On today’s show, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Jasmin Paris—a true powerhouse in the worlds of veterinary medicine and ultra-running. Jasmin’s got a serious academic pedigree: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Veterinary Science, PhD, and membership in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Jasmin is a leading expert in small animal medicine, but honestly, it’s her jaw-dropping athletic feats that leave most of us in awe.Jasmin is one of the most accomplished female ultra runners, particularly in Fell Running, on the planet. Just this March, she made history as the first woman ever to complete the brutal Barkley Marathons in Tennessee, a 100-mile monster with a 60-hour cutoff that only 20 people have ever conquered in its 38-year run. And that’s not all—back in 2019, Jasmin won the Montane Spine Race, a 268-mile winter ultramarathon across England’s Pennine Way, breaking the record by over 12 hours, all while expressing breast milk and caring for her 14-month-old daughter. She’s also crushed records in the 2016 British Fell Running Championship and the Bob Graham Round, blazing through that gruelling 66-mile challenge in an incredible 15 hours and 24 minutes.From her days as a vet student, captivated by animals and the science behind their care, to her relentless pursuit of the next peak in mountain running, Jasmin is the embodiment of grit and passion. Today, we’ll dig into her incredible journey, exploring how she’s balanced—and thrived—at the intersection of veterinary medicine and ultra-running, and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.So sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy my conversation with the one-and-only Dr. Jasmin Paris.Episode LinksDr Jasmin’s blog: https://jasminfellrunner.blogspot.com/Follow Dr. Jasmin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminparis_fellrunner/The Green Runners: https://thegreenrunners.com/Episode Outline00:01:00] - Introduction to Dr. Jasmin Paris’s Dual Passions[00:04:45] - Discovering the Call to Veterinary Medicine[00:13:20] - First Steps into the World of Ultramarathons[00:21:30] - Breaking Records at the Montane Spine Race[00:28:10] - Preparing for the Barkley Marathons Challenge[00:39:15] - Becoming the First Woman to Finish the Barkley[00:47:20] - Lessons in Resilience from Running and Vet Medicine[00:53:00] - The Key to Work-Life Balance and Recovery[01:00:05] - The Power of Teamwork and Community[01:05:50] - Final Advice for New Graduates

On today’s show, I’m joined by veterinarian, multiple practice owner and digital storyteller, Dr. Cody Creelman. Join us as we talk about Dr. Cody’s exciting journey in and out of veterinary practice, culminating in his new practice FenVet, an ultramodern clinic looking to reimagine veterinary care.Dr. Cody began his veterinary career with a focus on large animal practice, where he quickly became a respected figure, known for his dedication and expertise. Amongst being a veterinarian, multiple practice owner, Cody is also a digital storyteller—sharing his story and daily adventures in entertaining and educational ways that have garnered over 20 million views, followed by loyal cohorts of ranchers, veterinary professionals and the public alike.From working a construction job seven days a week to pay for university, to veterinary graduate, to partner, to multiple practice owner — Cody didn’t catch his breath. However, in 2019, a series of unexpected events led him to pivot dramatically, leaving behind his established career to explore new horizons. Cody loaded up his family and set off into the unknown. After swimming in America’s tidal pools, hiking Redwood’s National Park amongst the oldest trees in the world and sleeping out under the stars, a new challenge started to emerge for Cody.Driven by a desire to innovate and improve the veterinary experience for both clients and practitioners. He opened FenVet in Airdrie, Alberta in May 2021. A new ultramodern clinic, mostly working with dogs and cats. FenVet's mission was clear from the start: to reimagine the veterinary care experience for the betterment of patients, clients, and the FenVet team. Born from Cody’s appetite for innovation, the clinic focuses on continually challenging traditional animal care paradigms with the ultimate aim of extraordinary experience and extraordinary innovation.So sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy my conversation with the one-and-only Dr. Cody Creelman.LinksFenVet: https://fenvet.com/FenVet's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenvetclinic/Follow Dr Cody on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codycreelman/Connect with Dr. Cody: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cody-creelman-46b78156Episode Outline00:03:41 - Cody's Early Career and Achievements00:05:30 - Career Pivot and Personal Reflection00:11:21 - Finding Purpose Through Change00:13:21 - Embracing Entrepreneurship00:18:10 - Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Vulnerability00:26:22 - The Concept of Mortality in Career Choices00:29:18 - The Genesis of Finn Vet00:35:02 - The Blue Ocean Strategy in Veterinary Medicine00:43:57 - Creating a Seven-Star Customer Experience00:51:03 - Building an Empowered and Motivated Team00:59:15 - Hiring and Cultivating the Right Culture01:03:40 - Expanding with a Sourdough Starter Culture01:08:12 - Navigating Economic Challenges in Veterinary Medicine01:14:00 - Conclusion

On today’s show, I’m joined by veterinary surgeon turned King of online veterinary education, founder and CEO of The Webinar Vet, musician, environmentalist and Liverpool FC fan, Anthony Chadwick.Anthony Chadwick knew from the age of 8 that he wanted to be a veterinarian. After graduating from his home university in Liverpool, he worked as a small animal veterinarian for over 20 years. After attending a webinar conference in 2010, Anthony saw an opportunity. Looking to make veterinary education easier, more accessible and affordable for vet professionals with very busy lives, Anthony carved out and pioneered the first online space for veterinary education through his founding of The Webinar Vet in 2010. The Webinar Vet has now been online for over 13 years, with over 3,000+ hours of video education and vets and nurses from well over 100 countries having benefited from its broad video encyclopaedia.Anthony’s itch for pioneering and innovation doesn't stop there, as he continues to spread the word for circularity and sustainability in the veterinary business and beyond.He has recently completed a Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies course at the University of Cambridge, and is hosting the third annual Veterinary Green Discussion Forum in June of this year. With a principal focus on leaving the planet in the same way we found it, Anthony’s personal life and businesses are built on the foundation of circularity and sustainability. The Webinar Vet is Carbon Negative, having planted over 7,000 trees so far and has cultivated wildflower meadows near its office. Anthony continues to facilitate regeneration into a more sustainable, environmentally friendly space by encouraging big and small companies to become more ambitious with their targets on climate, biodiversity and resource use to help keep our beautiful planet safe. And as a part of this mission, he is hosting the third annual Veterinary Green Discussion Forum at the London Wetland Centre on the 18th of June this year. In this episode, Anthony discusses his personal journey from veterinary surgeon to starting The Webinar Vet, strategies for practices and business owners to improve their sustainability, global sustainability, pilgrimage and slowing down, and of course, the importance of Liverpool FC.So sit back, grab a cup of tea and enjoy my conversation with the King of online education, Anthony Chadwick.LinksTo book your place at the annual Veterinary Green Discussion Forum, 18th & 19th June, contact Anthony:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonychadwickThe Webinar Vet: https://thewebinarvet.com/Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonychadwickEpisode Outline[00:02:29] Pioneer of online education.[00:04:32] Football rivalry dynamics.[00:12:08] Vocation and identity in veterinary medicine.[00:16:19] The importance of pets.[00:19:21] Gratitude and faith in life.[00:25:06] Pilgrimage experiences on Camino.[00:29:20] Type 2 Fun.[00:32:00] Lifelong curiosity and learning.[00:43:11] Circular concept of sustainability.[00:54:17] Sustainability in life[01:18:19] Sustainability in veterinary practices.[01:22:28] Sustainable business practices

Can Vet Heroes Get To Net Zeros? Sustainable Futures, with Dr. Jeremy WatsonAbout the GuestDr. Jeremy Watson completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science with honours at the University of Melbourne in 1986. He established the Brimbank Vet Clinic in 1998, a small animal practice in suburban Melbourne. During 2011, the clinic was rebuilt incorporating the latest environmental design features, facilitating a pathway to make the practice carbon neutral.In 2013, Dr. Watson achieved membership by examination to the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the discipline of small animal surgery.Dr. Watson joined Vets for Climate Action in 2020 to help amplify the role that veterinary teams can play in motivating our community to take urgent action on climate change. Within this organisation, he has been working specifically on the Climate Care Program for Veterinary Practices.LinksBrimbank Veterinary Practice: https://www.brimbankvet.com.au/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-watson-29243151 Sustainable Clinic AVA Article: https://www.ava.com.au/digest/from-around-the-ava/2021/november/2/jeremy-watson/ Episode DescriptionIn this episode of Blunt Dissection, we dive deep into the quest for net zero carbon emissions in veterinary medicine, guided by Dr. Jeremy Watson, a pioneer in the field of veterinary sustainability. Dr. Watson brings to light the crucial role of integrating business culture and strategic planning in veterinary practices to foster a conducive environment for sustainability efforts. He underscores the necessity for management's commitment to spearhead this journey, through strategic fund allocation, visionary leadership, and setting a clear direction for the practice's future. The absence of such unified leadership and vision, he warns, could hamper efforts to curb carbon emissions, depriving them of the essential support needed for success.Dr. Watson further explores the power of collective action, emphasizing the importance of engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders - from manufacturers and distributors to equipment makers, end-users, and disposal services. He illustrates how such collaborations can effectively tackle challenges and pave the way for adopting more sustainable practices across the board. For example, the adoption of sustainable anesthesia practices, such as low-flow anesthesia or total intravenous anesthesia, achieved through the concerted efforts of anesthesiologists, equipment manufacturers, and veterinary nurses.Highlighting the difficult pathway to achieving net zero carbon emissions, Dr. Watson discusses the importance of setting clear, achievable targets. He references the science-based target initiative, advocating for the establishment of intermediate goals over the next 5 to 10 years, with the ultimate objective of reaching net zero by 2050. These targets, he argues, serve as critical milestones, guiding veterinary practices towards systematically reducing their carbon footprint.In summary, this episode of Blunt Dissection underscores the indispensable role of strategic alignment among practice management, industry partners, and professional organizations in embedding sustainable practices within veterinary medicine. Through collective efforts and clear goal-setting, veterinary practices are well-positioned to make significant strides towards a sustainable, net zero...

On today's show, we peel back the layers of veterinary medicine's current landscape, under the guidance of two of the industry's most influential figures, Dr. Matt Salois and Martin Traub-Werner. Matt, the president of VMG, a leading veterinary group purchasing organization, and former Chief Economist for the AVMA, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the economic facets of veterinary practice. His insights into financial trends and strategic planning are invaluable to understanding the broader economic environment in which veterinary practices operate. Martin Traub-Werner, the pioneering former CEO of Vet Success and the current CEO and founder of VetBooks, a cloud-based veterinary accounting software, is a titan of data analysis and entrepreneurial innovation in veterinary medicine. His expertise not only lies in harnessing the power of data to drive business success but also in creating tools that empower veterinary practices to navigate their financial landscapes more effectively.Together, Matt and Martin dissect the complexities facing today's veterinary professionals. They delve into the significant trends that are shaping the industry, from the challenges of navigating economic pressures to the opportunities presented by technological advancements and the shift towards independent practice ownership. Their conversation, while deeply informative, also offers a roadmap for vets to strategize and thrive in an ever-changing professional environment. They discuss the uncomfortable truths of our profession with the precision of seasoned experts, yet also highlight the reasons for optimism, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats with a clarity that's both enlightening and actionable.This episode is more than just a dialogue; it's a strategic session that draws on Matt's deep understanding of veterinary economics and Martin's groundbreaking work in veterinary data analytics and software development. Their combined expertise presents a compelling narrative on why now is a critical time for veterinary professionals to embrace change, leverage technology, and fortify the foundations of independent practice ownership. It's a call to action for the veterinary community to navigate the challenges of today with an eye towards a more resilient and thriving future.Join us as we explore the insights of two absolute titans of knowledge and influence in veterinary medicine, offering a blend of practical advice, strategic foresight, and a vision for what the future of veterinary practice can look like.About the GuestsDr. Matthew Saloishttps://www.myvmg.com/Matthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Management Groups (VMG),where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 2,000veterinary member practices. Most recently, Matt was the chief economist and head of the veterinary economics division at the AVMA between 2018 and 2022, where he applied his skills in economics, business, and communication to support the daily lives of veterinarians.From 2014 to 2018, he served as senior director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health. Matt is also an adjunct professor of applied economics at the University of Florida, where he previously taught and advised graduate and undergraduate students. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Florida and holds an M.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida.Martin Traub-Wernerhttps://vetbooks.com/Martin dressed up as a businessman for Halloween when he was seven.  Since then, he’s spent more than 40 years refining his skills and honing his craft. He completed an undergraduate degree at York University in his hometown of Toronto, Canada and a...

