This month we are excited to feature a series called Exploring Vet Med Intersectionality. This is our veterinary take on the sociological concept of intersectionality, which looks at how various social identities interact and impact an individual's experience. We'll be highlighting the stories of individuals from underrepresented communities working in underserved areas of that med, and how their identities impacted their career paths. Our guest today is Dr. Valerie Marcano. She is a poultry veterinarian who has founded two companies since graduating with her dual DVM and PhD degrees in 2020. We really appreciate her willingness to come on and share her story.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast 

This month we are excited to feature a series called Exploring Vet Med Intersectionality. This is our veterinary take on the sociological concept of intersectionality, which looks at how various social identities interact and impact an individual's experience. We'll be highlighting the stories of individuals from underrepresented communities working in underserved areas of that med, and how their identities impacted their career paths. Our guest today is Dr. Ewan Wolff. Dr. Wolff is board certified in small animal internal medicine. They are also one of the presenters for AVMA's journey for Teams initiative. If you've experienced their module and Journey for Teams or seen one of their seminars, you know this is going to be a great episode.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This month we are excited to feature a series called Exploring Vet Med Intersectionality. This is our veterinary take on the sociological concept of intersectionality, which looks at how various social identities interact and impact an individual's experience. We'll be highlighting the stories of individuals from underrepresented communities working in underserved areas of that med, and how their identities impacted their career paths. Our guest today is Dr. Jean-Yin Tan, DVM, DACVIM, MBA. She is an equine internal medicine specialist and associate professor at the University of Calgary. She has had an incredible career that spans many areas of veterinary medicine. We are so excited to share her experience and perspectives with you.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Youssef Tantawy, a second-year veterinary student at the University of Glasgow, is our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast. Youssef shares his unique journey into the world of veterinary medicine, reflecting on the cultural differences he has observed between the UK and the US. He recounts his enriching international placements and experiences as a SAVMA delegate, both of which have provided him with a broader understanding of veterinary medicine and the importance of cultural competence in the field. Youssef's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of embracing a global perspective, and we are so excited to share it with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Michelle Schack, a dairy veterinarian and she is here to discuss her journey in large animal practice. Dr. Schack shares her early interest in veterinary medicine, her experiences post-graduation, and the structure of her workdays. She highlights the physical demands and evolving roles in dairy medicine, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and ongoing education. Dr. Schack also discusses her efforts in education and outreach through social media, aiming to bridge the gap between the public and agriculture. This is an extremely fun and inspiring conversation, and we are so excited to share it with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guests on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast are Drs. Julie Hunt and Jeremy Delcambre who join us to discuss the AAVMC Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Veterinary Education. They were both members of the international task force that created the guidelines and the handbook recently published on this topic. Throughout the conversation we discuss what it was like to work on these documents, how the group came to consensus on recommendations and how they navigated challenging conversations. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, inclusivity, transparency and continuous improvement in veterinary education. It is a wonderful conversation, and we are so excited to share it with you.To view the guidelines and handbooks, please visit the following links:https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AAVMC-Guidelines-AnimalUse.pdf https://www.aavmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/AAVMC-AnimalUse-Handbook-06.pdfRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Johnson Million. Dr. Johnson Million is the Director of Veterinary Outreach at the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA), better known as the folks who create and administer the NAVLE. She helps demystify common misconceptions and questions around this test, including how the questions are created and ways to volunteer to help create future versions of the test. It’s an awesome conversation with something for everyone!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast  

