about the culmination of hard work, dedication and a tinge of mid-life crisis.  Join me on my road trip as we take a break from routine and get to know each other better. Learn all about the role Tom Petty has played in my relationship, what I am drinking to stay hydrated, how I prepared myself to train for this race, and much more.  How do you like to reflect on your path? Share how you document your perspective in the comments on the episode page.    In This Episode Learn the reason why behind the 100 Mile Mountain Bike Race Exploring your inner dog and which dog represents Dr. Arnold Why the bike is a symbol of feeling better physically and emotionally How being more present in the trenches can lead to greater job happiness Discove

In this episode, we jump back into the large animal world with DVM, large animal surgeon and lab research developer, Jeremiah Easley. After trying to rebel against his father's career of equine medicine, Jeremiah found his way back to his passion and has since found a thriving home in surgery and the development of medical devices.  Today Jeremiah is here to relive the knowledge and wisdom he has gained over his career and dive into the exciting world of research and development on the medical side of things. We take a look into the highs and lows of equine surgery, how to find a job that you are excited about, the importance of finding growth in the passion to learn, and much more.  Join us as we reflect back on the crucial moments of life where things worked out just right, and the importance of making a difference in both human and animal lives through continuous growth and the pursuit of knowledge. How did your upbringing impact your decision to become a veterinary professional? Share with us in the comme

A prominent figure in the vet world and advocate for veterinary people, Dr. Kimberly Pope-Robinson is a voice for wellness and sustainable happiness in the veterinary world. With a career spanning over 20 years, Kim has dabbled in both large and small animal practice before finding a home in the pharmaceutical industry.  Today Kim is getting real about anxiety, depression, and the importance of cultivating the ability to deal with all of the emotions that come with a full life. Despite her predisposition to look on the negative side, Kim makes an effort every day to retrain her brain and focus on the positive. If you take away one thing from this episode, it should be that you are normal, you are not broken and you are not alone.  By working to walk away from the ‘name, blame and judge’ and towards the ‘recognize, embrace and connect’, Kim can help you recognize your sinkers and ballons and stay connected to everything around you. The information you learn on this episode will provide strategies to help you l

Dr. Erik Hofmeister, DVM, DACVVA, DECVAA, MA, MS, has more letters behind his name than in it, but remains humble and focused on how hard someone works over their grades. Currently a Professor of Veterinary Anesthesia at Auburn University, Erik knows a lot about the powers of determination and perseverance. A ‘highschool dropout’ turned academic, Erik has helped many people get into internships, residencies, and faculty positions, and chooses to look at the way someone recovers over how they fail. A believer in finding many different paths to happiness, Erik is here today to dive in-depth into the world of anesthesia, academics, and more to help you optimize your life. If you are able to dedicate yourself to a skill, you can learn how to thrive in veterinary medicine. Erik finds beauty in going unnoticed, loves to encourage people to follow multiple paths, and ultimately works to find happiness and fulfillment for all those he works with.  Are you ready to work hard, enjoy the process and be a reasonable frea

Our community recently lost a great friend and a true veterinary icon, Kim Ellis. Kim impacted so many in such a positive way, from her 32 year-long career as a CVT and equine nurse, to her passion for teaching students, her previous episode on PAV, and the words and actions of compassion she extended on a daily basis.  Please join us as we revisit Kim’s previous episode and find new inspiration in her message and strength. Learn about Kim’s fixation for draft horses and promoting the term ‘equine nurse’, the importance of never being satisfied, and why you need to stop and smell the roses before life forces you too.  Kim was an open book who was dedicated to spreading the message of being kind to yourself, persevering through the bad times, and making as many memories as possible. Kim held the true secrets to longevity and connectivity and embraced the lessons cancer taught her. Someone who touched the lives of everyone she met, Kim will be greatly missed and her words of wisdom will continue to live on thro

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work on the national level, providing insight into animal disease emergencies and potential outbreaks? Alex Turner, DVM, went from skiing on an Olympic course, to equine ambulatory practice, to the USDA, and has loads of stories to go with his experiences.  Having just returned home from a 23-day 'deployment’ with the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Alex is part of an emergency response team that helps keep all of us safe. Today he shares his stories from the equine world and emergency scene, why he stands by his controversial Harry Potter opinions, and much more. Being open to new opportunities has been the key to Alex’s success and he is here to shed some light on the importance of mentorship, following your dreams, and asking for help when you feel trapped. Have you ever dreamed of protecting plants and animals from potential disease outbreaks? Share what you found the most interesting about Alex’s field in the comments on the episode page.    In This