Tune in to the latest episode of the Blunt Dissection Podcast, where we are honored to have the remarkable Dr. Chloe Buiting, an Australian wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, published author, and consultant for Fauna & Flora International, join us. With an impressive background as an Official Advocate for Kensington Palace's Earthshot Prize and a member of the Science Advisory Committee at Zoos Victoria, the world's first carbon-neutral zoological facility, Dr. Chloe brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our conversation.Join us as we delve into Dr. Chloe's deep-rooted love for our natural world, cultivated during her childhood on the breathtaking Lord Howe Island. In this episode, she generously shares her early influences, veterinary heroes, and the transformative path that led her to become a dedicated conservation vet. Prepare to be inspired as she opens up about her book, 'The Jungle Doctor,' revealing the motivations, challenges, and profound insights behind its creation. Together, we explore the impact of conservation work and embark on a thought-provoking discussion about the effects of COVID-19 on wildlife, navigating existential crises, and more. In the end, we unravel Dr. Chloe's relationship with Instagram and dive into a rapid-fire round of questions, getting to know the real person behind the inspiring work she does. This engaging episode is brimming with invaluable lessons and advice for the next generation of veterinarians. Don't miss out!Outline of this episode:• [0:48] Meet Dr. Chloe Buiting: Discover the story behind the passionate wildlife veterinarian and conservationist.• [06:30] Early Influences on Lord Howe Island: Explore the formative experiences that shaped Chloe's love for nature and wildlife.• [09:00] Veterinary Heroes: Learn about the people who influenced and motivated Dr. Chloe along her veterinary journey.• [13:05] Path to Conservation Vet Work: Dive into the pivotal moments and factors that led Dr. Chloe to dedicate her career to conservation veterinary work.• [17:07] Navigating Existential Crisis: Discover how Dr. Chloe finds her way through a challenging phase in her life.• [20:30] Breaking Stereotypes: Explore the truth behind whether Conservation Vets have a penchant for breaking things and the deeper meaning behind their work.• [26:18] "The Jungle Doctor" by Chloe Buiting: Gain insights into Dr. Chloe's book, including its motivation, inspirations, and the challenges she faced during its creation.• [31:08] Balancing Act: Explore how Dr. Chloe manages the mental challenges of her work and maintains her well-being in a demanding environment.• [34:31] Motherhood and Purpose: Learn how becoming a mother has influenced Dr. Chloe's purpose and perspective in her conservation efforts.• [36:25] The State of Affairs: Get an update on Dr. Chloe's current endeavors and how things are shaping up in her professional journey.• [38:16] Stories, Learnings, and Highlights: Delve into the captivating anecdotes, valuable lessons, and standout moments from Dr. Chloe's career.• [42:31] Impact of Conservation Work: Discover the significant impacts that conservation efforts have made so far, including achievements and ongoing challenges.• [50:56] COVID's Wildlife Impact: Explore the effects of the global pandemic on wildlife populations, particularly primates, and the importance of addressing these challenges.• [55:44] Advice for Future Vets: Listen to Dr. Chloe's insightful advice and words of wisdom for the next generation of veterinarians.• [1:01:22] The Power of Networking and Mentoring: Understand the value of building connections and finding mentors within the veterinary profession.• [1:08:06] Loop Abroad Engagements: Learn about Dr. Chloe's involvement and experiences with the Loop Abroad program, facilitating international study abroad programs

In this thought-provoking episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with veterinarians Matt Flann and Caroline Collins, the inspiring owners of Pennard Vet Group in the UK. They have challenged the status quo of selling their practice to corporations for large sums and instead forged an ethical path towards a brighter future for pets, their team, and the local community. By creating an employee-owned model and achieving B-Corporation certification, Matt and Caroline have become beacons of change in the veterinary industry.If you're curious about alternatives to selling out to private equity, passionate about leaving a positive impact on the planet, and interested in exploring new ways of engaging and caring for your people, this episode is for you. Matt and Caroline's leadership journey will open your mind to a different perspective on veterinary practice ownership and inspire you to consider the profound impact ethical choices can have on your team and local community.Join us as we delve into the story of Matt and Caroline's bold decision to create an employee-owned model for Pennard Vet Group. We'll explore the challenges they faced, the values that drove them, and the positive outcomes they have witnessed as a result. Discover how their employee-owned model has fostered a culture of collaboration, dedication, and commitment to providing the best possible care for their furry patients.We'll explore how years of commitment to growing fantastic leaders, and a sense of stewardship rather than ownership steered their choices.And we'll dive into Matt and Caroline's pursuit of B Corporation certification an standard that showcases their commitment not just to people, but to society. Lofty stuff indeed. Don't miss this engaging and informative episode that will expand your horizons and challenge conventional notions of veterinary practice ownership. Be inspired to create change and build a future where ethics and compassion mean more than dollar signs. Because doing so might be the only way we stand any chance of making life better in veterinary medicine at all.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Robert Hilsenroth. Dr. Hilsenroth was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1971! After a year in practice, he took the bold step of moving to Colorado and opening a small animal practice as a relatively inexperienced vet and businessman. Things clearly worked out, as he owned the practice for the next 19 years.There were highs and lows, including frustration with how the media handled veterinary issues. As such, Dr Hilsenroth was drawn to develop his media skills to better contribute to and improve the quality of reporting on important local and national veterinary issues. This investment paid off, and for a decade, he was employed by the ABC television affiliate KUSA as their “pet health expert,” producing weekly reports on pet and animal issues.  In addition, he hosted radio talk shows and wrote weekly newspaper columns.In 1991, his career changed course quite dramatically and sold his practice and began a 13-year tenure with the Morris Animal Foundation, an organisation funding health studies for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife. Initially joining as the Staff Veterinary Communications Officer, Dr. Hilsenroth’s skills allowed him to be identified and successfully appointed as the Foundation’s Executive Director.When he began this role, the Foundation was funding only two studies in the Zoo & Wildlife Division, while there were 10 or more studies in each of the other Divisions. When he got done more than a decade later, the same division was funding more than 30 studies.Dr. Hilsenroth “retired” from Morris Animal Foundation in April 2004 and moved to northern Florida to enjoy fishing and the quiet life. Or so he thought… Talent, however does not often get the luxury of going quietly into the night… and it wasn’t long before the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, a group he had worked closely with while at the Morris Animal Foundation, came calling on his leadership experience. Those calls, while initially rebuffed, were, in the end, effective and in 2005, Dr Hilsenroth was appointed to the role of Executive Director of the Association. A position he still holds nearly 18 years later! Quite possibly a record in delaying retirement.Aside from the enormous impact on zoo animals and conservation Dr Hilsenroth has made, he has made just as significant an impact on people -  amassing a wealth of learned and taught leadership experience during his career. Including completion of Harvard’s Executive Education program “Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management”.But before we jump into today’s episode, here is a quick word from today’s show sponsor…Introducing The Vet Career Concierge - the easy way to find your dream job. It's a brilliantly simple concept.Instead of wasting time searching through thousands of practice jobs that might be a good fit - but frequently aren’t. Let The Vet Career Concierge do the hard work. All you have to do is register, and tell us about your skills and what you are looking for from your next practice.Then your Career Concierge goes to work filtering, matching and approaching only practices that are a good fit. If you like the sound of a practice and want to meet, your concierge will coach you through the interview process, help with negotiations and work to ensure you have a smooth transition into practice when you accept a role. They'll even stay in touch with scheduled career check-ins to make sure you are happy.The service is open to vets and vet nurses with at least ONE YEAR in practice and legally able to work in the USA, Canada, UK, EU or Australia.To register visit vetxinternational.com/career-concierge. And all registrants will be entered into a

On today’s show, we have the pleasure of being in the company of Dr Ben Howitt.Ben is the Founder & Managing Director of Pan Animalia Galápagos and is an International Veterinary Manager with Worldwide Veterinary Service. He was brought up in Singapore and studied at the University of Bristol Vet School in the UK. Following graduation, Ben spent three years of mixed clinical practice on the Channel Island of Guernsey before moving to the Galápagos Islands to manage a volunteer and charitable veterinary clinic run by a US charity. He completed this work in 2019, returning to the UK to start his own foundation called Pan Animalia and subsequently teamed up with Worldwide Vet Services as one of their project managers.Pan Animalia’s mission is to conserve endemic wildlife populations in the Galapagos islands by preventing competition, predation, and infectious disease transmission from the domestic animal population. This, in part, means working to educate local communities but also setting up local population control systems and preventive vaccination programs.The foundation is doing terrific work and in the past year since opening has completed more than 700 surgeries, attended more than 1300 animals, hosted 32 students and volunteers, visited 8 local schools and created one awesome team!In 2020 his efforts and ambition were recognised as he was nominated for the British Veterinary Association’s Young Vet of the Year award.Now, before we jump into today’s episode, here is a quick word from today’s show sponsor…Introducing The Vet Career Concierge - the easy way to find your dream job. It's a brilliantly simple concept.Instead of wasting time searching through thousands of practice jobs that might be a good fit - but frequently aren’t. Let The Vet Career Concierge do the hard work. All you have to do is register, and tell us about your skills and what you are looking for from your next practice.Then your Career Concierge goes to work filtering, matching and approaching only practices that are a good fit. If you like the sound of a practice and want to meet, your concierge will coach you through the interview process, help with negotiations and work to ensure you have a smooth transition into practice when you accept a role. They'll even stay in touch with scheduled career check-ins to make sure you are happy.The service is open to vets and vet nurses with at least ONE YEAR in practice and legally able to work in the USA, Canada, UK, EU or Australia.To register visit vetxinternational.com/career-concierge. And all registrants will be entered into a prize draw where you could win an apple watch, a magnum of champagne or an amazon gift card.Registration is free so head to vetxinternational.com/career-concierge to sign up today.Now, back to the show…Ben has been on my Instagram radar for ages as we both share a passion for animals and the ocean, but due to both of our seemingly outstanding efforts at not being timezones, it literally took about two years to get this interview arranged. I’ve not had a lot of guests from the world of conservation so it was great to hear about Ben’s passion for conserving utterly essential ecosystems, and the work he’s doing to help protect an area made most famous by Charles Darwin himself.So without further ado, sit back and enjoy this conversation with vet conservationist and lover of oceans, Dr Ben Howitt!

On today's episode of Blunt Dissection, we are doing something a little bit different. For the last six years, I have been interviewing people who are doing remarkable things in veterinary medicine. But this year I feel like getting curious about what different models and thinking is out there. Why?  - The reason is pretty simple. We are in what seems like an unsustainable moment where we are haemorrhaging talent of all kinds out of the veterinary profession. This comes at a time when there is increased demand in terms of quantity and availability of service but also in terms of quality of service. We are haemorrhaging talent in the face of increased stress, which starts at university, driven by the soaring costs of education. A stress that previous generations did not have.And yet acting as a counter-balance  we see huge improvements to the quality of life. Working hours per week have never been lower. And we now speak openly, freely and widely about the mental health issues that have confronted this profession for generations. This of course is all playing as we observe the sweeping changes to the ownership structure of veterinary practices. Gone, it seems, are the days of independent practice as we move into the days of market consolidation and multinational corporate medicine. The chief decision makers are now shareholders or financiers whose commitment is primarily to the ongoing financial viability and profit of those businesses generate for distant shareholders. That's quite different to the commitments made in the boardroom of smaller independent clinics practices owned outright by vets - where animal welfare is the primary driving factor. So it’s against this backdrop we explore what's going on in veterinary medicine and we look to the future, not the past. We’ll look to salve the pain of today by looking at the balm of tomorrow’s innovation.I’ll be exploring business models from around the world where people are challenging the status quo. So let's dive into the ideas from today, that may be niche but one day might just change veterinary medicine for the better. My first guest is Dr. Sara Pizano. She works at Team Shelter USA, an organization that has transformed the way humane societies operate in the United States. Now, she’s teamed up with the Open Door Veterinary Collective, and has turned her attention to making veterinary care accessible to as many people as possible, while remaining profitable.The Open Door Veterinary Collective operates two practices, doing things very differently, and challenging the myth that people who can’t afford veterinary care aren’t worthy of veterinary care. The results they have generated so far are very impressive and call into question both the ethics and economics of “Gold Standard Care”. There’s a lot to dig into here so let's jump right into the episode with the awesome Dr. Sara Pizano. Episode Outline[00:00] - Dr. Dave Nicol begins the episode with a short precap.[03:05] - Can we rely on traditional methods in the veterinary business in current economic conditions?  [3:30] - How is the increase in pet ownership that occurred during the Covid-19 outbreak now contributing to overcrowding in animal shelters due to high inflation?[11:10] - Dr. Sara Pizano talks about Open Door Veterinary Collective Business model, explaining how practices can have sustainable business models while making enhanced veterinary care accessible to as many individuals as possible.[19:30] - Dr. Sara Pizano talks about the spectrum of care, the client-centered, evidence-based treatment that achieves positive results for animals with minimal resources. [21:45] - Dr. Sara and Dr. Dave list the primary reasons...