This episode of My Veterinary Life podcast is a special takeover focused on the upcoming AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC), hosted by previous student attendees, Lily Smith and Taylor Barton. They discuss the “top 7” benefits of the conference, including networking, scholarship opportunities, and exploring diverse career paths. We hope to encourage all listeners to attend the VLC for personal and professional growth!For more information and to apply for student or early career scholarships for the VLC, visit the scholarships page here: https://www.avma.org/events/veterinary-leadership-conference/scholarships-savingsRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Today we have a bonus episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast. We are joined by two special guests Drs. Melanie Marsden and Jennifer Bosler to discuss the proposed creation of a new Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). During the conversation we discuss what a proposed VPA is, why this is important timing in Colorado and much more. We appreciate you listening in on this important topic.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This week we are concluding our three-part miniseries with a focus on wellbeing. In previous episodes we discussed working with mental health professionals along with different credentials and what they mean. We also covered financial wellbeing. We are joined this week by Dr. Kerry Karaffa. Dr. Karaffa is a licensed psychologist and the Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary medicine. He shares results from some of his research and what this means for veterinary students and professionals.  It’s hard to resist Dr. Karaffa’s enthusiasm and passion around these topics and we are so thrilled to share this episode with you. Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode, we are continue a three-part miniseries focused on wellbeing and the topic of the day is financial wellbeing! We are joined by Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett of Smart Vet Financial Podcast and Florida Veterinary Advisor to share their insights on improving your relationship with finances and to discuss the impact this has on your wellbeing. We discuss small steps you can take to have big impacts on your wellbeing no matter what stage of your career you are in. It’s a great conversation and we are so excited to share this information with you.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This week we are starting a new mini-series that will focus on wellbeing. Throughout these three episodes we will cover topics such as working with mental health professionals, financial wellbeing and highlighting research from mental health professionals within veterinary schools. To help us jump start these incredible conversations, we are joined by Francessca Tocco. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s in social work. We cover a lot of ground including, as Francessca likes to say, making sense of the alphabet soup of mental health professional credentialing. It’s a great episode and we are so excited to share this information with you.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This week we conclude the “We Don’t Talk About…,” series where we have been exploring some often-undiscussed challenges in vet med. We previously discussed topics such as board complaints, leaving an internship, and not passing NAVLE on the first try. The goal of these conversations is to reduce the stigma around these experiences and to share resources for listeners who may find themselves going through challenging times, either now or in the future. On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Wellbeing and DEI Initiatives, to discuss Imposter Syndrome, or as we will learn in the conversation- Imposter Phenomenon. She shares research and tips for addressing the environments and systems that promote this phenomenon. This is an enlightening conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you! Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This month, we’re featuring a new series called, “We Don’t Talk About…,” exploring some often-undiscussed challenges in vet med. We’ll be discussing topics such as not passing NAVLE on the first round, board complaints, and the actual root causes of Imposter Syndrome. The goal of these conversations is to reduce the stigma around these experiences and to share resources for listeners who may find themselves going through challenging times, either now or in the future. On this episode we are joined by Dr. Andrew Groenewold, a small animal veterinarian in the Chicago suburbs. He shares what his road to pursuing an internship looks like and the decision to shift directions and not complete his internship. It is a great conversation filled with a lot of wonderful insights and questions we can all consider asking ourselves, no matter what stage of our career we are currently in.  We are so excited to include this discussion in our series and look forward to sharing the rest of the episodes with you. Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This month, we’re featuring a new series called, “We Don’t Talk About…,” exploring some often-undiscussed challenges in vet med. We’ll be discussing topics such as board complaints, leaving an internship, and the actual root causes of Imposter Syndrome. The goal of these conversations is to reduce the stigma around these experiences and to share resources for listeners who may find themselves going through challenging times, either now or in the future. On this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lash Hicks-Bennett. She is currently a small animal rotating intern at University of Georgia, and she joins to discuss her experience with not passing NAVLE on the first attempt. We really appreciate her willingness to join us and discuss this part of her journey and look forward to sharing the rest of this series with you. Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This month, we’re featuring a new series called, “We Don’t Talk About…,” exploring some often-undiscussed challenges in vet med. We’ll be discussing topics such as not passing NAVLE on the first round, leaving an internship, and the actual root causes of Imposter Syndrome. The goal of these conversations is to reduce the stigma around these experiences and to share resources for listeners who may find themselves going through challenging times, either now or in the future. On this episode, we’re joined by AVMA PLIT Trust veterinarian, Dr. Kara Escutia. She is going to share with us information about malpractice insurance and what to do when medical errors occur. Dr. Escutia shares real examples and what to expect when faced with these challenges. We look forward to sharing this series with you and hope that we can continue the conversations throughout the profession.