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 boredo

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

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 alr

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

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 boundari

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 v

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

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 2020 Meaningful and heartfelt shoutouts to our Patreons and guests from the past year Behind 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

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 Vet Exploring the future of Podcast A Vet and what to expect in the new year A 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

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 changes The importance of getting your thoughts do

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 i

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 holidays Why you should focus on

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

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

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 le

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 specialist A peek into the

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 your

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 simultaneous