On today’s show I’m joined by Martin Traub-Werner. Martin is the founder and former CEO of Vet Success, a business helping practice owners improve their decisions by taking objective data, sucked from their practice management software, and turning it into meaningful insight.He holds a BA in Economics and Spanish from York, and a Masters in Industrial and Labour Relations from Cornell. His early career was spent cutting his teeth in the HR department of a global manufacturing organization. He then took a “tour of duty” through the various business departments of both fortune 500 companies and small businesses - gradually learning his craft. Having served a very handy apprenticeship, Martin began his entrepreneurial journey for real setting up a marketing automation business. A complete fluke conversation caused a pivot into data intelligence and Vet Success was born.The business grew to a market leading position in data analytics for practices and in January 2021, was acquired by Vetsource. After a year working as the head of Data & Platform Technologies for the company, he moved on to start up his latest venture called VetBooks. VetBooks is a book-keeping service looking to democratize timely access and understanding of practice financials.Martin’s other notable career contributions are as a co-author of Veterinary Practice Management Essentials and he sat as chair of  VetPartners Practice Management Special Interest Group for two years.Now, before we jump into today’s episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor…Introducing The Vet Career Concierge - the easy way to find your dream job. It's a brilliantly simple concept.Instead of wasting time searching through thousands of practice jobs that might be a good fit - but frequently aren’t. Let The Vet Career Concierge do the hard work. All you have to do is register, tell us all about your skills and what you are looking for from your next practice.Then your Career Concierge goes to work filtering, matching and approaching only practices who are a good fit. If you like the sound of a practice and want to meet, your concierge will coach you through the interview process, help with negotiations and work to ensure you have a smooth transition into practice when you accept a role. They'll even stay in touch with scheduled career check-ins to make sure you are happy. The service is open to vets and vet nurses with at least ONE YEAR in practice and legally able to work in the USA, Canada, UK, EU or Australia. To register visit vetxinternational.com/jobs. And all registrants will be entered into a prize draw where you could win an apple watch, magnum of champagne or amazon gift card.Registration is free so head to vetxinternational.com/jobs to sign up today.Now, back to the show…Martin is that most rare of things, a data nerd who also speaks fluent human. He’s not an easy guy to put in a box, indeed it may well be that no-one puts Martin in a box. He’s an entrepreneur for sure and loves solving puzzles. But he’s just as likely to view his team as a puzzle to solve as the problem his business actually exists to solve. And it’s that quality I think that makes him such a stand out as both a leader and human. Well, it’s that or his ability to rock a bow-tie and flat cap combo! The only thing I didn’t enjoy about this episode was how short a time we had to record. But what we lacked in time, I'm quite certain we made up for in value. So without further ado, sit back and enjoy this conversation with the...

On today’s show, I’m joined by David McCormick.David is a veterinary valuation appraiser and transaction specialist, working with veterinarians throughout their ownership journey to help evaluate financial health so owners can make better decisions. To give that a better outline David, in the same way, that veterinarians look at lab tests and x-rays to diagnose disease in animals, uses financial reporting tools to diagnose and treat unhealthy practices, or helps new owners understand their numbers from the beginning. In short, he’s a veterinary business health wizard who can read the tea leaves of your accounts and accurately predict much about your practice without ever walking in the door. A skill that every practice owner or manager would do very well to master too.His career pathway to veterinary medicine was not direct and frankly is worth an interview on its own merits,  with animal encounters in exciting, remote places and a near miss as a musician featuring highly.  But it was his father, Larry, an MBA-holding Veterinarian that was the magnetic draw back into a world he was immersed in as a child. More on that in the interview.David holds degrees in Science, Environmental Resource Management, and a Masters in Agricultural Education. He’s a regular and hugely popular speaker on the veterinary world speaking circuit, a charter member of Vet Partners, and serving as president in 2006. And was the Practice Management Education Manager for Western States Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas for seven years.Money management is massively important for business and by extension physical and mental health. Well-managed businesses which return good profit margins allow for better staff salaries, more investment in new things to help standards of care, and a fair return for owners. Having seen him keep the attention of the PSI vet symposium attendees the day before, on a subject more prone to glazing the eyes of veterinary professionals I knew I’d found my guy to talk about a subject that is taboo in the world of veterinary business - Profit is not a dirty word!Regardless of your age or stage in vet med, this might be one of the most important conversations you hear because, in the end, economics determines just about everything. So enjoy this, my conversation with the financial wizard and frisbee chasing David McCormick. Today's show was made possible through the generous sponsorship of VetX Thrive - the course where vets like you go to learn the professional skills needed to have a happy and financially successful career as a vet. Learn more and sign up at www.vetxinternational.com today.

When I sat down for this episode of Blunt Dissection I thought it would be like any normal interview. Very quickly however I found myself in the Blunt Dissection hot seat! Being interviewed by the returning Dr Peter Weinstein. Peter takes to the mic to ask me some of veterinary medicines' most burning questions and I must say I’m a bit worried he’s trying to take over as the host of Blunt Dissection as a whole! Peter and I have a fantastic discussion on a range of subjects from avoiding mentoring meltdowns, to the importance of culture, to reimagining the whole veterinary model around new technology. There's a lot to cover in this one so we’ll jump right on in but first a short message from our show sponsor...We all know that imposter syndrome, angry clients, and burnout are real and cause many vets to leave their jobs and careers. But what you might not know is that there is a place where you can learn and master the essential street skills for how to be a great GP vet upon which you can build a sustainable, fulfilling career. A place where you can access mentors view jobs from practices that care about culture and access new weekly articles and podcasts dedicated to your career. That place is called VetX and you can access all of the resources including a career planning tool, The RACE accredited Thrive Professional Skills course, hundreds of articles, podcasts, live mentor Q&A sessions, swag and more.To join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better go to www.vetxinternational.com today to register for free!Now back to the show...Before we get into the interview, a quick reminder of just how much Peter has accomplished in his varied and successful career. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University and, after graduation, Peter worked as an associate for three years before fully engaging with his entrepreneurial seizure and opening his practice.Whilst running his practice Peter learned the hard way that it takes way more than just a love of animals to run a successful hospital and so while managing and practising full time, he completed an MBA. This had a massive positive impact on his trajectory and helped his practice ‘take off’. Following the success of his practice, Dr Peter "segway-ed" out of clinical practice and into the land of vet politics and business consulting serving as the President and Executive Director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, President of the California Veterinary Medical Association and is a Past-President of VetPartners in the US.He also co-wrote the book the E-myth veterinarian with Michael Gerber, which I highly recommend you read (and I harbour huge author-envy over).So without further ado let's jump into the interview where the never-conventional Dr Peter Weinstein dissects yours truly.In a very, very sad and bizarre twist of timing, the day we published this episode about 4 hours before it was announced that Her Majesty The Queen passed away. She was an incredible woman who was one of the most dignified leaders of her time. RIP Queen Elizabeth II. You will be missed.Outline of this episode[9:34] After some light-hearted conversation, Dr. Peter asks Dr. Dave whether there is a common thread about the veterinary profession that gets talked about everywhere irrespective of the audience.[19:28] Dr. Dave Nicol talks about “burnout and wellness,” going into detail about his trigger words and how they may not mean what we think they mean.[24:14] Dr. Dave and Dr. Peter discuss extrinsic and intrinsic influencers of decision-making and why we need to focus on intrinsic influencers to make better decisions for all stakeholders.[27:52] Dr. Dave talks about how he incorporates proactive decision-making in his business...

In today's show, we visit rural Michigan and find ourselves on a horse farm… Home to none other than veterinary pain management guru Dr. Mike Petty.Mike is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. He has been the owner of Arbor Pointe Veterinary Hospital since 1985. And it was here that he dedicated himself to becoming a pet pain management specialist, developing his practice to include the Animal Pain Center, a hugely popular service drawing pet owners from far and wide. Within this particular niche, Dr Petty expanded his knowledge and skills to encompass the most up-to-date and compassionate treatments available. He is certified as … and wait for it… a Veterinary Pain Practitioner, a Medical Veterinary Acupuncturist, a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, and he’s a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pain Management.In 2016 he published his first book Dr. Petty's Pain Relief for Dogs: The Complete Medical and Integrative Guide to Treating Pain. Mike is the past president of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and the co-author of the AAHA/AAFP 2015 Pain Guidelines. He is an international speaker, highly published author with articles in several veterinary journals and serves in an advisory capacity to several pharmaceutical companies on topics of pain management. Now before we jump into the show, a quick word from today’s show sponsor…The VetX community.We all know that imposter syndrome, burnout, angry clients, and burnout are real and cause many vets to leave their jobs and careers. But what you might not know is that there is a place where you can learn and master the essential street skills for how to be a great GP vet upon which you can build a sustainable, fulfilling career. A place where you can access mentors view jobs from practices that care about culture and access new weekly articles and podcasts dedicated to your career. That place is called VetX and you can access all of the resources including a career planning tool, The RACE accredited Thrive Professional Skills course, hundreds of articles, podcasts,  live mentor Q&A sessions, swag and more.To join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better go to www.vetxinternational.com today to register for free!Now back to the show..Chatting with Dr Petty was a real privilege, he’s one of the people others frequently recommend to be a guest on the show - for his knowledge of pain management, but also his contribution to veterinary medicine and affable personality.We explore the background and career of Dr Petty covering everything from Vespas to Lasers (and much in between). So if you need some pain management advice or even some career inspiration, this is going to be a show you don’t want to miss.So, sit back, get comfy and enjoy this, my conversation with Veterinary Medicine’s pain management maestro, Dr. Mike Petty.

On today’s show I am joined by uber-technician and Anesthesia Nerds founder Tasha McNerney.Tasha is a certified veterinary technician and pain practitioner specialising in anaesthesia as well as having the distinguished diploma in utterly nerdy vet tattoos!  Her veterinary journey bagan back in 1997 when she first started working in practice and has seen her rise to become one of the most inspiring advocates for animals in our profession.  Tasha graduated from Michigan State University in 2003 with a degree in wildlife Biology, gained her LVT in 2006 after studying Veterinary Technology at Manor college, and in 2015 qualified as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in anaesthesia. She also works to educate the public on animal pain awareness, founding  Animal Pain Awareness Month alongside the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. She is a regular on the vet speaking circuit, and in 2020 she was recognised for her contributions by being voted VMX Speaker of the Year for Veterinary Technicians.But perhaps her greatest accomplishment in doing all of this, is in finally proving beyond any doubt that nerds can be cool too. Well, at least Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds! If you are not picking up what I’m putting down then search for Veterinary Anesthesia Nerds on Facebook and you’ll find the group she founded with more than 18,000 other passionately devotees to making life safer for animals under our care, big glasses and, occasionally, cool ink... Speaking of awesome communities, a quick word from today’s show sponsor…. Did you know there is a community where you can learn the essential street skills for how to be a great GP vet upon which you can build a sustainable, fulfilling career. A place where you can access mentors, view jobs from practices that care about culture and access new weekly articles and podcasts dedicated to your career. That place is called VetX and you can access all of the resources including a career planning tool, 14 hours of accredited education, hundreds of articles and live mentor Q&A sessions, plus earn swag and more. And I, yes I will be your personal mentor! To join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better go to www.vetxinternational.com today. Registration is free so go to vetxinternational.com now.Now back to the show,I’ve known Tasha for years, so it was awesome to finally have this conversation. She’s not only a great advocate for our profession and a great person to spend some time with. If pain, learning how to look after yourself and cool tats are your jam, this episode is for you. Oh, and she’s also a fully paid up member of the “We love Great Britain Club”... what’s not to love? So let's jump right into this, my conversation with the fantastic, Tasha McNerney.Episode Outline[00:00] Introductions- The show starts with Tasha McNerney talking about her love for England and her general personal life.[06:44] What are you currently working on in your life?[11:11] Tasha talks about the work-life boundaries she has set and her relationship with her 10-year-old son[14:27] How much in our life is too much to weigh in? What other boundaries have been set in relation to the veterinary work?[18:00] Host asks Tasha if her work boundaries have ever created tension and resentment among the team members[19:44] Tasha gives her thoughts on the work rate of the younger generation in the technical and veterinary fields[25:25] How did you know you were burnt out? How do you keep emotionally fulfilled?[28:50] Host