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This month, we’re featuring a new series called, “We Don’t Talk About…,” exploring some often-undiscussed challenges in vet med. We’ll be discussing topics such as not passing NAVLE on the first round, leaving an internship, and the actual root causes of Imposter Syndrome. The goal of these conversations is to reduce the stigma around these experiences and to share resources for listeners who may find themselves going through challenging times, either now or in the future. On this episode, we’re kicking things off with our very own Dr. Marci Kirk talking about her personal experience with board complaints. As with many of these episodes, we are sharing our guests’ perspectives and other individual experiences may vary. We hope that this will set the stage for what the process of receiving a board complaint could look like, what it is like to activate your licensure defense insurance and some of the emotions Dr. Kirk experienced. We look forward to sharing this series with you and hope that we can continue the conversations throughout the profession.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Chris Doherty, the Assistant Director for Strategic Business Research and Outreach at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dr. Doherty shares his journey from small animal private practice to a focus on veterinary economics and business. He discusses the differences between veterinary education in Canada and the U.S., the challenges of entering the job market, and the importance of economic research in the veterinary field. The episode highlights valuable AVMA resources for new graduates and the significance of data-driven decision-making in veterinary careers. It’s a information packed episode and we are excited to share our conversation with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Out guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Raven Washington, a veterinary student at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Raven shares her journey into veterinary medicine, overcoming a fear of animals and discovering her passion for animal welfare during college. She discusses her transformative experiences at the Veterinary Leadership Experience (VLE) and her role in coordinating Auburn’s vet camp for high school students. The episode highlights Raven's dedication, leadership, and the impact of mentorship and hands-on experiences in shaping her career in veterinary medicine. This is truly and inspiring and uplifting conversation and we cannot wait to share it with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Jessi Farris, Vice President of Campus Relations and Clinical Recruiting at Heartland Veterinary Partners. Dr. Farris shares her journey from aspiring shark veterinarian to small animal general practice, and eventually pursuing an MBA. She emphasizes the importance of networking, intentional career decisions, and a growth mindset. After hearing her story, we hope you will ‘say yes’ to the coffee and take time to reflect on what brings you joy in the profession. This is such a wonderful and inspiring episode and we are excited to share it with you.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Rena Carlson, the immediate past president of the AVMA. Dr. Carlson shares her unexpected journey to AVMA leadership, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and the support she received along the way. She discusses the roles of president-elect and immediate past president, and the different ways to balance personal and professional life. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of the veterinary community, and the diverse paths professionals take within the field. If you have ever wondered what it is like to be AVMA President, then this episode is for you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Mo Miller, a recent graduate veterinarian at a small animal hospital in Chicago. Dr. Miller shares their journey to becoming a veterinarian, highlighting their early passion for animal care and some of the speedbumps encountered along the way. They discuss their involvement with the Pride Veterinary Medical Community and their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the profession. Dr. Miller offers advice to LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking a sense of belonging, emphasizing the importance of community support and self-acceptance. We are so excited to share this journey with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of the My Veterinary Life podcast, Dr. Julie Cappel shares her multifaceted career journey, from practicing veterinary medicine with small animals, avians, and exotics to becoming a life coach. She recounts her early inspiration from a sixth-grade teacher and her path to practice ownership, where she learned valuable leadership skills and the importance of aligning with one's ethics. Dr. Cappel also discusses her experience of being fired from her first job, which, despite being challenging, taught her resilience and empathy, ultimately benefiting her leadership style. Balancing career and family life, she candidly admits to the challenges and imperfections of managing multiple roles, including raising children and holding leadership positions in veterinary associations. Dr. Cappel's story is one of growth, overcoming adversity, and embracing the diverse opportunities within the veterinary profession.