Lauren Smith, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian from New York who has taken her passion for vet med to the depths of the internet writing various blogs for sites such as Dr. Andy Roark, and her own site, The Vetitude. Now in the process of transitioning from clinic work to her own relief business, Lauren is here to talk about everything from entrepreneurship to empathy and how to deal with haters in your comments section.  A self-described ambivert who found a safe haven in academics, Lauren has a wide range of stories and life experience to share with you today. Learn how ROSS University of Vet School helped equip her to deal with what life and the Universe throw at you, ways to work through the anxiety that may be stopping you from achieving your dream, and how to have more empathy and less compassion fatigue with your peers and clients. If you struggle to understand things from a clients perspective, want to increase your charisma in the exam room, or are having a hard time narrowing in on the core value

On our first international podcast, Natalia Strokowska joins us from Poland to shed some light on the similarities and differences between the veterinary profession in America and Poland. DVM, MRCVS, entrepreneur, medical English teacher, and avid traveler, Natalia discusses everything from the clubbing culture, travel to five different continents helping animals, the importance of mental health, and much more. Join us for a look into the stereotypes, limitations, and advantages of becoming a vet in Poland and England, why Natalia uses her modeling career as a platform on Instagram to discuss larger issues such as depression, and how she balances running a business, being a local vet and being an entrepreneur teaching others. Natalia believes that you can find your motivation from your inner child and use that to get closer to your passion, whatever that may be. Learn what motivates the millennial generation, how to survive burnout, the challenges of surviving a winter in Poland and why everyone should dance

Today we are flipping the script on your host, Dr. John Arnold, and giving him his chance in the hot seat. Want to know how Dr. John met his wife, where he wishes he was living, and why he chose to become a general practitioner? All this and more is answered today as we dive deep inside what makes Podcast A Vet tick. Going back to the beginning of Dr. John’s veterinary career we are discussing everything from the importance of mentorship to learning who you should be giving your attention too, and ways to become a master in the art of recovery. And as a bonus, hear John’s rendition of The Safety Dance in our question lightning round! If you want to get to know your host better, or are looking for advice when it comes to any part of the veterinary field and life, this episode is for you. Get ready to be inspired by Dr. John and prior guests, as we review the struggles of achieving your dreams and the reasons why it is all worth it. Do you have a question that you want to ask Dr. John? Share it with us in the c

Continuing on with Brownen Foster on this Part 2 episode, we are getting to some audience questions and learning what exactly goes on in the background that fosters Bronwen’s compassionate and calming presence. Catch up on Part 1 of our conversation. A relief vet and acupuncturist, Bronwen has started living life by her own rules and has found peace by focusing on the positives. Today Bronwen encourages us to reach out, find a team and gain some perspective on your options. Learn how to become okay with not being perfect, ways to set boundaries and expectations within the clinic, and discover when you need to swallow your pride and ask for help. A guiding light on this confusing path, Bronwen knows what it's like to hate your job and provides great tools to help you gain the experiences you desire and create the habits you deserve. What do you admire most about Bronwen's attitude and passion for true happiness? Share with us in the comments section.   In This Episode What to do when you are feeling insecure

Brennan Pitard is back for round two of this Financial Wellness Series to share more from his unique perspective as both a veterinarian and banker. Brennan is passionate about helping people buy into or take over a veterinary practice to live their dream as an owner and is sharing tips and strategies to help you realize that dream as well if you so choose. Whether you want to know what you should be doing to own a practice in five years, think that your student debt will hold you back from your dream of practice ownership, or are ready to take steps starting today to achieve your dream, Brennan is here to answer your questions and set your mind at ease. Learn why Brennan doesn't even blink at $200,000 in debt, how to stop your debt from holding you back from pursuing your goals, and why he believes in getting the whole story behind the person to help them establish confidence. If you are thinking about taking the leap and buying into a practice, Brennan wants to provide you the tools to make your mark on the