In today’s episode of Blunt Dissection, we’re joined by the real-life Forrest Gump, Rob Pope. Rob is best known for being the first person to complete the famous Forrest Gump run: 15,621 miles, five times across the United States. Rob is a graduate of the London Royal Veterinary College, an ER vet, winner of the Liverpool marathon, a qualifier for the Australian Olympic marathon team, ultra-athlete, and the first man to complete the Forrest Gump Run across America. Averaging nearly 40 miles each day, Rob embarked on this mind-boggling journey across the United States to raise both funds and awareness for causes he really believes in - Peace Direct and the World Wildlife Fund.  His journey took him across the US 4.77 times, covering over 15,700 miles and earning a Guinness World Record. In 2021 he released his book documenting the journey, “Becoming Forrest”.He has also finished as top Northern European on the six-day, self-sufficient Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, billed as one of “The World’s Toughest Footrace” - and that was despite developing pneumonia during the penultimate stage!To date, his incredible efforts have raised more than £100,000 for charities including the world wildlife fund.Rob hosts the Red Bull podcast called “How to be Superhuman”, where he chats to other similarly insanely brilliant (or perhaps brilliantly insane) endurance athletes of all backgrounds to hear what makes them “superhuman”.Oh, and in addition to his vet degree, he also holds a degree in veterinary pathology and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine.If you like running you are going to LOVE this episode. If you need a lift, Rob is your walking pep talk. And if you just love some vet life philosophy from two dudes with weird accents… we’ve got you covered. Enjoy this conversation with the superhuman running machine, Dr Rob Pope.Outline of this episode:[0:00] The introduction begins. [03:22] The episode begins with Rob describing who he is and what he does.[07:39] Explaining the decision to run across America… five times.[17:00] Rob shares his interesting experience after asking to use a stranger’s bathroom in Texas.[20:50] How Rob worked around his visa timeframe.[26:40] Rob’s biggest takeaways from his time in America.[33:34] Preparing for the Forrest Gump run.[41:30] Rob’s warm-up and cool-down practices for long-distance runs.[48:43] Advice to budding runners.[54:54] How to enjoy your career in veterinary medicine.[1:04:02] Rob discusses his approach to goal-setting.[1:08:37] Being intentional about rest and relaxation.[1:12:51] Rob reveals his go-to running earphones and playlist.[1:16:55] How to be superhuman.[1:25:25] Overcoming the wall of life.

Now after a short intermission, on today’s show, we’re back. And I’m joined by Canadian veterinarian, comedian, author, and cancer survivor Dr. Sarah Boston.Sarah graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1996. She completed a rotating internship at the University of Guelph the following year. She then returned to Western Canada for three years of general practice before going to the University of Guelph for a residency in small animal surgery - becoming board-certified with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2004. Sarah followed this up with a Fellowship in Surgical Oncology in 2005 and is an ACVS Founding Fellow of both Surgical Oncology and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.She was on faculty at the University of Guelph for 5 years before moving south to the University of Florida where she was an Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology.Having achieved tenure at both institutions she took the less beaten path and moved back to Canada where she started a Surgical Oncology Service at 404 Veterinary Emergency & Referral in Newmarket. She is Adjunct Faculty at the University of Guelph.A Past-President of Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology Sarah has authored numerous journal articles and textbook chapters on surgical oncology. Sarah is also a published author and cancer survivor. Her first book, Lucky Dog: How Being a Veterinarian Saved My Life, was published in 2014. In addition to her writing and vet work, Sarah has found a huge creative outlet in comedy, founding The Cageliner, a satirical newspaper for the veterinary industry, and, having made the Top 10 in CBC Comedy’s 2019 Next Up amateur comedy competition, she decided to make comedy her next big move, undertaking a two-year diploma qualification at Comedy School!In this episode, we delve into Sarah’s past and learn what has shaped her to become the person she is today, from living on her own at age fifteen to her ‘crazy’ patients in Florida, clown school, and overcoming cancer. So, without further ado, enjoy this conversation with Dr. Sarah Boston.

On today’s show, I’m joined by vet, author, social media personality and potentially the biggest Doxie & Disney cheerleader in the world, Dr. Adam Christman. Adam gained his Bachelors in Animal science from Rutger University in 2000 before going on to study veterinary medicine at Iowa State where he graduated in 2004. He is also a rare breed vet holding an M.B.A from Aspen University. Adam’s career kicked off at lightning pace, initially working in his hometown practice where he ended up the chief of staff (while also working ER and relief shifts). He’s scratched his altruistic itch working both in shelter medicine and in education teaching on the veterinary assistant program at his local community college. In 2010 his personal brand took off with the launch of his Dr Christman Show on youtube, and most recently the explosion of his tik tok profile where nearly a million followers consume his content designed to help pet owners and vets connect. Although I admit at least 500,000 of them are me watching his version of Doxie Vs Soft-toy Roulette videos. If you’re confused, don’t worry, just google Adam. In 2017 he faced a triple tragedy that would put anyone in a tailspin and after much soul searching he pivoted again into his current role as CVO of the much loved Fetch DVM360 media group. Oh, and did I mention he also wrote and published a book called ‘Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? A Guide for Dachshund Owners Who Are Terrified of IVDD’? Now, whilst you catch your breath, I’d like to invite you to join something that can help you get ahead in your career as a vet. We all know that imposter syndrome, angry clients and burnout are real, and cause many vets to leave their jobs and careers. But what you might not know is that there is a community where you can learn the essential street skills for how to be a great GP vet upon which you can build a sustainable, fulfilling career. A place where you can access mentors, view jobs from practices that care about culture and access new weekly articles and podcasts dedicated to your wellbeing. That place is called VetX and you can access all of the resources including a career planning tool, 14 hours of accredited education, hundreds of articles and live mentor Q&A sessions, plus earn swag and more. To join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better go to www.vetxinternational.com today. Registration is free so go to vetxinternational.com now. Now back to the show, In this episode, Adam offers us an honest and open conversation about his life and journey through veterinary medicine. This is a high octane glimpse into the world of a high achiever with a big personality, and an even bigger heart. If you’ve ever dared to dream big, had to deal with hate, or just love Disney or Doxies, then this episode is for you. So without further ado, I give you this my conversation with the wonderful human whirlwind, Dr Adam Christman.

My first Blunt Dissection episode of the year kicks off with veterinarian, podcaster, international speaker, author, media personality, founder of the Uncharted Veterinary Conference, and of course good friend, Dr. Andy Roark. Dr. Andy graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Florida in 2008 and since then has been changing the pathway of veterinary medicine through his many outlets and talents. Over the past 10 years, Andy has poured himself into life as a veterinarian, as well as being an award-winning columnist for DVM360, a veterinary speaker for Dr. AndyRoark.com ‘a veterinary social hub’, and most recently he founded Uncharted Veterinary Conference - a veterinary medicine’s premier business and career development community - with the goal to help veterinarians thrive and avoid practice drama and burnout. Now, before we jump into the episode, I’d like to invite you to join something that can help you get ahead in your career as a vet. We all know that imposter syndrome, burnout, angry clients and burnout are real and cause many vets to leave their jobs and careers. But what you might not know is that there is a community where you can learn the essential street skills for how to be a great GP vet upon which you can build a sustainable, fulfilling career. A place where you can access mentors, view jobs from practices that care about culture and access new weekly articles and podcasts dedicated to your career. That place is called VetX and you can access all of the resources including a career planning tool, 14 hours of accredited education, hundreds of articles and live mentor Q&A sessions, plus earn swag and more. To join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better go to www.vetxinternational.com today. Registration is free so get on that as soon as the show is done! Now back to the show, I first interviewed Dr. Andy for the Blunt Dissection four years ago, but couldn’t resist having him back on and quizzing his strategic brain. This episode was slightly different from the usual Blunt Dissection episodes, rather than diving into Andy’s pathway into veterinary medicine and his life (as I normally do in Blunt Dissection), this episode offered an insight into the issues we face in veterinary medicine and Dr. Andy’s viewpoint on them. We tackle a range of hugely important issues through a strategic framework where we asked four questions. What should we stop doing. What should we start doing? What should we do more of? And what should we do less of? There's a lot of insight that arose. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Let's get stuck in…

If 2020 was the year that got away, 2021 was the year where we bounced back. It too came with huge uncertainty and challenges and life in practice was played out against a depressing narrative of burnout and talent loss. With uncertainty still rife, and vet med at what feels like a dangerous tipping point, what can, indeed, what must we do to move forward? One of the answers I suspect is already in play - hiding in plain sight. Resilience, that of talked about but seemingly elusive quality is borne out of adversity and in the past 2 years you’ve been building yours, perhaps without even realising it. So as we reflect on another journey around the sun, I thought it would be nice to shine some light on how each of my guests refused to let adversity crush them, instead harnessing its painful energy to sling shot out the other side scarred, but stronger. Let’s dive in. Guests included: Dr. Molly McAllister Dr. Lisa Lippman Dr. Peter Dommett Dr. Fabian Rivers Megan Brashear Dr. Sharon Grossman Dr. Marty Becker Dr. Robin Downing Dr. Mandisa Greene Prof Liz Mossop The Street Vet - Dr Jade Statt We see further and feel so much bigger, when we stand on the shoulders of giants. And that friends, is as positive a message as I can leave you with. All that remains is to thank all of my guests this year for giving up their precious time to talk. I’ve made some new friends, deepened some relationships and I hope has helped you work through another year in this special world we pet professionals call home. Thank you for listening and supporting the show. I hope you get some downtime with your friends and family over the festive season. For the last time this year, from all of us here at VetX….. Be safe, be well and be happy. Today's show was made possible by the VetX Thrive Community. To join this growing band of vets dedicated to building a successful and sustainable career in veterinary medicine visit www.vetxinternational.com today.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr. Jade Statt, cofounder of Street Vet a charity caring for the pets of homeless people. Jade graduated from Glasgow University Vet School with honors in 2002 and initially worked as an assistant in a small animal practice where her innate desire to help others spurred her on to compile and write The Pocket Book of Small Animal Tips For Vets. A book she donated to raise funds for vet mental health and wellbeing charity, Vetlife. Her own struggles with depression led to her serving on the board of VetLife for three years, before finding her true calling one evening on the way back from a night out in London in 2016. Stopping to speak with a homeless man, Jade came to realize the importance of pets to homeless people. But it was also apparent that the vet care and support we might take for granted was non-existent for those living on the street with pets. An idea was born and soon after she took to the streets of London with a backpack stuffed with medicines, food, toys, collars, and leads, and the desire to help. Not long after she met her co-founder Sam Joseph who by happy coincidence was doing something similar and Street Vet was born. Since then, Street Vet has grown rapidly with teams active in 17 locations and a volunteer army of more than 700 dedicated vets, nurses, and support roles nationally in the UK. Jade, in her role as founder and ambassador for the charity, is a tireless advocate taking on many of the other issues that result in increased homelessness such as the lack of available pet-friendly temporary accommodation and has successfully launched a service of accreditation and training for hostels who wish to change. In 2019, her incredible work was duly recognized as she was announced as the Animal Star Awards Vet of The Year. Now, oftentimes we’ll have an advert here…. But today our only ask is that you take a second to visit www.streetvet.org.uk and see what you can do to help. If you are a vet or nurse in the UK then you can volunteer your time. If you are a practice owner you might like to work as a partner practice for operations. And wherever you are, if you can find your way to donate ten bucks to support Street Vet then you’d be putting some spare cash to good use. For all opportunities head to www.streetvet.org.uk and get involved. You won't just be helping others though, because the act of support is great for your own mental wellbeing too. Now back to the show... Jade is incredibly passionate about veterinary mental health and the benefits of volunteering. And her work is a testament to the power of purpose and collaboration. The tireless dedication that both she and her army of volunteers put into protecting the bond between humans and animals in the most vulnerable of people is incredibly inspiring. A timely reminder when many things seem hopeless that the power of caring for others really is a gift that gives in both directions. So now, without further ado, I present this, my conversation with the pretty darn awesome, Dr. Jade Statt.

On today’s show it is my pleasure to be joined by one of the most influential and innovative people in steering global veterinary education, Professor Liz Mossop. Liz graduated from the Edinburgh Vet School in 2000, and following several years in mixed practice jumped, and I do mean jumped, headlong into academia, taking up a new post as lecturer in Clinical Veterinary Education at the University of Nottingham in 2006, the same day as her students arrived! She was part of the team that created a new model for educating vets and delivered a de novo curriculum based on applied learning with hands-on clinical work from day one. The school has been consistently ranked as outstanding by its students who have gone on to win much admiration from employers across the country since. On her own journey into academia, Liz has racked up an impressive list of achievements including completing a masters and PhD in clinical education. She has consistently published on topics of interest to anyone who values a happy career in practice and is one of the most cited authors in her field. In 2016 she was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy and gained a fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession. She became professor of clinical studies at Nottingham University in 2017. Since then, Liz’s career has continued to soar and has taken her away from veterinary medicine altogether. She currently works at the University of Lincoln as Deputy Vice Chancellor for student development and engagement. A role in which she helps 17,000 students studying everything from medicine to music. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive community. If you are struggling with managing time, feeling like an imposter or burnout then you need to make a change. The good news is that you are not broken or a bad fit for the profession, you are simply missing some super-important skills no-one teaches at university. Skills you will learn as part of the VetX community. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills course where members receive training, toolkits and one-to-one coaching to develop these skills. Join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better as a Thrive member. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.vetxinternational.com today. Now back to the show, This interview was on my radar, literally for years, a first attempt several years ago was aborted as my car broke down en route! After listening in, I hope you’ll see why I was so happy to finally get the chance to talk with Professor Mossop. As we see more and more professionals falling out of love with veterinary medicine, and graduates feeling disenchanted with and overwhelmed by their vocation, her message and experience couldn’t be more important. Because as impressive as her contributions to education are, it’s perhaps her persistent refusal to stay in one career lane that highlights most brilliantly why having a veterinary degree is worth striving for. If you hold this qualification, the world absolutely is your oyster. So sit back and enjoy this, my conversation with inspiring educator, and career lane-hopper Professor Liz Mossop.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Mandisa Greene, the first black president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, here in the UK. Raised in Trinidad, Mandisa grew up surrounded by animals and aspired to become a vet from an early age. However, her path into veterinary medicine wasn’t easy. Mandisa faced rejections from all her university applications on her first attempt. But luckily for us, she didn’t let rejection get in her way and, after first completing a degree in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry, Mandisa was accepted to study veterinary medicine at Edinburgh’s Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies graduating in 2008. Following four years in general practice, Mandisa then worked in a dedicated emergency clinic covering Birmingham before transitioning to relief vet work to enable her to have a better work/life balance as she raised her family. Mandisa is a published author, and along with being passionate about her own development, is also a strong advocate for veterinary nurses achieving and being used to their full potential. To this end she has lectured at Harper Adams University educating both student and qualified veterinary nurses. In 2020 Mandisa was historically appointed as the first black president of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and having completed her year of office is now serving as senior vice president. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive community. If you are struggling with managing time, feeling like an imposter or burnout then you need to make a change. The good news is that you are not broken or a bad fit for the profession, you are simply missing some super-important skills no-one teaches at university. Skills you will learn as part of the VetX community. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills course where members receive training, toolkits and one-to-one coaching to develop these skills. Join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better as a Thrive member. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit vetxinternational.com today. While this episode was fun to record it was also at times difficult to hear and imagine the obstacles that I, as a white guy, did not face. Mandisa, as you are about to learn, is not someone who allows setbacks or ignorance get in the way of her goals. Whether rejection and racism or mixing up both career and family, Mandisa has found a way to overcome the odds and make it work. She’s a role model shining a bright light on a pathway that remains hidden to many - one that leads to the very top of this profession. Mandisa is many other things: vet, teacher, leader, mother and an outstanding example of how dreams can come true. But her story is also a reminder of how much more work there remains to do to attract talent from all walks of life. And make sure our systems are set up so that anyone with the skills and desire to do so has a fair chance of calling veterinary medicine home. Listen in to learn, laugh and be inspired by the trailblazing Dr Mandisa Greene.

On today’s show I’m joined by the woman with potentially the new Blunt Dissection record (Sorry Sheilah) for the number of letters after a name, Dr. Robin Downing, DVM, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP, CVA, MS in Clinical Bioethics. Robin, who will be familiar to many of you, graduated from Loyola University of Chicago, (where she obtained a degree in English) in 1981 and later from the University of Illinois: College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. Growing up, Dr. Robin had a natural rapport with animals, thanks to her Grandad; and was later pushed towards pursuing her career in veterinary medicine by her partner and now wife. Utilising her degree in English, Robin wrote a weekly column in The Denver Post, as well as multiple magazine articles, short stories, and two books. Meanwhile, using her veterinary degree to transform Windsor Veterinary Clinic into a Practice of Excellence and create The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management. Alongside, this Robin serves as a Trustee for the Morris Animal Foundation and is an affiliate faculty member at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. It is no wonder that in 2001, she was presented the prestigious Excellence in Veterinary Healthcare Award by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association in Vancouver, and the winner of the 2020 Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive community. If you are struggling with managing time, feeling like an imposter or burnout then you need to make a change. The good news is that you are not broken or a bad fit for the profession, you are simply missing some super-important skills no-one teaches at university. Skills you will learn as part of the VetX community. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills course where members receive training, toolkits and one-to-one coaching to develop these skills. Join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better as a Thrive member. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.vetxinternational.com today. Now back to the show... This episode is both a heartwarming and heart-wrenching story of Robin’s life, (she now holds a second record for the first guest to make me cry) as she recalls her struggles of being both gay and a woman in the 1980s veterinary industry, how her dog stopped her from taking her own life, discusses how every vet should use a bioethical framework, and outlines her hopes to influence human medicine. Expect to laugh, cry, and be truly amazed by the remarkable Dr. Robin Downing.

On today’s show, I’m joining by Dr. Marty Becker. Also known to the public as “America’s Veterinarian,” Marty is a genuine titan of vet medicine with an incredibly successful career spanning not just the decades, but also the categories. He was born and raised in potato country on a small family farm in Southern Idaho. Where his family had dairy and beef cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, and, of course, dogs and cats. Back then the cats were mostly feral and lived in the shadows of the haystacks and farm buildings, and the dogs were outdoor-only. Becker went to veterinary school to become a dairy practitioner, but after listening to Dean Leo Bustad’s introductory talk about the human-animal bond, he switched his attention to companion animals on the spot. Today, our pets occupy more of our beds than we do, which is part of the reason he founded the juggernaut “Fear Free” practice movement which aims to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. Over his career, Marty has owned multiple practices and built a national media profile through his TV appearances, national newspaper column, and book publishing deals. To date, he has written 23 books that have sold almost 8 million copies, including three New York Times best-sellers. Dr. Becker is an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and also at the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine at both Colorado State University and the University of Missouri. Additionally, he has lectured at every veterinary school in the United States, and is on the advisory board of World Vets, an international veterinary and disaster relief program to help animals. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive community. If you are struggling with managing time, imposter syndrome, or burnout then you need to make a change. The good news is that you are not broken or a bad fit for the profession, you are simply missing some important skills no one teaches at university. Skills you will learn as part of the VetX community. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills course where members receive training, toolkits, and one-to-one coaching to develop these skills. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.vetxinternational.com today. Now back to the show... I’ve wanted to sit with Marty and ask questions since long before podcasts were a twinkle in Ben Hammersley’s eye! Safe to say, he did not disappoint. This episode is going to blow your mind - by the end of this show, you’ll know Dr Marty Becker like never before. So sit back and enjoy this conversation with one of the most influential people, and perhaps the greatest cheerleader our profession has ever had.

On today’s show I’m joined by Dr Sharon Grossman. Dr. Grossman is a Psychologist, Life Coach, and Speaker, who is an expert in Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and managing burnout in high achieving professionals. She graduated more than two decades ago with a Bachelors in Psychology and since has completed a double Masters and a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Fordham University. For the past two decades, Dr Grossman has worked with lawyers, doctors and other high-achieving professionals to help improve mental health and well-being, as all are prone to sacrificing their self-care as a result of work demands. Individuals she describes as having “too much on their mind, no direction, and end up focussing on unimportant items while forgetting about more important ones”. Thus entering a paradoxical downward spiral of perceived-underachievement, and eventually exhaustion. If you’re thinking this sounds eerily familiar, then you perhaps get why I was so keen to have Dr Grossman on the show! In addition to her work as a psychologist and coach, Dr. Grossman published her best selling book ‘The 7E Solution to Burnout’ in 2020. A book she hopes will help more high achievers transform their lives from exhausted to extraordinary - a book I strongly recommend you check out. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive community. If you are struggling with managing time, feeling like an imposter or burnout then you need to make a change. The good news is that you are not broken or a bad fit for the profession, you are simply missing some super-important skills no-one teaches at university. Skills you will learn as part of the VetX community. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills course where members receive training, toolkits and one-to-one coaching to develop these skills. Join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better as a Thrive member. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.vetxinternational.com today. Now back to the show... Veterinarians are no strangers to the subjects of exhaustion, burnout, compassion fatigue and worse. We’re smart, we get that these things are risks. But despite this, too many seem to default to one of two options, collapse and leave a profession altogether, further exacerbating the effects for those that remain. Or grimly struggle on becoming ever more disillusioned with a career they once loved. What excited me about having this conversation with Dr Grossman was the opportunity to shine a light on a different pathway. To take a deeper dive into what burnout is and how we deal with work pressures. To explore some of the tools available to take control and manage our own experience, so we all have the chance to thrive in our career. One that, if more of us were willing to take, might reduce burnout, resurrect careers, and literally save lives. Vet med is after all for many of us, not just a job, it’s a vocation. This interview is a bit different from our normal format as it’s more about a subject than person - during the show I share a few of my own struggles in the hope that by doing so, you can find context and courage to get to work on you. So without further ado, find a couch, lay back, and enjoy this part conversation, part therapy session with the empowering Dr Sharon Grossman.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Megan Brashear. Megan initially went to college as a History major, with the objective of teaching high school students. But quickly realising that, for her, such a career was potentially an act of gross masochism she quickly pivoted. Instead, she found biology, and shortly after, veterinary technology. Fast forward several years and Megan gained a BS in animal science from Brigham Young University, her CVT at Oregon in 2000, and became a VTS in ECC in 2004. During her career she has amassed more than 20 years of ER/ICU nursing, along the way working as a senior leader in both private and corporate practice. Following a period of ‘never-say-no’ induced burnout, Megan took a sideways adventure into online training which was part of her seemingly inevitable 360 back into education, but this time with the right group of students - her beloved vet techs. And so it is that Megan now works as a member of faculty at Purdue University, a place where she has found her ‘home’ combining her skill and passion as a mentor, trainer, and leader - helping to develop the vet technician talent of tomorrow. And if you were looking for any evidence that she’s in her element as an educator, the fact she’s won the coveted VMX speaker of the year award, not just once, but twice is probably as good a sign as any! Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive community. If you are struggling with managing time, feeling like an imposter, or burnout then you need to make a change. The good news is that you are not broken or a bad fit for the profession, you are simply missing some super-important skills no-one teaches at university. Skills you will learn as part of the VetX community. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills course where members receive training, toolkits, and one-to-one coaching to develop these skills. Join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better as a Thrive member. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit vetxinternational.com today. Now back to the show, I loved this conversation with Megan, from the outside she might seem understated and quiet. But make no mistake, this double VMX speaker of the year has seen and done plenty. She’s never shied from opportunity, rebounded from her fair share of knockdown blows and now, in her latest role sounds a lot like she’s finally found her happy place. There are a lot of important subjects covered in this show and I know that wherever you are on your journey in vet med you are going to find Megan’s story helpful. So sit back and enjoy this, my conversation with the much funnier than she thinks she is (occasional sofa-hoarding) and entirely wonderful Megan Brashear.

On today’s show I’m joined by Dr Fabian Rivers. Fabian is an exotics vet, TV personality, social activist, and philosopher. Hailing from Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Fabian, also known as Dready Vet, took a path less travelled to becoming a vet by undertaking his training in the Czech Republic. So why did he go overseas to study? The answer perhaps sheds some light on why there is such a glaring mismatch between the ethnic diversity of our general population and the ethnic diversity of our profession. As an applicant from the black community Fabian found, time and again, doors in the UK closed to him that in all probability would have been wide open to others. Thankfully for us all, he was not to be denied, and his perseverance and courage saw him graduate in 2018. Since then he has made an impressive impact. Fabian works in exotics medicine and is a tireless campaigner on his favoured topics of mental health, racism, plus new graduate and student welfare. 2020, a year of hell for many, saw his star rise further, first winning the BVA Young Vet of the Year award (for exemplary contribution to the vet community) and also landing a presenter role on the hugely popular Pets Factor children’s TV show. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive community. If you are struggling with managing your time, feeling like an imposter or burnout then you need to make a change. The good news is that you are not broken or a bad fit for the profession, you are simply missing some super-important skills no one teaches at university. Skills you will learn as part of the VetX community. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills course where members receive training, toolkits, and one-to-one coaching to develop these skills. Join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better as a Thrive member. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.vetxinternational.com today. Now back to the show, We see the violent and sickening side of racism plastered across our news feeds. But what perhaps escapes our attention is the missed opportunity to create a genuinely inclusive profession. Fabian is a shining example of what we might have lost were it not for his determination. The question is how many other talented people have been denied this chance? How much brilliance have we missed out on as a result? And what work must we do now to make things fair and inclusive? Because if you believe that opening up opportunities for all today is a key part of creating a better society tomorrow, then doing nothing is not an option. This episode was an education, it gave me a lot to consider, I hope it does the same for you too. So sit back and let the awesome Dr. Fabian Rivers take us on a journey with a frequently light-hearted touch about a deadly serious topic.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Pete Dommett. Pete graduated from the Onderstepoort school of veterinary medicine in South Africa. A born adventurer with a lust for life, he now lives in Scotland managing an organic farm, literally ploughing a new furrow for ethical food production, and a move away from unsustainable monoculture farm practice. Something he firmly believes is detrimental to animal welfare, the planet and even the survival of the human race. Peter’s convictions derive in no small way from a life lived to the full. Highlights include an entirely harrowing and tragic yachting trip in the wild southern ocean, the rehabilitation and transformation of Waterford Farm a beautiful, non-mechanised cattle farm. Located high in the Drakensberg mountains, his efforts were initially written off as impossible, yet he grafted, innovated and ultimately proved his values-led model of farming worked. One where animals, people and the ecosystems work in harmony. Each remarkable step of these chapters of his life proceeding with a captivating mix of blood, sweat, laughter and tears. His is a story of one man's journey into the unknown which I'll warn you now, will frequently leave your jaw on the floor. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Leaders program for practice managers. If you are responsible for the management of a vet practice and people more accurately staff dramas are your biggest challenge then Leaders was designed for you. The program is the only complete leadership system developed specifically for veterinary practice that will help you transform your practice from 'Hot Mess', to 'Hot Rod'! During the course, you'll learn how to create a compelling vision, choose the right strategy, hire effectively and lead your team so you create a positive culture that brings results. Leaders is a unique deep dive into the world of high performance and I will be your personal mentor throughout. This a four-module VHMA accredited training course supported by weekly live coaching sessions and detailed toolkits to ensure you bring your plans to life and take back control of your practice. To learn more and apply to join, then head to www.vetxinternational.com/leaders. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join and learn with other practice managers who have changed their practices for the better. To learn more and apply visit vetxinternational.com/leaders today. Now back to the show, Unlike many of my guests, Pete is not well known, he does not have a CV crammed full of diplomas and he’s not yet published any books, nor, to my knowledge, won any glittering prizes. But his lfe experience inventory column is stacked in a way that few can rival and that, combined with his willingness to take on the issues many avoid make him one of my favourite guests ever. Sit back and strap in, no seriously STRAP IN and enjoy this conversation with Dr Peter Dommett.

On today’s show, I’m joined by the socially savvy Dr Lisa Lippman. Lisa is one of the most followed and socially influential veterinarians in the United States. She is a regular fixture on media outlets such as Dr Oz, Inside Edition, and People Magazine as a go-to source for expertise in pet health and safety. Whilst growing up in New Jersey Lisa developed a passion for animal care. After initially majoring in Public Relations, she was accepted into vet school and graduated from Western University. After graduation, she completed an internship in New York, the city where she currently resides. Keen to offer a ‘gentler’ veterinary service to her clients, Lisa soon embarked on creating her own house call business ‘vets in the city’. When not treating some of the most influential pets in the world she sits on the board of Animal Lighthouse Rescue, whose mission is to help the homeless dogs of Puerto Rico, and is the co-host of a hugely popular podcast 'We Don't Deserve Dogs' with her partner, comedian Richie Redding. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive professional skills course from VetX International. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you are probably the source of your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter THRIVE. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills training course where members receive training, toolkits and mentoring support to support development of these skills. Paul, one of the community members says joining was the best decision of his life and went from being miserable to being energised and happy in his work. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better. To learn more and enrol visit vetxinternational.com/thrive today. Now back to the show, There is much to enjoy in this conversation, Lisa shares her insight into navigating a career less ordinary, how to do social media well, life in lockdown and much more. She is in many ways a bit of a renaissance women. She’s talented, optimistic and despite having her fair share of set-backs clearly sees life as a glass half full. A great example of what can be done when you mix a positive mindset, with a curious spirit and a sprinkle of self-belief. She’s also a barrel of laughs. My only sadness was that we didn’t get to record this conversation on a park bench in Central Park Manhattan. Maybe next time. And now, without further delay enjoy this conversation with the rather ebullient Dr Lisa Lippman.

On today’s show, I’m joined by one of the most senior vets in the United States, Dr. Molly McAllister. Molly graduated from Oregon State Vet School in 2004, holds a BA in biology, and a Masters in Public health. After a brief stint in equine practice, she worked as a GP vet in Portland before life got tough and circumstances took her in an entirely different, but retrospectively serendipitous, direction. It was 2009 when she began work within the Mars Petcare family, joining as Scientific Services Vet until her move to Banfield in 2014. Molly was initially appointed as director of research, a role where among other things she was responsible for producing the Banfield State of Pet Health Report, a fascinating insight into the disease incidence derived from analysis of more than 3 million health visits to Banfield practices each year. Various other roles followed where Molly’s triple love of people, data, and medicine became evident, allowing her to contribute to, or drive many important initiatives within Banfield and beyond. In 2019 she was appointed the Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, a role where she drives strategy and organisation of the veterinary teams while being accountable for the medical quality standard across the company. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive professional skills course for vets. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you are likely contributing to many of your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter THRIVE. Thrive is a RACE accredited, professional skills training course where members receive instruction, toolkits, and mentoring support to ensure success. Membership is available for a super-small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better. Learn more and enroll at www.vetxinternational.com/thrive today and receive 10% off by using the promo code ‘PODCAST’. Now back to the show, If all you knew about Molly was her title, you might feel quite intimidated - surely someone who climbs to the top of the corporate ladder will be a fearsome beast indeed? Well, you’d be wrong. Molly is certainly driven and ambitious, but she’s also compassionate, humble, and utterly determined to leave her bit of the world better than she found it. She has carved out her career, driven by a sense of purpose and profound awareness that there is only one life, and the journey we take as we live it matters every bit as much as the destination. Ready to hear more? I thought so, without further ado let’s get into the conversation with one of my new favourite people in vet med, Dr. Molly McAllister.

Today’s show is the 2020 end of year review. Normally it is my job to interview and tease apart the life of interesting people from around the world of veterinary medicine. But in our traditional end of year review episode, I take the time to reflect on some of my favourite clips from my 2020 interviews and consolidate the wisdom. In this year, it was very poignant to reflect on how easy it was to meet our friends and families, and to a certain extent how for-granted we all took many elements of life before COVID. So our theme for this episode is finding strength in the work and words of others, because although our sense of connection has been reduced it’s the fortitude and wisdom that can be found in the words and deeds of others that might inspire the strength within to endure and come through this toughest of years. I loved listening again and want to thank my guests who were exceptional in both their talents and generosity in allowing us to peek through the window to their life. The clips I chose are a variety of insights that seemed to have relevance in today’s world and certainly gave me plenty to ponder. I hope you derive a similar pleasure. If this is your first experience of the show then consider it a tapas plate of audio joy, and as such, I invite you to dip in and let the journey take you deeper into the minds of my guests as you see fit. Feel free to explore the 46 other episodes that currently exist! All that remains is for me to wish you a wonderful festive season. Be sure to get some well-deserved rest whether with friends and family or in self-isolation. Thank you for listening and we’ll see you next year. From all of us at VetX International to you, wherever you are… Be safe. Be well. And be happy. Dr D. x

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Caroline Murray aka the Wilderness Vet. Caroline graduated from Liverpool University Vet School in 1997 and, in addition to her veterinary degree, holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology and a Master's in Conservation & Wildlife Medicine. After spending the first few years of her career working in the UK, she took the opportunity to spread her wings and taste the combination of remoteness, veterinary medicine, and conservation (that became the hallmarks of her career) with a trip to West Africa to care for orphaned primates. Wild adventures ensued, a pattern was set, and the Wilderness Vet was born. This spirit of adventure has since led her all over the globe caring for horses in the Mongol Derby - a 1000km horse race across the Mongolian Desert. Near-death experiences with injured Sled dogs in light aircraft above the frozen Alaskan tundra, as part of the Iditarod vet team. And more recently to New Zealand where she currently resides. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the Thrive professional skills course from VetX International. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you are probably the source of your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter THRIVE. Thrive is a RACE accredited professional skills training course where members receive training, toolkits, and mentoring support to support the development of these skills. Paul, one of the community members says joining was the best decision of his life, and went from being miserable to being energised and happy in his work. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better. To learn more and enroll visit www.vetxinternational.com/thrive today. Now back to the show. There are many things to admire about Caroline. Maybe for you, it will be the opportunity her stories provide to recall or experience the thrill of travel and the excitement that exploration of this vast world offers. Or maybe it’s her spirit of fearless adventure combined with affable nature that meld together to inspire us all to take a few more risks in pursuit of our goals. Whatever, one thing is for sure, at a time of great uncertainty, Caroline reminds us all that those lucky enough to be in possession of a veterinary degree really do have the world at their fingertips and a passport to the front row of life. So enjoy this lockdown conversation with the intrepid Dr Caroline Murray.

On today’s show, I’m joined by double European record holder, gold medalist, and Olympic athlete, Laura Muir. Laura made her debut in senior athletics representing Great Britain at the 2013 World Championships and is the current British record holder over 1500m. In 2017 she had an incredible year becoming the fastest woman in the world over this distance, taking her first diamond league world title and winning two gold medals at the European Indoor Athletics Championships, breaking a 32-year old championship record along the way. So what does any of this have to do with veterinary medicine? Well not content with taking the athletics world by storm, Laura achieved many of these feats while completing her veterinary degree at the equally world-beating Glasgow University Veterinary School! In fact, Muir missed the chance of gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, opting instead to focus on passing her veterinary medicine finals. But in August that year, she was back and achieved her greatest honour to date winning gold in the 1500 metres European Championships in Berlin, the first British woman ever to win this title. And you thought it was hard to go for that early morning run twice a week! Now a quick word from today's show sponsor. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you are probably the source of your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter Thrive. Thrive is a course and support community where you will learn the professional skills needed to build a sustained and successful career. With RACE accredited webinars, workbooks, and live monthly mentoring events you have all the tools to set you up for success. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better. To join visit www.vetxinternational.com today and if you use the promoted 'podcast' then you’ll receive 10% off your monthly membership fee. Now back to Laura, For many, rising to the very top of their field, ego can be a problem. In Laura’s case, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you get the sense that she is the same person today, as she was when she first went cross-country running as a child, through the frozen fields around her school in Kinross. The interview with Laura was an incredible pleasure and rare insight into the mind of someone who knows what it takes to suffer for her art. Doing a veterinary degree is hard enough, but doing so while performing at the highest level as an international athlete boggles the mind. So sit back, or maybe go for a run, and enjoy this my conversation with the record-breaking Flying Scot, Laura Muir.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr BJ Miller. BJ is a practising hospice and palliative medicine physician in San Fransico, an author and speaker, best known for his TED Talk, "What Really Matters at the End of Life”. He has been on the teaching faculty at UCSF School of Medicine since 2007 and sees patients and caregivers through his online palliative care service, Mettle Health. He is the subject of Netflix's Academy Award-nominated short documentary, End Game and his book for approaching the end of life, A Beginner’s Guide to the End, was co-authored with Shoshana Berger and published in 2019. He’s also a triple amputee who suffered a horrific injury resulting in the loss of both legs and his left arm when he was an undergrad at Princeton. To many, this would have been calamitous. To BJ, it became a transformative moment of deep pain he harnessed to find purpose. Now, before we get into the show, a quick word from today’s sponsor... When it comes to end of life care, most pets are still euthanised in the sterile and sometimes harsh clinical environment of the veterinary practice which, while convenient for practitioners, is not ideal for pets and can result in as many as 20% of clients never returning to the clinic again due to the psychological trauma. Enter Lap of Love, a veterinary service working in partnership with veterinarians across America to offer an incomparably compassionate end of life care experience for pets in their own homes. In one memorable example, CEO Dr Dani McVety was asked to euthanize a family pet in his beloved swimming pool…. The result was a pet passing in his favorite place, a family grieving but grateful, and a sad moment made infinitely better by an act of amazing kindness. So, if want your clients to experience a beautiful end to their pet’s life or learn more about how you can make the euthanasia experience better for your patients then visit www.lapoflove.com. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up doing house calls in swimming pools too! …back to the show. This interview ranks as a huge personal highlight, and it could be so for all manner of reasons. BJs inspirational story of overcoming incredible adversity. His dedication to a career; making a massive difference. Or his utterly genuine and radiant personality. But in my case, it’s because of a single line he shared in his interview with Tim Ferriss. One that shaped my view of patient and client care forever…. to learn more, listen on. In the interview, we cover a great many topics, but in particular death, mortality and by unbreakable association, life itself. While some of the topics were confronting, it was both a comfort and pleasure to have BJ as my guide. I hope you enjoy this uplifting conversation with the wonderful BJ Miller as he illuminates some of the darker places we fear to tread. BJ's Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-Beginners-Guide-to-the-End/BJ-Miller/9781501157219 BJs Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/bj_miller_what_really_matters_at_the_end_of_life BJs Endwell Project: https://endwellproject.org/

On today’s show I’m joined by not one, but two awesome guests as we take on the towering elephant in the room of veterinary medicine - MONEY! More specifically, DEBT! To dissect this huge issue we have a two for one deal where I’m joined by vets and financial experts Dr. Meredith Jones and Dr. Phil Zeltzman. Meredith is an ER doctor from Virginia, host of the Debt Free Vets Facebook group, and was able to pay off her entire student debt in less than five years post-graduation. She now uses the knowledge she acquired in the process, plus the huge amount of financial training she has undertaken since to help other vets follow the same path. Phil is a multi-time business owner, investor and board certified traveling surgeon, supporting clinics in his home state offer advanced surgical care without the need for referral. He is also a published author with two books available on Amazon and happens to be one of the best storytellers in the business. Now, rather wonderfully both of these amazing people have teamed up and are on a mission to teach vets how to escape from the burden of the amassed student debt they carry and have created the Veterinary Financial Summit which will hold its inaugural event in September 2020. Check is out at https://vetfinancialsummit.com/ --------------- Today's episode is sponsored by the VetX:Thrive community. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have mixed news. The bad news is you are probably the source of your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter VetX:Thrive - a RACE accredited, non-clinical skills course/community where members receive training, toolkits, and mentoring support to support the development of these skills. Paul, one of the community members says joining was the best decision of his life and went from being miserable to be energized and happy in his work. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.vetxinternational.com/thrive today. ----------------- Debt is one of the biggest causes of stress and it’s hard to imagine how the added pressure this has placed onto the shoulders of the next generation of vets is helping anyone to cope. Which is why I was so happy to make this interview happen. Phil and Meredith both have great career stories yet different perspectives to share on the issue. If money is on your mind, you are going to get huge value from this episode. So, I invite you to put your feet up and invest some time and enjoy this my oceanically-distanced conversation with the exceptional Drs Meredith Jones and Phil Zeltzman.

On today’s show, we go on a dive into the dark side of humanity as I am joined by veterinary forensics expert, Dr Melinda Merck. Dr Merck is the owner of Veterinary Forensics Consulting in Austin, which supports law enforcement by tackling crime scene investigation as well as the examination of live and deceased victims. She helps with large scale operations including exhumations of burial sites and examination of skeletal animal remains. She frequently testifies as a veterinary forensic expert for animal cruelty cases around the country including the high profile and successful conviction of NFL player Michael Vick. The fearless Dr. Merck, a Michigan State University veterinary graduate, also trains veterinarians, attorneys, and police officers around the world on the use of veterinary forensics in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty cases, and the important link between this and domestic violence. She serves on the WSAVA Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee, is the Past President of the Board of Directors for North American Veterinary Community, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Plus, my favourite to last she is a member of the International Association of Blood Stain Analysts - if you’re thinking Dexter right now, I suspect you are not alone! In addition to her incredible list of accolades, Dr Merck is the author of “Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigation, the co-author of “Veterinary Forensic Investigation of Animal Cruelty: A Guide for Veterinarians and Law Enforcement,”. Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is my brand new VetX:Leaders training group. If you are a manager in, or owner of, a vet practice and people are your biggest challenge then VetX:Leaders was designed for you. The program is a complete personnel management system where you will learn how to create vision & strategy, hire effectively, and lead your team so you create a positive culture that brings results. This is a unique deep dive into the world of high performance and I will be your personal mentor throughout. There is a four-module training course supported by with weekly live coaching sessions and toolkits to ensure you bring your plans to life and take back control of your practice. To learn more and apply to join, then head to vetxinternational.com/leaders. Now back to the show... This interview ranks as one of my favourite interviews on so many levels. If you are not drooling with excitement at what is in store in this episode then I recommend you immediately check your pulse. So sit back and enjoy this conversation with the brilliant Dr Melinda Merck and the fascinating, but quite creepy, world of veterinary forensics.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Lisa Radosta. Dr Radosta graduated in 2000 from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Coral Springs Animal Hospital, she worked as a primary care veterinarian for 2 1/2 years. She then completed a 3-year residency in Behavioral Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. During her residency, she was awarded the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Resident research award two years in a row. Dr Radosta is contributing author for chapters of many well-known textbooks including The Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat; Blackwell’s Five Minute Veterinary Consult and Small Animal Pediatrics. She has published research articles in Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, The Veterinary Journal and the Journal of Veterinary Behavior and written review articles for Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Compendium, Clinician’s Brief and AAHA Newstat. Plus she is the section editor for Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery. Dr Radosta also serves on the Fear Free Advisory Board and the AAHA Behavior Management Task Force. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the VetX:Thrive community. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you are probably the source of your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter VetX:Thrive. VetX is a RACE accredited, non-clinical skills training course/community where members receive training, toolkits and mentoring support to support the development of these skills. Paul, one of the community members says joining was the best decision of his life and went from being miserable to being energised and happy in his work. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed they careers for the better. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.drdavenicol.com/vetxthrive today. And is yuou use the promocode podcast when you sign up you'll get a further 10% off your monthly membership. Now back to the show, I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and we dived deep into many subjects including from how Dr Radosta developed an unbreakable attitude and considers herself a rule-breaker, to busting wide open a few of her favourite behaviour myths with much to ponder and learn in between. So without further ado, I give you this my conversation with the unbreakable, Dr Lisa Radosta.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Sara Pizano. Sara is a Cornell Graduate and leading light in shelter medicine who has brought about enormous positive change to shelters across America. After university, she completed an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York in 1995 and was subsequently hired by North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, New York where her shelter medicine adventure began. In 1998 Sarah was recruited as director of the Humane Society of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale and in 2005 she was appointed the Director of Miami-Dade Animal Services in Miami, Florida. During her tenure, she attracted hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding, nearly tripled the adoption rate and pretty much rewrote the Animal Services County Code! In 2013 she joined 'Target Zero' as program director and was instrumental in creating and developing a new model to transform high euthanasia public shelters. In the course of her work, she visited and mentored multiple shelters around the country resulting in a drop of nearly 50,000 animal euthanasias in just 18 of those shelters alone. In an effort to offer a wider scope of services to help shelters of all types and sizes she created Team Shelter USA in 2017, where her goal is for all animal welfare organizations to have access to her life saving practices. Dr. Pizano is the author of The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters and leads the assessment and mentorship program at Maddie’s Shelter Medicine, University of Florida. She has received multiple awards and is a board member of the Companion Animal Advisory Council and the Humane Society of the United States. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is the VetX:Thrive. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have good news and bad news. The bad news is you are probably the source of your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter VetX:THRIVE. VetX is a RACE accredited non-clinical skills training course where members receive training, toolkits and mentoring support to support development of these skills. Paul, one of the community members says joining was the best decision of his life and went from being miserable to being energised and happy in his work. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better. To learn more and find out if the class is a good fit for you visit www.drdavenicol.com/vetxthrive today. Now back to the show, In a sector of veterinary medicine which can seem bleak, Dr Pizano’s work offers not just a glimmer of hope, but a well-lit path to a future where animals that can find homes, do find homes. I was engrossed and I learned so much about the incredible and often unsung work Sara and all the heroes in shelter medicine undertake each day. I hope you also enjoy this eye-opening conversation with the inspirational Dr Sara Pizano.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Saye Clement. Saye graduated from Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph in 1993. During her career she has worked in emergency medicine and since 2003 has been a co-owner of Carling Animal Hospital in Ottawa, where, on top of her clinical caseload, she leads the team and manages the hospital standards of care in her hospital. Away from her practice, Saye is extremely active within the veterinary community serving on multiple advisory boards including the Lecture Advisory Board of the Uncharted Veterinary Conference, and the Owners Advisory Council for Vet Alliance. She has more recently begun lecturing on the subjects of team empowerment, culture and the art of communication. While all of these things are fine accomplishments on their own, they are not why I was so interested to have Saye as my guest. What I haven't told you is that she is a keen musician and board member of a small chamber orchestra in Ottowa called ‘The 13 Strings’. And it was as I watched her giving a talk titled “why I only hire artists” that my suspicions were aroused that Saye not only holds within her two seemingly opposed personas - the scientist and the artist - but she has found a way to blend both to become something better. In my dealings with her over the years, I’ve seen many examples of how the awareness of the practice and precision required to be an accomplished musician has been applied with equal care to the building of her career and practice - with great results to show, her practice is a stand out for many reasons. Now, just before we jump into the episode, a quick word from today’s show sponsor which today is VetX:Thrive. If you are working in practice and clients or colleagues are making you miserable then I have mixed news. The bad news is you are probably the source your problems. The good news is that you are also 100% in control of changing things and having a great career. You are missing some skills and they are NOT clinical. Enter VetX:Thrive. VetX is a non-clinical skills training course where members receive training, toolkits and mentoring support to support development of these skills. Paul, one of the community members says joining was “the best decision of my life” and went from being miserable to being energised and happy in his work. Membership is available for a small monthly fee where you can join hundreds of other vets who have changed their careers for the better. To learn more and get a 10% off your subscription visit www.vetxthrive.com and use the promocode ‘podcast’ in the checkout. Now back to the show, This show was a favourite for me, I’ve known Saye for many years. She is quiet and humble but extremely effective at getting important things done. As I have gotten to know her, it becomes clear just how much more there is to come. I hope you have as much fun listening to this episode and my conversation with the quietly extraordinary, Dr Saye Clement.

My guest today is a genuine global superstar in the world of animal health, Dr Temple Grandin. The word ‘legend’ is often overused, but when you’re talking about one of the most respected animal behaviourists in the world – and the most famous person with autism – the word feels pretty accurate. Labelled unfairly as mentally 'retarded' because she didn’t talk until she was three and a half years old, Dr Grandin rose to become a prominent author, speaker and consultant on autism, animal behaviour and livestock handling equipment. She is also a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. But her journey to the top was not easy as she was teased and bullied in high school and workplace for being the “weird, nerd girl”. It was thanks to her science teacher Mr Carlock, who recognised her potential, that she became a scientist and went on to design the revolutionary livestock facilities that are now used by half the cattle production units in the United States. Dr Grandin’s unique talent is her ability to think and see like an animal, because she sees in pictures, rather than words. The late Oliver Sacks, physician, best-selling author, and professor of neurology, described her first book, Emergence: Labeled Autistic, as “unprecedented, because there had never before been an inside narrative of autism”. Dr Grandin went on to write in excess of 15 other books, has a TED talk with over five million views and is the subject of an Emmy-winning movie made about her life. Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is the VetX:Thrive community. If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in vet med, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat you inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member you’ll have access to RACE accredited training modules, monthly meetings with experienced mentors, incredible toolkits and a supportive online community to help you thrive in your career. Membership of VetX:Thrive is available for just $25/month and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount. Head to www.vetxthrive.com to redeem this offer and take control of your career. Now, back to the show. It was both an honour to sit with Dr Grandin, and find out more about the way her incredible brain works. What seems so obvious to her has revolutionised the way we handle livestock. It’s arguable that her insight has improved the lives of more animals than just about anyone else on the planet. Though this is a shorter episode than others, it is packed with insight that I know you will enjoy and find valuable. So, sit back and enjoy this, my conversation with the esteemed Dr Temple Grandin.

On today’s show, I’m joined by one of the most respected thought leaders on the planet when it comes to veterinary economics, Dr Karen Felsted. Karen graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in marketing and spent 12 years in accounting and business management, six of those with Ernst & Young. She then made a radical career change to studying Veterinary Medicine at Texas A & M University graduating in 1996. Returning to Dallas, she practiced both small animal and emergency medicine on a full-time basis while maintaining a veterinary accounting and consulting practice. In 1999 she joined Owen E. McCafferty, CPA, Inc., a national public accounting firm specializing in tax, accounting, and practice management services for veterinarians. During this time she also received her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager designation. In June of 2001, Karen opened her own accounting firm and also joined the prestigious Brakke Consulting group. In 2008 she joined the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues as CEO and spent over three years there before returning to business consulting. Karen is currently a member of the Veterinary Economics’ Editorial Advisory Board and in 2011, she received the Western Veterinary Conference Practice Management Speaker of the Year award and in 2014, the VetPartners Distinguished Life Member Award. But before you get utterly intimidated by her glittering professional roll call a quick word from today’s show sponsor… Your employees are the backbone of your practice, and if they’re injured on the job, it’s vital to get them back on their feet as soon as possible. And with the average claim costing practices nearly $4000, having workers’ compensation coverage is a must. One Midwest small animal clinic team member was handling a stressed dog during an x-ray. The dog bit the employee in the arm and later became infected, requiring surgery and a hospital stay. Without the proper insurance coverage, this would have been a disaster, but thanks to the practices workers’ comp policy through AVMA PLIT, the $190,000 injury was completely covered. The most effective way to reduce accidents and avoid claims is to have effective safety protocols. Our friends at AVMA PLIT offer a free digital safety manual now available to Blunt Dissection listeners. Download yours today at www.avmaplit.com/drdave. Now back to the show… Karen was on my very first list of guests to interview when I began the podcast because she is one of the speakers I have learned the most from and I can think of few others who have their finger firmly over the pulse of veterinary business. So, it was a real honour to welcome her to the show. I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with the multi-talented, articulate and economically brilliant, Dr Karen Felsted.

On today’s show, which was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Fetch Kansas City 2019, I am joined by an incredible woman, who is genuinely making a difference in veterinary medicine, Dr Betsy Charles. Betsy is the executive director of the Veterinary Leadership Institute (VLI), which allows her to combine her passion for veterinary medicine, leadership development, teaching, and communication. After graduating from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and completing an internship with an equine referral hospital, Betsy joined a performance horse practice as an associate vet. She went on to become the Imaging Centre Director and also developed the practice’s extern program. In 2009 she completed a master’s degree in Organisational Leadership, where her thesis dealt with the implementation of change efforts within organisations, specifically veterinary practice. She is also an adjunct professor at Washington State University and a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners Leadership Development Committee and Student Programs Task Force. Now before we get into the interview instead of a sponsor, I’d like to dedicate this episode to all of those brave souls fighting to save animal and human lives in Australia as the worst bush fires in recent memory rage. And in particular highlight, the plight of many of our veterinary friends whose business and livelihoods are under threat as the have either lost their client base or are expending precious resources helping to care for injured wildlife. And let’s not forget the horror of having to see and deal with so many injured or dead animals. This fire is not like the rest and our friends down under need our help, so if you want to specifically help your colleagues then please go to www.ava.com.au/donate and give what you can to the benevolent fund. Thank you. Now back to the show… Besty is passionate, honest and authentic which really comes across in this podcast. We cover an incredible range of important topics from the “bullying culture” of education in medicine to why fear of failure is crippling the industry. But most movingly she shares her story of love with her husband Drake, an incredible figure of light, who she lost to ALS (Motor Neurone Disease) in January 2019. For many reasons, this podcast will move you. To call it one of my favourites would be crass, the subject matter is heavy and I’ll warn you in advance, you are going to need tissues. But if you need proof that even during the darkest of nights, there shines the light of hope. Then this episode is for your soul. So sit back and prepare for this, my conversation with the brave, inspiring, smart and funny Dr Betsy Charles. (The audio recording we received was sadly not up to our normal standard, so we've done everything we could in post-production to improve it. While it's not bad, it's not quite where we normally shoot for. But trust me, it's still well worth sticking with it. Betsy shares some incredible things.)

Today’s show is the 2019 end of year review. Normally it is my job to interview and tease apart the life of interesting people from around the world of veterinary medicine. But in the now traditional end of year review episode, I take the time to reflect on some of my favourite clips from my 2019 interviews and consolidate the wisdom. This year a strand that really stood out was how many people have overcome their battles to find some kind of equilibrium between their work-self and their personal self. Balance seems to be a crucial part of maintaining a happy mind and soul - not an easy task in the crazy world of veterinary care! It would be unwise to say that any single pathway might work for you, but it is clear that there are lots of options that we can all play with as we strive to find a place of stability that allows us to truly love both our work, and ourselves. In this episode take the time to digest the nuggets and reflect on how pertinent the individual wisdom might be to you. I certainly found as I listened back to my guests, new nuggets and thoughts blossoming in my mind. I hope you derive similar wisdom and enjoy my framing. All that remains is for me to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Be sure to get some well-deserved rest with friends and family. Reflect on what has gone before and take time to make a SMART plan for 2020. Until next year, from all of us at VetX International. Be safe. Be well. And be happy. Enjoy the show. Dr D.x

On today’s show I’m delighted to welcome back (back extremely popular demand) anaesthesia, feline and end of Life care guru Dr Sheliah Robertson for our very first ever “round two” interview. Sheilah is one of the insanely qualified, brilliant yet humble people in veterinary medicine so, if you missed round one then your homework is to go back to Episode 16 and catch up! Sheilah grew up in Scotland and graduated from Glasgow University which sort of means we are twins. And her career in veterinary medicine spans more than three decades and encompasses numerous roles and qualifications acquiring four diplomas and one PhD while teaching at schools in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. She has held many prestigious positions including work with AVMA, she's a two-time member of the American Animal Hospital Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners Pain Management Taskforce. And has served as the president of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. That’s saying nothing of the massive list of publications she has written or contributed to. All of which means she’s out of sight at the good end of the dunning-kruger effect curve. In 2017, Sheilah joined Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice as the Senior Medical Director and helps the team deliver the best end of life care experience possible. Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is the VetX:Thrive community. If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat you inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member you’ll have access to 12 online core training modules, monthly coaching with experienced mentors and incredible toolkits to help you thrive in your career. Access to the community is available for just $25/month and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount. Head to vetxinternational.com/thrive to take advantage of this offer and take control of your career. Now, back to the show, I learned so much from my first conversation wit Sheliah that a round two was always on the cards and judging my how well the first episide was received, you felt the same way too. So it gives me huge pleasure to bring you this, my second conversation with the fantastic Dr Sheliah Robertson. In this episode we get into a lot more detail on Sheliah’s bckstory, including her Scottish history and how she fought and won against cancer not just once, but twice. We also get into some detail on some Scottish mythology, how the faculty at Glasgow University pranked the world and as you might expect from one of the best veterinary anaesthesiologists on the planet, some outstansing advice to help you improve your patient care. This is a very eclectic and wide-ranging conversation which I hope you enjoy for the content, and if not that, then the double dose of Scottish accents and folklore.

On today’s show I’m joined by former US Marine turned marketing guru Bill Schroeder. Bill has a fascinating career path and attended Western Illinois University where he gained his degree in Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering in 1991. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Marine Corp. After surviving the legendary Marine Corp boot camp training at the USMC Depot in San Diego, he went on to serve as a helicopter mechanic, plane captain, and then as a reservist, training NCO and section leader. Following his years of service, Bill started his first business and spent time working in field surveillance and private investigations. But in 1998 he and his wife Katie decided to move in a new direction and began what would turn out to be the start of a two-decade (and counting) love affair with veterinary medicine by founding Intouch Practice Communications Inc., which has grown phenomenally since inception and has helped thousands of veterinarians and dentists step successfully into the digital age. Bill has completed the Veterinary Management Institute’s Practice Management Program at Purdue University's Krannert School of Management graduating in 2010. He has returned to help teach the Marketing Segment to VMI students ever since. Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is the VetX:Leaders community. If you are a manager, owner or a team leader in a vet practice and people are your biggest problem then VetX:Leaders is designed for you. As a member, you will learn how to build a high performing team based on three vital areas. Recruitment of the right people, daily management of those people and leadership skills. This is a unique deep dive into the world of high performance, and I will be your personal mentor throughout. There will be teaching, mentoring and access to all of the templates and frameworks I have used to run successful veterinary hospitals around the world over the past decade. So, if this sort of training would improve your practice performance then go to www.vetxleaders.com to learn more. Now back to the show… Bill’s passion for helping his veterinary colleagues succeed is incredible and his ability to see a glass half full make him a great person to listen to and spend time with. These traits coupled to his mischievous sense of humour, storytelling gifts and infectious laugh make him a joy on the ear. So, without further ado, sit back and enjoy this conversation with one of my favourite humans, Mr Bill Schroeder.

On today’s show, I am joined by Dr Steve Noonan. Steve graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1983 and by 1986 (at the tender age of 27) he owned three veterinary clinics. Though business grew fast, life got tough and with interest rates exceeding 20% per annum Steve very quickly learned how little he knew about business. Thus began an almost 30-year practice management learning odyssey which culminated in the formation of a 12 hospital partnership and the directorship of an ultramodern 15,000 square foot hospital. He also started the Metro Halifax Emergency Hospital, one of the first emergency clinics in Canada. More recently, Steve has explored new areas and has dramatically diversified his attention which is now split between part-time clinical work (which he still loves), coaching and mentoring his younger peers and building an entirely new venture, Lochland Botanicals, a herb farm and wellness retreat near Toronto, serving up remedies, teas, flowers, yoga, mindfulness classes and some of the best photos on Instagram! Now, speaking of wellness I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is the VetX:Thrive community. If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat your inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member, you’ll receive 12 success-skill training modules, access to experienced mentors and incredible toolkits to help you thrive in your career. Access to the community is available for just $25/month and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount. Head to www.vetxthrive.com to take advantage of this offer and take control of your career. Back to the show, Steve has felt both the highs and lows that life in practice can offer and he bears the scars on the outside and within. But from the moment I met him, one thing struck me more than anything else. Steve, has a heart the size of a house and wants to do good. His calm and steady demeanour is reflective of his thoughtful inner-self. And if you are looking for someone who has worked hard to become the best version of themselves. Or someone to pick you up when you are feeling down. Or help you find a path when you are lost. Then you’d do a lot worse than have this guy on speed dial. Today's episode was a long time in the making and I loved every second creating it. I hope you enjoy it too. So without further ado, I offer you this conversation with my friend, colleague and mentor, Dr Steve Noonan.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Dr Robert M Miller. Dr Miller is an equine behaviourist, veterinarian, and author. He was born in New York on March 4, 1927, and raised in Tucson, Arizona. After serving in the infantry in World War II, he attended and graduated from the veterinary school at Colorado State University in 1956. He established the Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic in Thousand Oaks, California in 1959 and was the pioneer of the larger multi-doctor practice - a rarity at the time. Thirty-one years later, he retired as a renowned veterinarian and expert in ethology and began a speaking career. Dr Miller has visited every continent giving lectures to colleges, conventions for animal groups, horse organizations, breed associations and other clients. He has published many books on horsemanship, but what you might not know is that his list of credits also includes seven books of comedic cartoons. His acute sense of humour and love of drawing spilling out onto the pages of magazines and books as fast as the insights came to his quick-witted and creative mind. To date, Dr Miller has published a staggering total of over 20 books. On top of this he has authored 50 scientific papers and hundreds of magazine articles for both veterinary journals and equine publications and has served on the editorial staff of Veterinary Medicine, for which he is best known for his long-running “Mind Over Miller” column, as well as Modern Veterinary Practice, Veterinary Forum, and Western Horseman magazines. Dr Miller has received multiple professional awards for his achievements in both veterinary medicine and equine behavior. In 2004, Miller was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Western States Horse Expo, and is a recipient of the Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award in 1995. Plus numerous other accolades. Now, before I get into this episode, I wanted to let you guys know that we have brand new, limited-edition Blunt Dissection Podcast T-shirts available. If you would like to show your appreciation and support the work I do in creating these podcasts then jump across to my website www.drdavenicol.com/shop and you’ll find pictures of the merch there. Every T-shirt purchaser gets a free podcast laptop sticker too! And of course, my enormous gratitude. The t-shirts and hand-printed here in Brighton, use organic fair trade cotton and environmentally safe inks. But most importantly, they make the wearer look smoking hot. Get yours while stocks last today. Now back to the show, as I listen back to this episode it struck me how much I was smiling and felt joy in my heart. Partly this is due to a level of nostalgia from the insight into a time and world veterinary medicine is in danger of forgetting, it’s also because Dr Miller is such a funny, warm and engaging person to spend time with. The insights, story telling and humour that Dr Miller shares make this one of my all time favourite episodes, and I rather suspect that by the end, you’ll feel the same way too. So sit back and enjoy this episode with a man for whom legend seems to small a word. I give you my conversation with the wonderful Dr Robert M Miller.