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This is our final installment of our three-part mini-series highlighting topics that will be covered in AVMA's Journey for Teams Educational Sharpenings. In this episode, we are focusing on how to be an upstander and stay interviews. We are joined by Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Member Wellbeing and Diversity Initiatives. They discuss the significance of being an upstander in the workplace, the implementation of stay interviews to gauge employee satisfaction, and the importance of trust and communication in leadership. The episode offers practical advice on fostering a supportive and inclusive culture in veterinary settings.To learn more about all these resources, visit journeyforteams.orgRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This is part two of our three-part mini-series, where we are focusing on Educational Sharpenings, a new program within AVMA's Journey for Teams. To share information on these topics, we are joined by Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Member Wellbeing and Diversity Initiatives. We focus today on the topics of  Perspective Taking and "What if I Say the Wrong Thing?" The conversation touches on the importance of these skills, addressing the fear of saying the wrong thing, and the value of genuine apologies all while sharing examples of how to apply these in veterinary medicine.To learn more about all these resources, visit journeyforteams.orgRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

We are kicking off a three-part mini-series focusing on Educational Sharpenings, a new program within AVMA's Journey for Teams. To share information on these topics, we are joined by Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Dr. Jen Brandt, AVMA’s Director of Member Wellbeing and Diversity Initiatives. The program offers free modules to help veterinary teams understand and apply diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. It includes videos, essays, and worksheets for self-awareness and emotional regulation. Today’s focus is the first two modules which are self-awareness and emotional reactivity. Our guests share an overview of the topics and share examples and applications within veterinary medicine.To learn more about all these resources, visit journeyforteams.orgRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Mike Adkesson, President and CEO of Brookfield Zoo. Dr. Adkesson recounts his journey from a young zoo volunteer to a zoo veterinarian and eventually to his current executive role. He shares insights into the challenges and rewards of zoo medicine, emphasizing the importance of conservation and education. The episode also explores Brookfield Zoo's upcoming centennial and its plans for immersive animal habitats and conservation efforts. Dr. Adkesson's passion for his work and the zoo community's dedication to animal care and conservation are highlighted throughout the conversation.  Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Chrissie Schneider. Dr. Schneider shares her transition from an equine medicine internship to her residency at Ohio State and then her transition to industry as a Senior Equine Professional Clinical Services Veterinarian with Merck Animal Health. She discusses the importance of understanding both animal care and client interactions, her path to becoming board-certified in equine practice, and her involvement in mentorship and sustainability initiatives within the equine veterinary community. The episode highlights the value of setting professional boundaries and advocating for oneself in the veterinary field.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Manuela Suarez. Dr. Suarez graduated from veterinary school in Argentina and practiced there for several years. Recently, she relocated to New York and is currently working on her certification to practice in the United States. Dr. Suarez shares her educational background, the transition to the U.S., and the ins and outs of the U.S. certification process. She emphasizes the importance of community support and offers advice to others in similar situations. The episode highlights the fact that determination and positive attitude can take you a long way when facing challenging situations.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Marci Kirk and Annie Chavent discuss the advantages of pursuing advanced education opportunities. Dr. Chavent shares her experience and motivation for obtaining her MBA as well as the benefits she is already seeing from earning this degree. They also explore how an MBA can enhance career prospects in veterinary practice and delve into the considerations for selecting a program. Dr. Kirk shares about her recent experience at the Disney Institute for Leadership Excellence and why exploring education outside of the veterinary profession is a great option to explore. Let us know what educational opportunities you have pursued! Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Emily Nutt, an area clinical lead at IndeVets. Dr. Nutt shares her career journey from an equine intern to a small animal emergency vet, and now to a leader in veterinary relief organization. She discusses the benefits of relief practice, such as flexibility and the chance to impact various hospitals. Dr. Nutt also talks about the importance of mentorship, building relationships, and the support her team provides to independent veterinarians. The episode highlights the evolving nature of veterinary medicine and the diverse opportunities it offers.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, Dr. Marci Kirk talks with Sarah Parsons, a licensed veterinary technician with a popular social media presence. They discuss Sarah's journey in veterinary medicine, her approach to creating positive and relatable content, and her methods for dealing with difficult situations in the clinic with compassion and empathy. Sarah shares her experiences with failure and resilience, particularly regarding her initial failure to pass the veterinary technician exam. The episode also covers the importance of laughter and support within the veterinary community. Additionally, Sarah introduces Camp Vet Med, a new event she's organizing to foster connections among veterinary professionals through fun activities and competitions. We are so excited to share this episode with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcastTo learn more about Sarah and her initiatives such as Camp Vet Med please visit: https://vettechsarahparsons.com/camp-vet-med

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Karisa Tang. Dr. Tang is the Vice President of Animal Health at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL. Dr. Tang discusses her path to veterinary medicine, her current role, and the joys and challenges of working with aquatic animals, including incredible stories about Baluga Whales and a heartwarming story about rescuing a baby sea otter. She offers advice to vet students interested in exotic animal medicine, emphasizing perseverance despite the competitive nature of the field. This is episode is guaranteed to leave you smiling!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of the My Veterinary Life podcast, we chat with Kyle Barron, a second-year vet student at Purdue University. Kyle discusses his early interest in veterinary medicine, his educational background in anthropology and biology, and how these disciplines intersect with his veterinary pursuits. He shares insights into vet school life, his leadership roles with SAVMA, and his efforts to enhance student communication, including starting a TikTok page and a podcast. Kyle also offers advice to combat imposter syndrome and underscores the value of self-confidence in the veterinary field.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review.You can also contact us at [email protected] Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, we are chatting with Dr. Sandra Faeh, AVMA President Elect and Chief Veterinary Officer at NVA. Throughout the conversation Dr. Sandra Faeh discusses her path in veterinary medicine, her leadership roles, and her advocacy for mentorship and professional development. We explore the challenges and responsibilities of veterinary leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse voices in the field. Dr. Faeh also shares her dedication to enhancing veterinary teams' lives. The episode underscores the significance of embracing new experiences, learning from mistakes, and prioritizing wellbeing in the veterinary profession.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review.You can also contact us at [email protected] Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of "My Veterinary Life," co-hosts Dr. Marci Kirk and Dr. Annie Chavent chat with guest Dr. Erin Casey about her path to veterinary medicine and her role on the AVMA Board of Directors. They delve into the duties of board members, the significance of mentorship, and the push for inclusive leadership. Dr. Casey shares her experiences from the AVMA Future Leaders Programs to AVMA Committees and House of delegates. They also discuss the travel and time commitments involved in various leadership roles. It’s a fun, engaging conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you!   Remember we want to hear from you!Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast we are joined by AVMA’s very own Dr. Kevin Dajka and Amanda Fark. They are here to discuss a new resource for AVMA’s Veterinary Career Center, AVMA’s JobFIT. Throughout the episode you will hear real time exploration of the tool's features, which help veterinarians find jobs that align with their personal and professional priorities, such as cost of living and location. In additional to learning how to navigate this new resource, the AVMA’s career services team also emphasizes the importance of self-assessment in career transitions and prioritizing what matters to you. This is an incredible new tool and we are so excited to share it with you!  To learn more visit: JobFIT resource: https://gis.avma.org/JobFIT/ JobFIT video: https://youtu.be/z6jdDJM2g18  Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]  Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Annie Chavent and Marci Kirk interview Dr. Ricky Walther, a 2020 UC Davis graduate. Dr. Walther is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Pawlicy Advisor, a pet insurance marketplace. They discuss Dr. Walther's lifelong interest in veterinary medicine, his leadership roles during vet school, and his transition into the profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Walther shares his journey from aspiring small animal veterinarian to exploring non-clinical career paths, highlighting the importance of networking, keeping an open mind, and seeking roles that align with personal passions and values. He also discusses his current role, where he helps pet owners navigate pet insurance options, emphasizing the impact of ensuring more pets are covered and the veterinary profession's ability to provide better care.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Wesley Clendinen, a recent veterinary graduate and new practice owner. Dr. Clendinen shares his transition from wildlife science to veterinary medicine, his proactive steps toward owning a practice within five years of graduation, and the importance of mentorship and networking. He discusses the financial and managerial challenges of practice ownership, the need for clear goal-setting, and balancing work with family life. It’s a great conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast, Dr. Lindsey Hornickel discusses the importance of advocacy in the veterinary field. She shares how her career journey led her to advocacy work and stresses the impact of legislation on veterinary practice. Dr. Hornickel shares different ways to become involved including, AVMA's Congressional Advocacy Network, the Legislative Fly-In event, which help veterinarians engage with policy makers and their staff and signing of for the advocacy newsletter. She encourages veterinary professionals to get involved at any level, whether it is local, state or federal, and emphasizes that their voice can make a difference. There is a lot of great information in this conversation, and we can’t wait to share it with you.To learn more about how to get involved in AVMA advocacy efforts visit: https://www.avma.org/advocacy/get-involvedRemember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this podcast episode, co-hosts Drs. Annie Chavent and Dr. Marci Kirk interview Dr. Christine Heinz-Loomer, a senior global strategic marketing lead at IDEXX. Dr. Heinz-Loomer discusses her career journey from being a small animal associate veterinarian and the transition to industry. She emphasizes the importance of exploring various opportunities within the veterinary profession and shares her experience transitioning into a full-time role at Elanco after her working towards her MBA. It’s a great conversation that we know will inspire you to learn more about all the possibilities in veterinary medicine.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Brett Shorenstein, co-founder of Veterinary Innovative Partners. Dr. Schottenstein discusses his transition from investment banking to veterinary medicine, emphasizing the importance of following your passion. He also shares his journey of purchasing a clinic and establishing Veterinary Innovative Partners, which aims to provide corporate benefits while preserving a small business feel and ensuring the wellbeing of veterinary professionals. The episode underscores the value of transferable skills and the positive impact of clear communication in veterinary medicine. It’s a great conversation and we can’t wait to share it with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this episode of "My Veterinary Life Podcast, we are joined by Drs. Elizabeth Chosa and Laurie Fonken to discuss the Veterinary Hope Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering the mental health and well-being of veterinary professionals. Their mission is to create safe spaces for learning, healing, and growth within the veterinary community, with a profound focus on instilling hope. To deliver on this mission, the Veterinary Hope Foundation offers free support groups led by mental health professionals, focusing on positive conversations and self-compassion. It is a wonderful conversation full of great information and yes, hope! To learn more about the Veterinary Hope Foundation, please visit https://veterinaryhope.org/ Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In this podcast episode, Dr. Rebekah Mack, a specialist in small animal internal medicine, shares her journey into veterinary medicine, overcoming discouragement from a teacher and discovering her passion for the field. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, kindness, and empathy in the profession. She also discusses moving from a private referral practice to corporate work and medical education. It’s a wonderful journey, and we can’t wait to see what is next for Dr. Mack.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review.You can also contact us at [email protected]

In the final installment of New Year, New Ideas our focus is on finances. We are joined by Tom Seeko and CJ Burnett of Florida Veterinary Advisors and the Smarter Vet Financial Podcast. They share how to make finances approachable so you can avoid ‘ostrich syndrome’ and take small steps to improve your financial wellbeing. At the heart of this conversation is approaching everything with curiosity and understanding your why. There is a lot to learn in this episode, and we are excited to share it with you!Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcastIf you want to learn more about Florida Veterinary Advisors and Smarter Vets, visit their website at https://flveterinaryadvisors.com/smarter-vet-financial-podcast/

We continue our series of New Year, New Ideas with MentorVet Connect. Today we are joined by Dr. Addie Reinhard, MentorVet Founder and CEO and Scott MacKenzie, AVMA Director of Membership to talk about this initiative. Throughout the conversation, we highlight the importance of mentorship in combating burnout and improving wellbeing in the veterinary field and its value at all career stages. MentorVet Connect is an evidence-based platform that pairs mentors with mentees, offering training and flexibility in the mentorship process. This is a great and informative conversation about and exciting new program that is revolutionizing the veterinary profession. To learn more about MentorVet Connect visit: https://www.mentorvet.net/connect Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In the second installment of New Year New Ideas, co-hosts Drs. Annie Chavent and Marci Kirk talk are joined by two very special guests, Drs. Jenna Donaldson and Callie Fogle. The focus of the conversation today is about innovative on-call solutions in equine veterinary practice. Dr. Donaldson, founder of Trillium Equine Veterinary Services, shares her experience with a subscription model for her practice, which offers flexibility and emergency coverage. Dr. Fogle, a clinical professor at NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses the implementation of a subscription-based emergency veterinary service through their program, which is currently in a pilot phase. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of these models, emphasizing the importance of aligning business models with client expectations, and the necessity of communication and collaboration among practitioners. It’s a great conversation and we are so excited to share it with you.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

In our first installment of New Year New Ideas, co-hosts Dr. Marci Kirk and Dr. Annie Chavent discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine with guest Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA's Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Dr. Craig shares examples of the impact DEI can have on everyday life as well as patient care. She also introduces Journey for Teams, an educational program designed to enhance DEI knowledge and competencies within veterinary teams. The program, which has over 17,000 users, includes microlearning modules on various topics and encourages community engagement. This was an incredible way to kick of a new year and we can’t wait to see what is next.Remember we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a ratings and review. You can also contact us at [email protected] us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast