The Whole Veterinarian: Recent Episodes
Stacey Cordivano, DVM
Is it impossible for veterinarians to aim for more balance? The Whole Veterinarian podcast helps to share experiences and start a dialogue about how we can grow as people and professionals. As a female equine solo practitioner, mother and business owner, I've seen the challenges that face us. I want veterinarians to learn to be happier, healthier, wealthier and more grateful for the lives that they've created. Together, let’s learn how to develop a life we love.
Communication and transparency are key when heading into a salary negotiation. We sat down to map the real landscape of equine veterinary compensation—what each pay model actually means, how the math works, and where the friction hides. From straight salary to ProSal to base plus production, we break down risk, reward, and the psychology that drives your choices.
You’ll hear the practical benchmarks owners use to keep a practice healthy—like total compensation packages landing around 25–35% of an associate’s billed revenue—and why your production percentage only matters if you know what’s included. We push hard on negative accrual and explain why tying base stability to short-term production shortfalls is a morale and retention killer.
We try our best to address the “true paid time off” concept by clarifying what you are paid (your base and benefits) versus what changes (bonus opportunity), and why prorating thresholds effectively shifts risk back to the practice. Then we turn to benefits and culture: why a capable technician is an efficiency engine, how pre-tax benefits stretch dollars farther than payroll, and which creative perks actually improve your day-to-day—AI transcription, on-the-road meals, student loan stipends, even rural med-evac memberships.
If you’re negotiating a new role or a renewal, you’ll walk away with the right questions: What revenue is realistic in year one and year three? What’s counted in production? Is this role replacing demand or creating it? How will the practice fill my book? And if you’re already near the top of the compensation-to-production range, consider schedule design, support staff, and pricing before chasing another point of percentage.
Let’s make compensation clearer, fairer, and more sustainable—for associates and practices. If this helped, share it with a colleague, and then tell us: what part of all of this still feels confusing to you? What perspective or ideas did we miss?
RESOURCES:
-Understanding Associate Compensation Webinar
-Some other great compensation podcast episodes from Veterinary Financial Podcast
-AAEP Compensation Resources (Compensation Study, Fee Survey, Benefits Calculator)
-The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
-AAEP Practice Culture Resources (Benefits survey, Reward and Recognition Survey)
-"How Much Practice Financial Information Should I Share With My Team?" from Care Credit and Dr. Andy Cameron
Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!
Connect with Stacey or find more from www.thewholeveterinarian.com!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Feeling isolated as an equine veterinarian? You're not alone. With over 63% of equine practitioners working solo, the struggle to maintain work-life balance while providing excellent care can feel overwhelming. But what if there's a better way?
In this candid conversation, three experienced equine veterinarians share how intentional collaboration transformed their practices from isolated endeavors into sustainable, community-supported businesses. Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian reveals how a sudden transition to solo practice led to an innovative partnership with another local veterinarian - sharing equipment, knowledge, and weekend on-call duties that made independent practice feasible. Dr. Stacey Cordivano describes how meeting another solo practitioner at yoga class evolved into jointly purchasing equipment, sharing staff, and covering emergencies, admitting "if we hadn't had each other, there's no way we'd still be equine vets."
Dr. Misty Gray tackles common fears about collaboration head-on: Will clients switch loyalties? What about different practice styles or pricing structures? Kelly, Misty and Stacey's experiences show that these concerns rarely materialize. Instead, they've discovered that clients appreciate the support system and continuity of care that collaborative relationships provide.
For introverts who find networking intimidating, the episode offers practical strategies for building professional relationships: attending local CE events, making intentional introductions at barns, or simply sending an email to colleagues in your area. The hosts emphasize that established practitioners have a responsibility to welcome newcomers, while newer veterinarians should push past discomfort to initiate connections.
Whether you're a solo practitioner looking for sustainability, a practice owner wanting to improve culture, or an associate seeking community, this episode provides actionable insights for building the collaborative relationships that make equine practice not just survivable, but truly rewarding.
Join us at AAEP Convention for more discussion on practice culture, or explore programs like Decade One for structured community-building opportunities.
Resources:
- 2023 AAEP Fee Survey
- Practice Culture resources from AAEP
Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
What does growth really mean for your veterinary practice? In this honest conversation on Vet Truck Confidential, Dr. Stacey Cordivano joins equine veterinarians Dr. Misty Gray and Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian to challenge conventional wisdom about practice expansion.
The veterinary profession often glorifies the hustle, celebrating packed schedules and constant growth. But is adding more clients always the answer? Our three experienced equine practitioners reveal a potentially surprising truth: a simple 1% price increase can boost profitability by 11% without seeing a single additional patient. This insight alone could transform how you approach your practice's financial health.
We explore what growth means at different career stages - from the early years focused on building clientele to later phases where quality of care and work-life balance take precedence. Dr. Cordivano shares her personal journey from initial growth to strategic client selection, while Dr. Gray discusses the power of being content with your current practice size. Dr. Zeytoonian discusses the constant need to tweak what is the right amount of support for her team.
For those looking to increase profitability, we offer practical alternatives to simply adding more appointments: proper product markup (minimum 65%), increasing services to existing clients, and investing in support staff to maximize billable hours. These strategies allow for growth without the burnout that often accompanies an expanding client base.
Perhaps most importantly, we emphasize aligning practice decisions with your personal vision rather than fear or industry pressure. Whether you dream of a four-day work week or aim to pay off student loans rapidly, success should be defined on your terms.
Ready to rethink what practice growth means for you? Listen now, and don't forget to do your homework: check your medication markups, evaluate your billable hours, and take time to reflect on whether your current path aligns with your long-term vision.
Resources that we mentioned:
AAEP FEE SURVEY
Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Another episode of Vet Truck Confidential with Doctors Kelly Zeytoonian, Misty Gray and Stacey Cordivano. These experienced equine veterinarians share their insights on essential equipment, financial planning, and smart investments when starting a practice, providing a practical roadmap for new and aspiring practice owners.
• Starting a practice requires careful consideration of essential equipment versus nice-to-have items
• Dental equipment provides excellent ROI with minimal maintenance requirements
• Digital radiography immediately legitimizes a new practice, especially in competitive markets
• Smaller investments like professional emails, websites, and software can significantly enhance client perception
• Alternative ultrasound options can replace larger units for many applications
• Gastroscopes often struggle to justify their investment unless you're in a specialty or racetrack practice
• Financing options include manufacturer payment plans, distributor delayed billing programs, and personal loans
• Total startup costs for a well-equipped mobile practice with modest salary: approximately $250k over three years
• Collaboration with other veterinarians through equipment sharing can reduce initial investment needs
• Professional software like G Suite and Canva offer cost-effective ways to appear established and organized
If you're considering practice ownership and have questions, reach out to us directly or suggest topics for future episodes. We're happy to dive deeper into specific areas in upcoming installments.
***Article to check out: Seeding the Field to Grow Future Owners by Dr. Ciera Guardia on page 257
---> AI made this summary, but it's a pretty good one! Thanks again for listening and we hope you are doing well. If you need anything at all, find out contact info at https://www.decadeonevet.com/about. Talk to you soon! -SC-
Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
It's likely that everyone could use a tune up on the idea of their personal brand. Listen in as Kelly, Misty and Stacey talk through their thoughts on personal and professional branding. It's an exercise that, honestly, none of us have done in awhile! We may be solid on our core values but clearly we still need some clarity in other areas ;)
We discuss the crucial interplay between personal branding and veterinary practice, emphasizing authenticity and connection. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to integrate their unique traits into their professional identity.
• Importance of personal branding in veterinary medicine
• Personal vs professional branding in practice
• Strategies to enhance client relationships through branding
• Adapting communication styles for varied client needs
• Using core values as a starting point for your personal brand
Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
This episode centers around the evolution of equine veterinary careers and personal missions - highlighting how three colleagues redefined their paths with the support of community and programs like Decade One. Through candid conversations, Stacey, Kelly, and Misty explore the challenges of finding fulfillment in a demanding profession and the importance of collaboration, personal growth, and sustainability in veterinary practice.
• Discussion on personal career evolution from vet school dreams to current realities
• Introduction to Decade One and its role in fostering community among veterinarians
• Sharing journeys of career transformation and embracing flexibility
• Conversations about the challenges faced by recent graduates in equine practice
• Insights on the significance of mentorship and supportive networks
• The creation of Sustainability and Equine Practice Seminars as a response to industry needs
• Plans for future collaborations through Decade One and the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar series
• Encouragement to pursue personal fulfillment and redefine veterinary paths
Find out more!
www.decadeonevet.com
www.sepseminars.com
AAEP Scholarship for Decade One Membership
Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Is your veterinary team feeling overwhelmed and disconnected? Discover how a simple two-word check-in can transform your team meetings and create a supportive work environment. Inspired by Brene Brown, we share practical advice on gauging your team's headspace and offering them the support they need.
...
See other episodes on running effective meetings featuring Dr. Kim Harmon.
Episode 65 Part 1
Episode 66 Part 2
...
About the series! Join us on Vet Truck Confidential, a candid and engaging podcast series where we explore the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of equine veterinarians on the road. Each episode dives into the heart of veterinary practice with insightful conversations and stories from the field. Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, get ready for an inside look at the world of equine practice like never before.
...
Send a text and let me know what you think about the episode!
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Can we improve efficiency in veterinary medicine? We'd like to think so! In this episode, we explore personal journeys and the innovative strategies that Kelly, Misty & Stacey have adopted to manage their careers while nurturing their personal lives.
Here's what AI wrote :)
Discover the power of delegation and the mantra "done is better than perfect," especially in medical record-keeping. Our guests also share practical tips, such as creating weekly dinner menus and grocery lists to reduce mental load and make room for what truly matters. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will help you find harmony between your professional and personal life.
...
About the series! Join us on Vet Truck Confidential, a candid and engaging podcast series where we explore the real-life experiences, challenges, and triumphs of equine veterinarians on the road. Each episode dives into the heart of veterinary practice with insightful conversations and stories from the field. Whether you're a seasoned vet or just starting out, get ready for an inside look at the world of equine practice like never before.
...
Join us for the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar in September!
There is still time to get in on all the fun - check out www.sepseminars.com for more info.
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Introducing the VET TRUCK CONFIDENTIAL series! Join Doctors Kelly Zeytoonian, Misty Gold & Stacey Cordivano as we have casual conversations about all things vetmed and life.
Ever wondered how to make your veterinary team feel truly appreciated and engaged? Today we tackle the art of recognizing employee milestones and making every team member feel valued. We'll also discuss the importance of tailoring feedback and recognition to individual preferences.
Here's what AI wrote!
But that's not all—this episode offers a deep dive into effective feedback practices and team-building strategies. We emphasize the significance of regular check-ins over annual reviews and introduce tools like "stay interviews" and structured self-reviews to maintain open lines of communication. Whether you're a practice owner or team leader, tune in for actionable insights to enhance team cohesion and ensure everyone feels heard and appreciated.
RESOURCES!
Reward and Recognition Survey
Feedback Survey
Stay Interview Guidelines
Rippling HR tool
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
How has mentorship affected you in your veterinary career? There is no doubt we all have stories, both positive and negative, of relationships that have shaped our world in veterinary medicine. Dr. Addie Reinhart joins me to talk all things mentorship and her goal of helping everyone to do it better. Supporting one another in this crazy veterinary journey will ultimately elevate the entire profession.
More about Addie...
Dr. Addie Reinhard is a veterinary well-being researcher. Her research focuses on developing innovative wellbeing interventions to support mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary profession. She is on the research team for the next phase of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Well-being Study and is currently collaborating with Merck Animal Health to grow and expand MentorVet. She completed a master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from the University of Kentucky in Spring 2021
and has a certificate in Veterinary Human Support from the University of Tennessee. Her work incorporates suicide prevention in the veterinary profession, and she is a certified QPR instructor and SafeTALK trainer.
-Find her on LinkedIn!
Find Out What's Happening at MentorVet...
-MentorVet Website featuring the Lead, Leap, Tech, and Lift programs
-A great article on Well Being and Self Care from the MentorVet blog
-National Mentoship Program through the AVMA MentorVet Connect
-Facebook
-Instagram
-LinkedIn
.....
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Ever wondered how a career leap within the veterinary field actually goes? Dr. Cara Wright joins us to share her journey from clinical practice into equine professional services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health.
AI wrote this part ;)
Find out how Dr. Cara is leveraging her new platform to make a positive impact in the veterinary world, and how personal milestones like her engagement and triathlon pursuits intertwine with her professional evolution. Amidst the laughter and candid revelations, we traverse the emotional landscape of departing from hands-on clinical work, embracing the multifaceted world of veterinary industry opportunities. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for any veterinary professional contemplating a bold career shift.
...
Hear the first interview ever recorded for TWV - featuring the very same Cara Wright!
Check out Cara's recommendation for airplane headphones
Connect further with Cara - cara.wright.dvm@gmail.com
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
This episode is brimming with insights from the Sustainability in Equine Practice alumni network, exploring the intricacies of interviewing potential team members. Tune in for a quick episode with tactical takeaways!
Link to the free download of our interview outline.
...
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Have you ever wondered how to broach the sensitive subject of salary negotiations in veterinary medicine? Our episode peels back the layers on this under-discussed topic, revealing practical strategies and pivotal preparations for securing a salary that reflects your true worth. We unravel the intricacies of recognizing your contributions to a practice's success and the subtle art of turning this awareness into a more gratifying compensation package. For anyone poised to step into a new role or poised for recognition in their current position, this segment is loaded with actionable advice.
The narrative shifts to championing women in the trenches of investing and negotiation, stressing the significance of early and consistent investment practices over attempting to time the market. We delve into the changing financial landscape that's opening doors for women, with tools and personal recommendations. Stay connected with the pulse of financial and mental wellbeing in veterinary careers by following Alice on Instagram at @thisvetcan_blog and exploring her insights at thisvetcan.co.uk.
(One example of her great blog posts is "How to Ace Salary Negotiation"!)
...
Resources we mentioned...
-Her First 100K
-Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
-Your Juno Financial Education app
-@girlsthatinvest and their book!
...
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
If you've ever wondered what the AAEP is doing to support equine veterinarians, this is the episode for you. I am joined today by Dr. Katie Garrett, our current President, and she is an open book in this conversation. Dr. Garrett emphasizes the importance of effective communication and the need for the AAEP to evolve and change as the veterinary profession evolves. We also discuss the culture of the AAEP and the organization's efforts to engage and involve more members. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to ask her some tough questions and dive into meaningful discussion. Please let us know what you think - Katie is really hoping to hear directly from YOU!
...
More about Dr. Katie Garrett...
Katie Garrett received a Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Dartmouth College and her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University. She completed internships and a surgical residency at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Large Animal). She is currently a shareholder at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital where her practice focuses on diagnostic imaging. Dr. Garrett has authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters and lectures nationally and internationally. She is currently the president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and crossword puzzles.
Feel free to Email her! kgarrett@roodandriddle.com
.....
Helpful Links
The Volunteer Interest Form - member login required
The Transforming Equine Practice products created by the 5 Subcommittees under the Equine Veterinary Sustainability Initiative from AAEP
The Member Assistance Program - a wonderful free resource for AAEP members!
.....
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Here's another episode where three equine vets get to chit chatting. Thanks to Dr. Misty Gray and Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian for joining me as we dive into some recent topics and share our self-care wins.
Chapters
00:36
Discussion on Changing the AAEP Bylaws
07:04
Pushback against Allowing Membership to Vote for AAEP President
16:07
Change Management and Bridging the Gap
23:32
Challenges of Being Working Moms
32:35
Self-Care Practices
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Boyd Martin is a man of extremes. If he's participating, you better believe that he's giving 1000%. In today's episode, we chat about how that approach to life can be both a benefit and a hindrance to success. Boyd shares how he has changed the way he sets himself up for growth and sustainability over the past few years - trust me, a lot of it is very applicable to veterinary medicine. Regardless of what you do for a living, hearing what Boyd has learned over his many years in the horse industry will shed new light on the idea of resilience and hard work.
About Boyd...
Boyd Martin is a three-time Olympian and one of the most successful international athletes in the equestrian discipline of eventing. He is currently ranked third in the world and operates his business out of Windurra USA in Cochranville, Pennsylvania.
Website
IG @boydmartineventing
Check out this awesome video made by Purina for Boyd and Windurra.
Showcasing Boyd and Thomas!
...
Hear more about the Martin Family's story from my good friend, Silva Martin, in Episode 5.
...
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Ever wondered about the secret to a thriving veterinary practice? Look no further, as we introduce you to Dr. Christine Staten, the visionary behind the Veterinary MBA. With her wealth of knowledge from over two decades of experience in the field, Dr. Staten brings you a treasure-trove of insights on navigating the tricky terrains of veterinary practice ownership. Hear her elaborate on aligning your team's purpose, vision, and core values with your mission, and witness the transformation in your team's dynamics. We also touch on fostering a culture of recognition and motivating your team through regular huddles. Tune in to uncover some of the strategies that will revolutionize your veterinary practice, and don't forget to connect with Dr. Staten to dive deeper into her educational programs.
More about Christine!
Dr. Christine Staten is a native of Tucson Arizona and after an earlier career as a Labor and Delivery technician, attended and graduated from Colorado State University, School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999.
Dr. Staten joined the vet who took care of her animals when she was a kid in 4-H, a one-doctor mixed animal ambulatory practice. In 2005, they built a mixed animal clinic, Adobe Veterinary Center. The clinic currently has a team of 55 people with six large animal vets and five small animal vets. She has been a practice owner for 20 years and a solo owner since 2017.
Dr. Staten is passionate about encouraging and mentoring the next generation of veterinarians into the greatest profession in the world. Desiring to learn more about entrepreneurship and business management, Dr. Staten completed her Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University in March 2023. With her company, Veterinary MBA, Dr. Staten is enthusiastically helping other practice owners and managers create more sustainable business models while gaining more time and freedom in their lives.
Unapologetically unbalanced, Dr. Staten is married with five children and three grandchildren. She dabbles in real estate with commercial property, student rentals, and an Airbnb.
EMAIL: cstatendvm@adobevetcenter.com
IG: @veterinary_mba
WEBSITE: veterinary-mba.com or adobevetcenter.com
...
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Can you recognize the signs of burnout, and do you know how to recover? Join me and Dr Amelia Knight Pinkston, a veterinarian and integrative health and life coach, as we journey through her inspiring path from a burnt-out vet to a thriving human being.
She has created a program that shows us actionable tools for beating burnout in four main steps. You'll discover how moments of mindfulness can be transformative for your entire workspace. Tune in and let's redefine success in veterinary medicine together.
More about Dr. Knight Pinkston:
Dr. Amelia is a multi-passionate integrative health and life coach, entrepreneur, and recovered burnt out vet passionate about creating a new narrative around what true health and success look like - they should add pleasure, energy, and fulfillment to your life rather than deplete them.
Since earning her veterinary degree and VBMA certificate from the University of Penn in 2014, Amelia has worked in small animal general practice, urgent care, and locum which has provided the opportunity to work in over 30 different hospitals including both toxic and thriving cultures. That experience combined with her extensive and holistic training and personal journey recovering from burnout has given her a unique perspective and fuels her passion to create positive change. Her mission is to beat burnout in the veterinary profession by empowering individuals and hospitals to embrace a new norm where we put our “oxygen mask” on first and where workplaces foster an environment where it's convenient to thrive. She outlines how we can make that a reality starting today in her free series for the veterinary community called “Beat The Burnout: What We Should Have Learned In Veterinary School”.
In 2020, Amelia founded Life Boost with Amelia where she offers 1-on-1 and group coaching, self-paced programs, and workplace wellbeing consulting to help animal lovers unleash their most confident, energized, and healthy self. Her approach combines an evidence-based understanding of how the body and brain work - including the unconscious mind - with a holistic approach that honors what their heart needs to create real sustainable change that feels like a breath of fresh air. She has certifications in integrative nutrition health coaching, integrative life coaching and change work, hypnosis, and medical veterinary acupuncture, and is the co-chair of the Veterinary Genesis Initiative. She shares wellbeing content in a variety of ways including her Life Boost with Amelia podcast, writing for blogs and publications, speaking events, emails to her community, and social media.
Amelia lives in North Carolina with her husband and two dogs, Jameson and Woodford. Things that bring her joy include spending time in nature, being active (whether that’s hiking, strength training, yoga, walks, impromptu dance parties, or something new), experimenting and creating new nourishing recipes in the kitchen, traveling, learning, and jumping baby goats.
Connect:
amelia@lifeboost.today
www.lifeboost.today
IG: @lifeboostwithamelia
LinkedIn
Fac
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Navigating the landscape of motherhood while practicing veterinary medicine can feel like a tightrope walk. In today's episode, Dr. Emily Singler, author of the book Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team, is here to share her wisdom with us. A seasoned veterinarian and a mother of four, Emily opens up about her experiences and the lessons she's learned, aided by contributions from other DVM moms. Her perspective provides an eye-opening look into the unique hurdles faced by women in the veterinary field during and after pregnancy.
We also take an honest look at what it truly means to return to work post-partum. It's not just about overcoming physical challenges; it's about managing the emotional upheavals, too. How do you juggle self-care, job responsibilities, and the constant need to stay nourished and hydrated? Emily's insights offer a comforting companion in this journey, underscoring the importance of loving and accepting the new version of yourself.
We also explore the hot topic of paid maternity leave in the veterinary industry and shine a spotlight on the need for equitable parental leave benefits, the discrimination often faced by women in the workplace, and the motherhood penalty. Our conversation emphasizes the urgency for creating a supportive and non-stigmatizing work culture. Whether you're a veterinary professional about to become a parent or someone looking to understand the unique challenges of parenthood within the field, this episode is a must-listen and Dr. Singler's book is a must-read!
...
Dr. Emily Singler is a 2001 graduate of Penn State University and a 2005 graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She has navigated 5 pregnancies while working in veterinary clinical practice and has been a working mom throughout the majority of her tenure as a veterinarian.
Her career in veterinary medicine has included experience in shelter medicine, private practice, and as a relief veterinarian. She currently works as a veterinary writer, consultant, and mentor and enjoys writing for both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Her writing interests include public health, preventive medicine, the human-animal bond, and life as a working mom.
She is the author of Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team, which is being published by CRC Press in November 2023. She has spoken both virtually and in person on working in veterinary medicine through pregnancy and beyond, with an emphasis on navigating workplace hazards, workplace protections against discrimination, planning parental leave, and returning to work. She is currently working toward becoming a RETAIN certified parental leave coach.
Emily is a mom of four kids, 2 dogs, and 1 cat. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, and she loves horseback riding and all things llama and alpaca. She is learning the embrace the chaos of having a big family and finds solace in connecting with others and eating chocolate.
Connect with Dr. Singler!
Instagram
Emily's website
Buy the book!
...
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Are you prepared to be inspired by a story of resilience and passion? Meet Dr. Donita McCants, a remarkable veterinarian who turned adversities into stepping-stones on her path to success. From battling ADHD and anxiety to overcoming financial barriers to start her mobile veterinary practice, this amazing woman is a powerhouse of determination and grit. Dr. McCants has created a successful mobile veterinary practice that allows her to give back to her community while also giving her the autonomy to create a balance that benefits her family's well being.
If you thought running a thriving veterinary practice was all she had on her plate, think again. Dr. Donita is also a mom and a competitive bodybuilder! You'll hear how she maintains equilibrium between her demanding work days and her focus on developing herself outside of work. I hope you are as inspired as I have been after hearing this wonderful conversation.
More about Donita McCants, DVM
Dr. Donita received her Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of Georgia in 2011 and then went on to Tuskegee University to complete Veterinary training in 2015. She was raised in Georgia but state hopped coming from a military family background. She has strong interests in surgery, internal medicine, and dermatology which comes in handy with Florida allergies! She enjoys learning new and innovative techniques to treat your furry babies. She loves to spend time with has a son named Stephen, her fiance Joe and their bernedoodle named Axel Rose! Dr. Donita is also fear free certified and loves all thing’s fitness and wellness! She competed in her first bodybuilding competition in June 2021. Dr. Donita enjoys giving back to the community by participating in various speaking engagements to inspire the youth. She also participates in events around Orlando, and is very active on her social media pages “Ask Dr. Donita” where she gives beyond first-class veterinary advice and speaks with others in the pet community to raise awareness about pet health and care!
www.askdrdonita.com
www.YouTube.com/@askdrdonita
IG @askdrdonita
Resources mentioned in the episode...
VetSetGo
BlendVet
Critter Fixer's Vet for a Day
Diversify VetMed Coalition
Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association
Support the Show.
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Have you ever wondered what it's like to get involved with organized veterinary medicine? Perhaps you've never even considered it, but today I'm speaking with Dr. Lindy O'Neal as she shares the amazing impact that being involved in the larger veterinary community has had on her career. In our conversation, she opens up about her involvement with the AVMA House of Delegates and how these roles shape policies worldwide that influence the future of veterinary medicine. She also shares an exciting new personal goal!
Prepare to be inspired as we delve into Lindy's day-to-day life as a busy mom, practice owner, and AVMA Delegate for Arkansas. We explore how mentorship and staying informed about local politics can make a significant impact on one's community. Tune in for a conversation that promises to leave you with a renewed appreciation for joy and positive change within the veterinary profession.
...
More about Lindy O'Neal, DVM...
Dr. O’Neal grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and knew she wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of four. She never stopped pursuing her love for animals as a career. Dr. O’Neal completed her undergraduate studies in Animal Science at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, then headed to Baton Rouge with her husband, Josh O’Neal, where she received a degree in veterinary medicine at Louisiana State University. After graduation, they headed west to Las Vegas where Dr. O’Neal practiced at a busy 6 doctor practice for 2 years. Dr. O’Neal and her husband elected to move back to Arkansas in 2012 to settle down and start their family. Together they have three children, a eight year old daughter named Saylor, a six year old daughter named Anniston, and a four year old boy named Hyson. They have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bentley & Kingston, and one cat, William.
Dr. O’Neal has a special interest in soft tissue surgery, emergency medicine, ultrasonography and veterinary business. Dr. O’Neal is passionate about preventative medicine and client education. She wants to help pet owners get the most out of their veterinary care.
Dr. O’Neal serves in the American Veterinary Medical Association House of Delegates, Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association Board of Directors, Alumni Society Board of Directors for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural Food and Life Sciences.
In her free time, Dr. O’Neal loves her church community group, exercising, and baking cookies. Her highest priority is spending time with family, friends, and pets.
Connect with Dr. O'Neal!
Instagram @theycallmedrlindy
...
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Toxic behaviors have deep-seated impacts on our well-being in veterinary medicine. Systematic changes, clear expectations, workload balancing, and candid communication are crucial to crafting a productive and safer work environment. The episode, featuring return guest Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, highlights the influence of individual attitudes on a team's environment and dives deeply into the role that leadership needs to play in creating a safer and more open veterinary workplace.
...
More about Dr. Holowaychuk!
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialist and passionate advocate for veterinary team wellbeing. An avid writer, podcaster, and researcher, Dr. Holowaychuk has authored dozens of articles and recorded a multitude of podcast interviews related to personal and professional wellbeing. She hosts the Reviving Vet Med podcast and writes a monthly blog and newsletter on pertinent issues related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. Holowaychuk lives in Calgary where she occasionally locums in private referral practice and as a specialist teleconsultant. As a yoga and meditation teacher and wellness coach, she facilitates wellbeing workshops and retreats for veterinary clinics and organizations and offers individual and group coaching and online programs for veterinary team members. She recently launched a new website containing wellbeing resources for veterinary professionals.
Connect with her here:
Website: https://marieholowaychuk.com/
Reviving Veterinary Medicine website: https://revivingvetmed.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarieholowaychuk/
Instagram: @marieholowaychuk or @revivingvetmed
Podcast: https://revivingvetmed.com/podcast/
...
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Let's dive into the world of veterinary mentorship with today's guest, Dr. Kate Boatwright. An experienced small animal general practice and emergency veterinarian, Dr. Boatwright is also a celebrated speaker and author. She walks us through the importance of mentorship in the veterinary field, the hurdles new graduates often face, and the idea of a mentorship agreement. We explore her latest book, The Veterinary Mentorship Manual, a comprehensive guide for establishing effective mentorship programs within practices. Furthermore, Dr. Boatwright paints an inspirational picture of her shift into ER, highlighting the significant role a supportive environment played in shaping her journey.
...
More about Dr. Boatright!
Dr. Kate Boatright is a 2013 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and has worked in small animal practice since graduating. She has worked at multiple practices in Pennsylvania and is currently employed part-time in a rural general practice clinic (Penn Ohio Veterinary Services) and provides limited relief services to emergency clinics. Her clinical interests include feline medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine. She also supervises and mentors pre-veterinary and veterinary student shadows as well as new graduate veterinarians.
During veterinary school, she was the 2011 National VBMA Vice President and led the development of the original business certificate program with fellow board members. She remains involved with the VBMA as an Honors portfolio reviewer, speaker, and founding member of the VBMA Alumni.
In 2018, she began freelance writing and speaking. She wrote the Finding Balance column for Today’s Veterinary Practice in 2020 and 2021 and the Beyond the Clinic Column in 2022. She regularly writes for dvm360 and AAHA publications, including a new column on spectrum of care for NEWStat. She published the Veterinary Mentorship Manual in March 2023 to support individual veterinarians and clinics in providing strong mentorship to early career veterinarians.
Dr. Boatright has spoken both live and virtually to numerous veterinary schools and at state and national conferences, including dvm360® Fetch conferences, AVMA Convention, AVMA’s Veterinary Leadership Conference, and ACVIM. She founded KMB Veterinary Media LLC in 2021 to continue her work in educating veterinary professionals through speaking, writing, and mentorship.
In addition to her clinical work, she has been active in organized veterinary medicine since shortly after graduation. She serves as the secretary for her local association (NWPVMA), has been a District Trustee on the PVMA Board, and currently serves as the alternate delegate for Pennsylvania to the AVMA’s House of Delegates. She is the editor of the PVMA’s quarterly publication, The Keystone Veterinarian, and serves on the legislative committee. In her local area, she has worked with several college pre-veterinary clubs to help arrange shadowing experiences and host mock interviews for applicants.
Find her new book, Small Animal Veterinary Mentorship Manual, HERE! Use the code podcast25 to get 25% off!
Connect with Kate via her website.
....
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Today we dive into the ways that technology and workplace culture intersect when in comes to improving recruitment and retention of our veterinary employees. Stephen McLaughry, CEO and co-founder of Vet Badger, took his skills from the world of software engineering and poured them into the profession of veterinary medicine. He shares his unique journey of co-owning a small animal clinic with his wife and how it inspired him to create a platform that revolutionizes the way veterinary practices operate.
Our conversation covers everything from managing relationships with clients who expect a personal touch to the impact of a four-day work week on job satisfaction and team dynamics. The idea of creating autonomy for employees is a thread that both Stephen and I find imperative to improving workplace culture. He shares his perspective on developing autonomy in order to retain talented employees. This episode offers insights about fostering a positive work culture, managing client expectations, and leveraging technology for the betterment of veterinary practice.
About our guest!
Stephen McLaughry is the CEO and co-founder of VetBadger. He is also the practice manager for BarburVet, the small animal clinic he has owned alongside his wife, Dr. Alexandra for over 9 years. Prior to starting VetBadger, Stephen worked as a software engineer. After 20 plus years of seeing the struggles his wife was dealing with in regards to managing all the client and team relationships that came along with being a veterinarian and clinic owner, as well as her struggles with available software at the time, he decided to create VetBadger. Vetbadger is a practice management system that is designed to allow veterinarians and their teams to work together with their clients without losing their sanity. The software was developed with the mission to make practices like BarburVet as efficient (and enjoyable) as possible. In his "off time," Stephen can be found shuttling his teenage daughters to and from school and activities, spending time with his wife and two dogs, or racing his bicycle.
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
If you want to discover some tips for planning and running effective meetings, make sure to tune in to this episode as we hear from Dr. Kim Harmon. Kim, who is the managing partner at Fairfield Equine Associates, shares valuable insights on transforming your team meetings into valuable, goal-oriented experiences. If you haven't yet, check out Part 1 here first!
We break down the essential questions you need to ask before planning a meeting for your veterinary team: why is it taking place, who should be present, when should it happen, and what outcomes you're striving for. With a focus on setting expectations, starting and ending on time, and keeping your meetings on track, we guide you through pre-meeting preparations, welcoming and connecting, engaging with participants, and ensuring a productive conclusion. Learn how to make the most of your workplace meetings and share this episode with friends or colleagues who could benefit from these game-changing strategies.
Check out the downloadable episode summary here.
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Tired of unproductive meetings that just drain your time and energy? Join us as we chat with Dr. Kim Harmon, managing partner at Fairfield Equine Associates, about transforming your veterinary team meetings into productive and enjoyable experiences for everyone, whether you work in a large or small veterinary practice.
We'll dive into different types of meetings, from one-on-one sessions to brainstorming gatherings, and discuss the importance of clear communication and psychological safety. Plus, you'll hear about innovative ideas for team building, including incorporating fun events and activities into the work day. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your team dynamics and make your meetings truly effective.
The second part of our discussion will be out soon, so stay tuned!
...
About Dr. Kim Harmon
Dr. Harmon grew up in Potomac, Maryland, where she developed her passion for horses through Pony Club and 3-Day-Eventing.
A 2007 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she was the recipient the Patient Care Award, and the George M. Palmer Prize for promise in equine practice. After graduation, she chose to pursue her commitment to the care of horses by furthering her education. Dr. Harmon completed her internship in sports medicine, surgery, and diagnostic imaging with Fairfield Equine in 2008 and continued on as an associate.
In 2018, she became an owner of FEA and now serves as the Managing Partner of the practice. Dr. Harmon has special interests in lameness and the equine athlete as well as the management of emergency cases.
In her down time, she enjoys spending time with her husband Phil, and their 2 kiddos Benjamin and Kate.
...
Resources that we mention
-
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Struggling with veterinary medical records? Fear not! Today we're joined by Dr. Karen Bolton, an experienced veterinarian with an MBA in business management, who is on a mission to streamline the process! Discover how Karen's journey from equine practice to small animal medicine led her to develop a passion for improving the veterinary field through education and innovation. She has created a course to teach others how to use chat GPT technology to enhance the speed and efficiency of medical records with minimal learning curve.
Today you'll learn how chat GPT works, its potential in saving time and creating consistent records, and thoughts on the legal aspects behind this technology. Karen shares her transition from equine to small animal practice and how the increase in patient load led her to create this time-saving system. Find the course on her website www.thebusinessvet.com and please let us know if you find it useful!
More about Dr. Bolton!
Like you, Dr. Karen Bolten has experienced a lot of crazy stuff between animals, owners, and businesses. She has a background in large animal veterinary practice ownership and is currently an associate veterinarian at a small animal clinic. Yes, she's a traitor, but cats really are very similar to horses.
After an 8-year stint owning her practice, she was ready for a new direction. So, she sold her clinic, widened the horizons of her student loan account, and plunged into the world of business. And she loves it. In 2020 she graduated with a Magna cum laude in Business Management, and in 2022 she finished her MBA.
Her areas of interest in business are general business strategy and marketing strategy, and she loves anything where one can use data to make better decisions. She believes that through innovation and education, there are answers out there for those of us that are struggling. Her goal is to share what she's discovered and continue her journey as a professional student.
Beyond the business angle, she's a staunch mental health advocate. She's eager to use her personal experiences and skills to promote healthier workplaces in the veterinary field and to support those struggling with mental illness in our profession.
Karen is always looking for new ways to innovate and improve my efficiency and level of patient care within my job and business. From creating a hashtag generator to using AI to manage medical records more effectively, she prefers to be well in front of the curve.
Her passions include anything ancient (dogs, horses, houses, history) and precious sighthounds. Let's be real - she'll take in absolutely any animal. She's a computer nerd that has transitioned my copyright-infringing 1993 Sim Horse Barn skills (IYKYK) into forcing A.I. to do her records.
Her target audience? Veterinary professionals seeking to bolster their business efficacy. If you're looking to amplify profits, improve employee compensation, attract more clients, or refocus on the aspects of practice you truly love, you're in the right place.
Curious to learn more? Her Instagram is a treasure trove of bite-sized business insights. For a deeper dive, check out her courses and products tailored specifically for the veterinary profession.
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
FUN NEW FORMAT! Listen in as Misty, Kelly and I discuss our opinions on some hot topics in equine vetmed at the moment. We are all working in spaces of equine veterinary medicine that allow us to hear from the trenches, so we brought up just a couple of things that we have been hearing a lot about lately....and we didn't get to several major topics because there is just so much to digest. SO, if you like this format (AND if you have thoughts to add!) let me know and we will do it again and potentially throw in some guest comments or questions!
This one is made for you! Just remember... there's no right answer and these are just the opinions of three ladies in three different areas of equine medicine at the moment.
If you want to get involved in chats like this while also learning amazing content from well being and personal development speakers, make sure to join us in October at the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar and Retreat!
...
Connect with us!
www.SEPseminars.com
Stacey - thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Misty - mgray@rosepointdvm.com
Kelly - info@starwoodveterinaryconsulting.com
....
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
The field of veterinary social work is emerging as an excellent way to support a healthier practice culture and provide well being resources to both staff and clients. Today you get to hear about the experiences of Christina Malloy, who has been involved in many aspects of the veterinary field, and now offers veterinary social work services and individualized coaching to smaller practices who cannot justify a full time social worker. She generously shares some insightful and actionable ideas around improving well being within our veterinary practices. Inside scoop - it all starts with setting better boundaries! :)
More about Christina!
Christina is the owner of Therapy Unleashed and a licensed independent clinical social worker who specializes in the wellness of veterinary professionals. Prior to launching Therapy Unleashed, Christina worked as a veterinary social worker at a large specialty and emergency hospital in Massachusetts. She launched Therapy Unleashed to make veterinary social work more accessible to smaller, locally owned veterinary businesses. She supports teams by offering individual support to staff, support groups, trainings, and empowers veterinary professionals to create the work-life balance they want. In addition to hospital support, Christina offers individual support to veterinary professionals through coaching and therapy.
Christina received her BA from Boston University and her MSW from Simmons University. Outside of work she enjoys crochet, reading, traveling and houseplants. Whatever she is doing, her golden retriever, Argo, and chinese crested rescue, Lilo, are never far behind.
Connect with Therapy Unleashed!
Instagram
Email: christina@therapyunleashedllc.com
www.therapyunleashedllc.com
...
Resources mentioned in the show:
- The Difference Between Therapy and Coaching
- NOMV
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
...
Support the showConnect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
If you want to have a small part in supporting the production of the show, click here to Buy Me A Coffee!
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
If you've ever wondered what the heck you're doing here in vetmed, then this episode is for you. We get to dive deep with veterinarian and author, Dr. Mike Bugg, about his new book, You're Gonna Get Peed On: How Veterinarians Can Keep Their Dream Job From Becoming a Nightmare While Working Less and Earning More. I can't recommend it highly enough - so make sure to check it out and don't miss the awesome bundle of goodies that he is giving away on The Veterinary Project website until the end of April!
...
About Michael Bugg, DVM
Dr. Michael Bugg is a full-time real estate investor and veterinarian with over a decade of clinical experience in veterinary medicine. After graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008, he practiced as a mixed-animal veterinarian before shifting to a small-animal general practice.
Like many of his colleagues, Michael struggled with the unique demands of veterinary clinical practice. Overwhelmed and burned-out, he often felt as if his career was spiraling into a nightmare. He struggled to get ahead financially despite the long hours he spent at the clinic. His entire life was impacted by his career stress—so much so that his wife gave him the moniker Miserable Mike. This, along with working amid the early 2000’s financial crisis and witnessing once-retired veterinarians picking up shifts, motivated Michael to take back control of his life.
In 2012, Michael and his wife, Rosalie, began building their real estate portfolio while working in their respective careers. Eventually, this real estate portfolio allowed Michael to cut back his veterinary hours to part time. In 2018, he decided to take the leap into real estate investing full-time and explore new ways to be a part of the veterinary community.
Michael believes that the greatest way veterinarians can combat burnout is by taking charge of their personal finances and aligning every aspect of their lives with their veterinary vision. He is the cofounder and cohost of The Veterinary Project podcast, which aims to help other veterinarians thrive in their careers and intentionally design more joyful, fulfilling lives.
Michael lives with his wife, Rosalie, daughter, Riley, and son, Ethan, in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, Canada.
Learn more at his website, The Veterinary Project or follow him on Instagram!
...
Resources that we mentioned or used in this episode:
- You're Gonna Get Peed On by Dr. Michael Bugg
- The 5 Minute Journal from Intelligent Change
- The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Let's be real. Being a veterinarian is hard sometimes. Tune in today to hear why I think that Mindful Self-Compassion work could be key to sustaining yourself in veterinary medicine. I have found such huge benefits from my self-compassion practice that I am excited to share the research and ideas with you.
Much gratitude for the research and work of Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer in the field of mindful self-compassion and for the co-creation of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Much of my discussion today is based on their work. Check out their websites and click here to find out more about the courses that they offer!
Here is a link to some of my favorite resources for learning even more about self-compassion.
If you find this episode interesting, please share it with a friend :)
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Are you questioning whether relief veterinary work might be in your future? Dr. Cindy Trice and Dr. Julie Liu join me today to discuss all of the ways that relief work has benefitted their lives. They also share some insightful thoughts around some of the hurdles of getting started in the relief industry. Luckily, they are both putting out amazing resources to help our veterinary colleagues find their own path. Thank you so much to these inspiring women for sharing all of their knowledge with us today, and for all of the work they do in pushing veterinary medicine forward.
Here's some links to connect with them!
Dr. Trice's email (cindytricedvm@reliefrover.com) and LinkedIn
Dr. Lui's email (jliudvm@gmail.com) and LinkedIn
Here's some links to resources we mentioned in the episode!
- Relief Rover
- Fear Free for Relief Vets
- KickIt Pajamas
- Entrepreneurial You by Dorie Clark
- Flux Veterinary
Summary
Introduction to today’s episode.
0:08
Who’s here today?
3:18
Cindy’s background in relief.
4:34
Julie’s path to relief.
6:55
Creating a community of relief veterinarians to connect with each other.
11:51
Julie and Cindy’s fear-free certification course.
14:09
Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good -.
17:53
What are some of the hurdles Julie hears from people about finding work?
24:06
Cindy’s other work outside of relief.
27:19
What is one small thing that has brought you joy this week?
32:39
Connect with Stacey or find more from The Whole Veterinarian!
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
IG @thewholeveterinarian
Listen on your favorite podcast player here
Thank you for your time and support!
Today's episode is a fun collaboration with some of my amazing colleagues! Dr. Moriah McCauley of That Vet Life Podcast, Drs. Marci Kirk and Annie Chavent of My Veterinary Life Podcast and I sat down to discuss our experiences at the Veterinary Leadership Conference which is hosted every January by the AVMA. It is a really unique conference and we wanted to spread the word about all of the awesome aspects that we were able to experience.
Make sure to follow and subscribe to both of the other podcasts as they offer amazing insight into our veteirnary medicine world. Find them on Instagram @dr.moriah.mccauley @vetxinternational and @avmavets!
...
You can connect with me on Instagram @thewholeveterinarian or sign up for our newsletter at www.thewhole.veterinarian.com.
I'll be back with full content interviews very soon, so stay tuned!
Building a brand for your veterinary clinic or for yourself personally is a daunting task. And like today's guest mentions in the episode, you are building a brand whether you like it or not, so why not be in charge of how people see you? Danielle K. Lambert shares many more marketing gems in today's episode. She is the CEO and Founder of The Snout Group and The Snout School where she spends her time helping veterinarians' brands look pretty and guides them to communicate their authentic values to clients and colleagues.
Meet Danielle!
If you're seeking a veterinary marketing and brand strategist that gets real results, look no further than The Snout Group's Danielle K. Lambert.
Her colorful background makes her uniquely prepared to help veterinary brands develop effective branding and marketing campaigns. And when it comes to social media, there's no one in #vetmed with the proven ability to repeatedly create viral posts that Danielle has!
Danielle utilizes her unique experience - including 5 years in practice management - to guide some of the biggest brands in veterinary medicine.
Past clients include powerful personal brands, like Dr. Crocker Pet Vet, The Derm Vet, and Dr. Andy Roark, plus innovative practices like Dr. Cody Creelman's Fen Vet.
Danielle is a passionate activist, using her social media following to discuss topics like living wages, anti-racism, and empowering female entrepreneurs.
Connect with Danielle!
@daniellesnout
danielle@thesnoutgroup.com
www.SnoutSchool.com
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
If you have student loan debt or are still in vet school, tune in to today's minisode! Dr. Rebecca Mears generously shared some amazingly helpful information with me recently, and I knew I had to share it with you all. VIN Foundation has a plethora of great information available to veterinary professionals for ZERO dollars :)
...
Personalized help with student loans and repayment for veterinarians and vet students is completely FREE through VIN Foundation! This is done through an anonymous post on the student debt area of the VIN message boards. If someone is not a VIN member, they can create a free VIN Foundation login, which gives access to a small section of the message boards. Posting anonymously allows for a thorough discussion without identifying information being shared and others can learn alongside at the same time. If someone still has questions after a discussion on the message boards, additional help may be available through a phone/Zoom consultation, but it is suggested that a donation be made to VIN Foundation to help offset the time that goes into that session.
If you aren't a VIN member and would like to set up a VIN Foundation login do so here. (This link can be used for veterinarians, vet students or pre-vet applicants!)
If someone is looking for student loan help and isn't sure how to get started this page is really helpful. Filling out this Debt & Income Signalment provides the details needed to discuss a borrower's situation.
There's also a special pre-vet area on the VIN Foundation Center. For those looking to learn more about life as a veterinarian, applying to vet school, or vet school student debt, they are encouraged to use the Cost of Education map on VetSchoolBound.org and the Apply Smarter message board.
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Let's be honest. We need to make a profit to keep our practices open. But what is the cost of running a veterinary business without taking your team's wellbeing into consideration? Today you get to hear the numbers when it comes to recruitment, burnout, staff turnover and all things workplace wellbeing. Mr. Matthew Salois, PhD is an economist who is deeply involved with the people side of veterinary medicine. That might sound like a surprising mix, but Matt provides a valuable and deeply knowledgeable perspective for our veterinary industry. Have a listen and let us know what you think!
More about Matt Salois, PhD
Matthew Salois, PhD is currently the President of the Veterinary Study Groups, Inc. (VSG), where he is responsible for enhancing the economic and cultural success of more than 1,800 veterinary 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 director of global scientific affairs and policy at Elanco Animal Health, supervising a team of scientists in veterinary medicine, human medicine, animal welfare, economics and sustainability. His group devised and executed scientific engagement strategy, and built collaborative partnerships with universities, non-profit associations and scientific societies.
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.
Find him on Linked In (you'll want to so you don't miss his amazing puns!)
More info about Veterinary Management Groups/Veterinary Study Groups
Resources that Matt mentions:
- Insights Discovery Self-Awareness Tool
- Good News: There’s a Labor Shortage. from The New York Times
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
In sharing her path from burned out surgical resident to thriving house call concierge vet, Dr. Eve Harrison highlights a fundamental truth - veterinary medicine can truly be whatever you make of it. We talk a lot about the logistics of screening clients as she describes the strict boundaries around her practice culture, but in doing so, we are given an opportunity to see the real life effects of being in the driver seat of your own life and career. There's much to glean from this conversation, even if you aren't a mobile veterinarian. And for my equine colleagues, listen up - we can definitely stand to take away a few pointers from this chat!
...
About Dr. Eve Harrison
Dr. Eve Harrison is a seasoned, full-time concierge house call veterinarian in Los Angeles. She is one of only a tiny handful of pioneers practicing true veterinary concierge medicine. Her mobile practice has been through numerous seasons and iterations of itself, including being an acupuncture-only practice, a multi-doctor practice with an IHE-exclusive component, wellness only, and finally a solo integrative concierge practice.
Her passions are creative entrepreneurship, sustainability for veterinarians, boundaries, authentic communication and releasing people who are not a good match for our practices.
She is the founder of the online CE course: The House Call Vet Academy and offers coaching and consulting to help veterinarians nourish not only their patients, but themselves… by helping them cultivate profitable & sustainable mobile practices of their own.
Outside of being a vet, Eve is a semi-professional musician (flutist), & a yoga teacher.
Find out more about Dr. Harrison...
- Coaching, courses, conference, house call swag at www.dreveharrison.com
- The House Call Vet Academy
- House Call Vet Cafe Podcast
- Free Business Plan for House Call & Mobile Vets
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Have you struggled to create a cohesive vetmed team? Are you having difficulty attracting the right talent? Are you confused as to why you work in a veterinary clinic that has no direction or actual leadership? Dr. Dave Nicol of VetX International is here to help us understand how vital leadership is for the health and wellbeing of the entire vet practice - both the business and the individuals working inside of it. Leadership cannot be left to chance - tune in to this episode to get insight into how and why you need to be proactive in your veterinary business if you want to see your team succeed.
...
More about Dr. Dave Nicol...
Dr. Dave Nicol is a veterinarian with more than 20 years of experience in general practice and has held several leadership roles within practice and industry. He has written three books, most recently the best-selling, So You’re A Vet...Now What? – a manifesto on how to survive as a veterinarian after graduation. Dr. Dave hosts The Blunt Dissection podcasts which combined has been played more than 250,000 times. He owns Roundwood Vets, a boutique vet practice in London and founded VetX International to help vets connect with their career and help practice owners create fantastic practices for the vets to work in.
He speaks at conferences all over the world to speak about his favourite topic of
leadership and generally cheerleading for the veterinary profession. In 2019 he was
voted VMX Practice Manager Speaker of the Year.
Find out more here...
www.vetxinternational.com
www.drdavenicol.com
Connect on IG @drdavenicol or @vetxinternational or LinkedIn
...
Make your voice heard
Please click below to take the survey!!!
The Veterinary Employment, Engagement and Retention Survey
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Spectrum of care may or may not be a new phrase for you. I feel as though I personally only understood it in vague terms, but after speaking with Dr. Cherice Roth for today's episode, I am clearly on the "this is super important!" bandwagon! Today we cover everything from the transition from vet school into practice to providing care for under-served communities to veterinary telehealth options and finally back around to mentorship. Dr. Roth is an amazing woman, mom and vet who is contributing so much to our profession. Please make sure to check out all that she is involved with!
Find out more about Cherice Roth, DVM...
Dr. Cherice Roth is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Before veterinary school, she earned a Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Biochemistry. She spent time perfecting her exotic animal medicine and surgical knowledge in Australia, and upon returning to the U.S., mentored and guided veterinary assistants and DVMs in her home hospitals. She has held many roles within veterinary medicine from associate DVM, Medical Operations Support Manager all the way to Chief Veterinary Officer. Dr. Roth has done clinical, industry and administrative
work within Veterinary Medicine. She was one of the developers of the RACE approved Virtual Care University as well as MyPetDoc. Dr. Roth has remained on the cutting edge of perfecting virtual veterinary care. She is currently the Chief Veterinary Officer of Fuzzy Pet Health as well as an advisory board member for Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA) and Veterinary Professionals Instilling Black Excellence (VIBE). She believes that veterinary virtual care is the answer for health disparities in pets as well as part of the answer to psychological health issues of veterinary professionals.
Dr. Roth is also the author of children’s books “What’s a REAL Doctor?” and “What does a REAL Doctor look like?” Both books focus on veterinary medicine, diversity, STEM and representation. Outside of work, you can find her in the woods of Oregon with her many, many “Roth Ranch” animals, her sons (The Rothlings), and husband, or serving on the medical board for several boxer, Doberman and dachshund charitable organizations.
Signed Copies of her books be purchased at https://the-real-doctor-store.myshopify.com
The books are also available from Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Ingram Publisher.
Ways to Connect with Dr. Roth:
LI: www.linkedin.com/in/chericeroth
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cherice.roth/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@that_doctor_roth
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RothDVM
www.Fuzzy.com
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
When you think of amazing leaders throughout history, there's a good chance you're thinking of someone who has enacted transformational leadership. Today we get to learn all about the pillars of transformational leadership - what it's made of, why it can be so beneficial, and what some of the downsides might be in this interview with Dr. Andrew Ciccolini. Andrew is just wrapping up his Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and so generously shares his insight with us. Veterinary medicine is definitely in need of this leadership style, so let's all pay close attention!
...
More about Andrew Ciccolini, DVM, MSOL
Dr. Andrew is a veterinarian dedicated to the health and welfare of underserved pet populations with a passion for reducing economic barriers that disrupt the human-animal bond. He is a 2011 graduate of The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. He served nine years of active duty with the United States Army providing veterinary care all across the world. Continuing to serve part time in the Army National Guard, he is also the Medical Director at the National Mill Dog Rescue, a non-profit located in Colorado that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes over 1,100 commercial breeding dogs every year. Andrew has completed a Master of Organizational Leadership degree from Regis University and leads non-profit initiatives for Galaxy Vets.
-Find him on Instagram!!!
-Find him on LinkedIn
...
Make a donation to Children's Hospital Colorado in Ethan's honor!
...
Resources that were mentioned
-Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us (animated video from author Dan Pink)
-Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
-The Little Blue Truck series by Alice Schertle
-My American Journey by Colin Powell
-The Mission, the Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander by Pete Blaber
-https://galaxyvets.foundation
-National Mill Dogs Rescue Healing Hearts Fund
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
The new directors of Non-Profit Initiatives at Galaxy Vets , Dr. Andrew Ciccolini, joins me today to introduce The Galaxy Vets Foundation. Please consider donating any resources that you might have available, be it time or financial support.
...
About Galaxy Vets Foundation
Galaxy Vets Foundation is a non-profit arm of Galaxy Vets, an employee-owned veterinary healthcare system in the U.S. The foundation’s mission is to preserve the human-animal bond and enhance animal welfare throughout the world. In pursuit of this mission, it will improve access to care for underserved communities, reduce or eliminate economic euthanasia, and provide animal disaster and humanitarian response solutions. Learn more and donate to help animals of Ukraine here: https://galaxyvets.foundation/.
Follow Them on Instagram
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Real talk regarding sustainability in equine veterinary medicine.
For this episode, I'm joined by the co-creators of The Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar and Retreat as we share some of the highlights of the past two events. The community formed over these two very special weekends can be described as nothing other than magical. We are excited for the future of equine medicine whenever we gather with these amazing folks. Come join us as we help shape a better vetmed for our present and future colleagues.
Featuring Dr. Cara Wright, Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian and Dr. Misty Gray
Find out more at www.SEPseminars.com!
Follow along on Instagram @SEPseminars!
Our next event will be held in Seattle, Washington on September 29-October 2, 2022.
Big Thanks to Our Sponsors...
Grand Prix:
Platinum Performance
Zoetis Equine
Platinum:
Boehringer Ingelheim Equine
Merck Animal Health
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
From workplace culture to salary structure to having time to ride your own horse, Dr. Mike Pownall joins me to discuss all of the important aspects of creating a workplace where veterinarians want to be. You don't want to miss any of the gems that he shares after having grown a practice with his wife, Dr. Melissa McKee, over the past 20 years and honing his skills as a veterinary business management consultant.
...
More about Mike Pownall, DVM, MBA
Prior to becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Mike Pownall worked as a farrier for seven years. His interest in equine lameness led him to attend the Ontario Veterinary College, graduating in 2001.In 2002 he and his wife, Dr. Melissa McKee, started McKee-Pownall Equine Services. Their organization is represented by 3 equine veterinary clinics with 17 vets and 40 support staff spread across the Greater Toronto Area and one practice in Wellington, Florida. He is also a partner with Oculus Insights offering business management services and education to veterinarians throughout the world.
Dr. Pownall received his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University in Ontario, and was the class valedictorian. He presents internationally on business strategy, human resources, pricing, and marketing for veterinarians. He also contributes to numerous
journals on business management topics.
Dr. Pownall has a blog, podcast and webinar series on veterinary business management at www.veterinarybusinessmatters.com and you can learn more about Oculus Insights at www.oculusinsights.net.
Ways to contact Dr. Pownall
- mpownall@oculusinsights.net
- Linked In
- McKee-Pownall Equine Services
Mike recommends Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Highlighting equine practices that are moving away from "traditional" equine veterinary norms is a way to bridge the gap that exists between younger and older veterinarians. We cannot hope to attract new talent to our pool of equine veterinarians if recent grads and students don't know that there ARE progressive practices out there. I'm excited to highlight a few of these practice owners over the next couple of weeks.
To start off, please enjoy this discussion with Dr. David Stephens of Weems & Stephens Equine Hospital in Aubrey, Texas.
...
Dr. David Stephens, DABVP graduated from Texas A&M University in 1990, which was followed by a one-year internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. Upon completion of a surgery residency at Oklahoma State University in 1994, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Equine) in 1995. Subsequently, he was a staff surgeon at Equine Veterinary Associates in Conroe, Texas for 1 year, and then partnered with Dr. Scott Weems to establish Weems and Stephens Equine Hospital in 1997.
Other ways to contact Dr. Stephens
- Website
- Email: david@wseh.net
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Julie Squires is back to take a deeper dive with us into the actual practice of setting boundaries! She has such important insight into what work we need to do when approaching boundaries in the workplace. You will get a ton of ideas from this episode regarding how to start a boundary discovery process and how to approach conversations in the workplace once you've nailed down some boundaries that need to be established.
More about Julie!
Julie Squires is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist, Certified Life Coach and Certified Grief Educator who brings a unique perspective and approach to support the sustained energy and passion of those exposed to compassion fatigue in veterinary medicine. Julie is an internationally recognized speaker and has over thirty years of experience within the veterinary industry working in practice as well as in the veterinary industry. Her company, Rekindle LLC, offers virtual and on-site seminars, workshops, a brand new group coaching program exclusively for veterinarians called Living a Life You Love, and the Rekindling podcast and is the result of the need Julie saw to help those that work with animals maintain their wellbeing and mental health.
Julie has deep love and affection for Brené Brown, Oprah and Keith Urban…not necessarily in that order!
Find her!
Website
Instagram
Rekindling Podcast
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
You are not alone if you struggle to communicate with your boss or your employees. We are at a time in the world where five different generations are forced to play nicely when it comes to working together. Jay McChord is here today to help us understand just how differently all of these generations view life and work. You'll also get to hear an awesome discussion on courageous leadership and how to be a great mentor. If you are a veterinarian who struggles with employee recruitment or retention, or if you are scared to talk to your boss about a new idea, this episode is one that cannot be missed.
...
More about Jay
Jay McChord is a highly requested speaker, trainer and consultant to companies, institutions, and organizations globally. Recognized as an authority on the Multi-Generational Workplace and the emerging, Remote Work/Virtual Environment, Jay’s high value content and high-energy live, virtual, and hybrid events have earned him the nickname of “Your Chief Encouragement Officer.”
Jay brings a unique perspective to his sessions as a former Global Senior Sales Trainer for a multi-billion dollar international technology company, an elected official, published author and military artist. Jay’s connection to each audience sparks encouragement, energy, enthusiasm, and passion.
Jay and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Riley and Davis, and make their home in Lexington, KY.
Contact Jay
https://www.mcchordinc.com/
Email: jaymcchord@gmail.com
Phone/Text: 859-492-6555
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Hang on to your hats, folks. Dr. Brooke Bowman and I cover a range of issues that equine veterinarians face - everything from racetrack practice to alternative work schedules to boundaries with clients and back around to mental illness. We also touch on racing cars and hanging out at Tootsie's Honkeytonk, so be prepared for a rowdy conversation!
Trigger Warning: This podcast does discuss mental illness and suicide at times throughout the episode.
Meet Dr. Bowman...
Brooke Bowman DVM
Bcbowman@hotmail.com
Find him on Instagram @bcbowman12
Dr. Brooke Bowman is a 2010 graduate of Ross University and operates Chesapeake Veterinary Services In Chesapeake City, MD. He grew up on a TB breeding farm in Chestertown, MD and graduated from VA Tech with an Animal Science degree in 2002. In between the time he spent at VT and Ross, he worked on his parents’ thoroughbred breeding farm and raced cars.
A bit more about Brooke…
-My mother Chris Bowman and my father Tom Bowman, DVM are my heroes.
-I have two absolutely beautiful and funny children named Owen and Juliette.
-I love adrenaline and the source is of no importance to me. It can be from going way too fast and trying to pass someone or watching my kids do something cool.
-I believe good rap music should be playing either on your speakers or in your head at all times. Including vet appointments.
-I can’t wait to start my podcast to make people laugh, cry, think, and dream.
Motto: Life is good…let’s get it.
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Dr. Daly and Dr. McAndrews share one more gem regarding solo equine practice. We discuss how collaboration is KEY to success in practice.
Find out more about my guests below...
Amelie McAndrews, DVM
McAndrews@gardenstateequine.com
www.gardenstateequine.com
Caitlin Daly, DVM
https://www.midcoastequine.com/
midcoastequine@gmail.com
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian at our new website!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
Solo equine vets make up 37% of all equine veterinarians. Many people think of group practice as the only way to go after graduation, but if you want to forge your own path as an equine veterinarian, you can do it! And you won't be alone in doing so. While not every aspect of solo practice is perfect, there are many upsides to owning your own business and that is what we discuss today. My guests are awesome human beings and amazing colleagues. I am honored to have them join me for this really important topic.
Let's meet our guests...
Amelie McAndrews, DVM
McAndrews@gardenstateequine.comwww.gardenstateequine.com
Originally from Connecticut, Dr. McAndrews completed an internship at a general and referral practice in Arizona before spending five years at a general equine practice in New Jersey. During her time as a general practitioner, her interests and caseload became increasingly focused on equine dentistry. She found she could significantly improve her patient’s quality of life by addressing problems found through a comprehensive oral exam. Garden State Equine Veterinary Dentistry was founded with the goal of being able to help more horses through better oral health.
Dr. McAndrews spent years training under Dr. David Foster, a founding member of the American Veterinary Dental College - Equine Specialty who retired from private general equine dental practice in 2015. She travels frequently to train with equine veterinary dental specialists, presents to equine veterinarians on dental disease, and teaches equine dentistry to veterinary students. She regularly attends equine dentistry continuing education meetings and wet labs.
Dr. McAndrews is one of only a handful of veterinarians completing an equine dental residency training program. She is also a clinical associate at the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center.
...
Caitlin Daly, DVM
https://www.midcoastequine.com/midcoastequine@gmail.com
Dr. Caitlin Daly has been involved with horses since she was a young child. Her experience with various breeds and riding disciplines has supplemented her understanding of each horse’s specific needs. By taking the time to develop a special relationship with her clients and their horses, she is a fundamental part of the team that keeps horses healthy and performing to the best of their ability.
After graduating from Miami University in 2007, Dr. Daly worked as a technician at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2011, Dr. Daly received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to moving to Maine, she completed an internship at Wilhite and Frees Equine Hospital outside of Kansas City, Missouri. In 2018, Dr. Daly became certified in Veterinary Medical Manipulation and in 2019, Dr. Daly became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists with a focus on Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Daly started Mid Coast Equine in 2013 to allow her to expand her personalized care to more horses and their owners. She has a special interest in wellness care, dentistry, lameness, and veterinary medical manipulation (chiropractic care).
Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Daly enjoys running, hiking and spending time with her pets.
...
Connect with The Whole Veterinarian via Instagram or at the website.
...
Find out more about the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar and Retreat HERE!
Welcome to Season 4 of The Whole Veterinarian Podcast! I hope you are having a wonderful start to the year. I am excited to get back to releasing episodes on February 3, 2022 after a much needed holiday break.
This season will focus on equine veterinarians for the next couple of months. We face unique challenges in veterinary medicine and I want to highlight some of the voices working to make a difference in our space.
Also, I want to let you know that The Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar & Retreat is back! After a hugely successful event in 2021, we are excited to gather again in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 24-27th. Please see the website for more info and to register. Come join us!
Please make sure to check out the brand new Whole Veterinarian website. She's so pretty!!! Download some freebies, sign up for the newsletter or just learn more about me there.
Connect with Stacey @thewholeveterinarian on Instagram or Facebook, too.
I'll talk to you all soon.
TRIGGER WARNING- This episode contains references to and information about suicide which may be upsetting to some people. The purpose of the episode is to educate and bring awareness to the stigma around mental illness and provide resources but if you are not in a position to handle this discussion, please skip this episode.
If you are concerned about a friend or colleague, or if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the USA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), or just dial 911.
You may also Text HOME to 741-741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor. The crisis text line is also available via Whatsapp and FB messenger.
Find out more about suicide at SAVE.org"If you are thinking about suicide, please utilize all resources available to you. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) has a website that is a helpful place to start. Aside from calling a crisis line, removing access to lethal means and talking to a loved one or someone else that you trust, SAVE recommends creating a safety plan. Having a safety plan in place during a time of emotional vulnerability or in crisis is one way to help manage your thoughts and feelings and a quick way to refer yourself to help. Use the link below for a safety plan template. Share your safety plan with your doctor(s), family, friends, or anyone else in your support network. Here is a template you can use."
FREE QPR training
...
Today I am again joined by Dr. Marie Holowaychuk to continue our conversation regarding suicide awareness and prevention in veterinary medicine. We cover topics ranging from how to recognize someone who might be at risk of suicide to ways you can educate yourself about how to help someone in the midst of a crisis. We also touch on the correct and safe ways to discuss the matter of suicide with your team and friends.
Bio!
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialist and passionate advocate for veterinary team wellbeing. She lives in Calgary and travels worldwide as a speaker, consultant, and locum. Marie has spent more than 15 years practicing emergency and critical care medicine in academic and private referral hospital settings. Outside of veterinary practice, Marie facilitates wellness workshops and retreats for veterinary clinics or organizations and offers individual or group wellbeing sessions for veterinary team members. Recently Marie launched her own podcast Reviving Vet Med and has a YouTube channel that features monthly Wellness Wednesday videos. When she is not working, Marie enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, hiking, as well as spending time with her family and friends.
For more information, please visit www.marieholowaychuk.com or follow Marie on Facebook, Twitter (@DrMHolowaychuk), LinkedIn, or Instagram.
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian Podcast
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
TRIGGER WARNING- This episode contains references to and information about suicide which may be upsetting to some people. The purpose of the episode is to educate and bring awareness to the stigma around mental illness and provide resources but if you are not in a position to handle this discussion, please skip this episode.
If you are concerned about a friend or colleague, or if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the USA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), or just dial 911.
You may also Text HOME to 741-741 to reach a volunteer Crisis Counselor. The crisis text line is also available via Whatsapp and FB messenger.
WARNING SIGNS ...Today I am joined by Dr. Marie Holowaychuk to hear her thoughts on why veterinarians have an increased stigma around mental illness, how emotional intelligence can help us, and why team leaders need to develop psychological safety in their work cultures to allow for discussion of mental wellbeing to become commonplace.
...
About Dr. Holowaychuk
Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a board-certified small animal emergency and critical care specialist and passionate advocate for veterinary team wellbeing. She lives in Calgary and travels worldwide as a speaker, consultant, and locum. Marie has spent more than 15 years practicing emergency and critical care medicine in academic and private referral hospital settings. She has been primary or co-author of more than 30 manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals and is an Assistant Editor for the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. She is also co-editor of the Manual of Veterinary Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banking.
Outside of veterinary practice, Marie facilitates wellness workshops and retreats for veterinary clinics or organizations and offers individual or group wellbeing sessions for veterinary team members. Marie is a certified yoga and meditation teacher and has completed a mindfulness-based stress reduction course for professionals. She also has Compassion Fatigue Training from the University of Tennessee School of Social Work, as well as Mental Health First Aid Training from the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training from the Centre for Suicide Prevention. Marie is a certified life coach and writes a monthly blog and e-newsletter on pertinent issues related to veterinary wellness. Recently Marie launched her own podcast Reviving Vet Med and has a YouTube channel that features monthly Wellness Wednesday videos.
When she is not working, Marie enjoys listening to podcasts, reading, hiking, and strength training, as well as spending time with her family and friends. For more information, please visit www.marieholowaychuk.com or follow Marie on Facebook, Twitter (@DrMHolowaychuk), LinkedIn, or Instagram.
...
Resources that we mentioned in the episode:
-"Have you ever wondered which veterinarians have negative attitudes about mental health and why?" A blog post written by Marie
- Humans can experience 34,000 distinguishable emotions. Find some new feelings on this chart.
-Better Help
-Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
-Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
...
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
Talking about money can be a huge emotional drain; veterinarians are forced to have these discussions all day long with pet owners. You can see why dealing with their own finances is probably the last thing a veterinarian wants to do after work. Dr. Grace Kim of Richer Life DVM joins me on this episode to share ideas on why it is worthwhile to get your personal finances in order, even if you're sick of the money talk. She also shares some tactical advice on how to get started with finances if you think that money is just "not your thing." We both feel very strongly that getting a handle on your personal finances is a major step in improving your overall well-being, so please give this episode a listen!
...
About Dr. Kim
Grace Kim, DVM, AFC® is a financial coach and educator for veterinarians who want to stress less and find more joy with their money without feeling overwhelmed in the process. Her own journey from six-figure student loan debt as a veterinarian to becoming more financially literate and purposeful with money led to the founding of Richer Life DVM as a platform to educate and encourage others along their own financial journeys.
www.richerlifedvm.com
Email: grace@richerlifedvm.com
IG @richerlifeDVM
FB RicherLifeDVM
Sign up for Grace's email list to receive her student loan repayment training series!
...
Resources we mentioned during the episode:
-Choose FI Podcast
-Afford Anything Podcast
-White Coat Investor Podcast
-The Veterinary Financial Podcast
-Physician on FIRE blog
-I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
-The Simple Path To Wealth by JL Collins
-MentorVet
-Previous TWV Episodes with Dr. Meredith Jones and Dr. Addie Reinhardt
...
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian Podcast
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Well-being and personal development habits are not just set it and forget it. Veterinary medicine, and life in general, take a toll on us all...we need to have strong foundations and routines of self-care in place in order to thrive. This episode is serving as my reminder to get back to some healthier habits, even when I get super busy with life. Since I needed a reminder so badly this week, I thought someone out there might also be feeling overwhelmed or burned out and may benefit from hearing about some of my wellness strategies.
This talk was originally prepared for The Veterinary Financial Summit...you can still get access to recorded video presentations here by joining the Community! It's an awesome resource and I am still catching up on all the lectures that I couldn't get to while it was live.
...
Resources mentioned in the episode (or maybe not specifically mentioned but I think they're important!)...
-My interview with Dr. Ed Kanara about creating a simple strategic life plan
-The 5 Minute Journal
-Gratitude in Practice PDF
-Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff
-How to Leave Your Comfort Zone and Enter Your ‘Growth Zone’ by Oliver Page, MD
....
Find out more about The Whole Veterinarian Podcast
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
“Great teams consist of individuals who have learned to trust each other. Over time, they have discovered each other’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to play as a coordinated whole.” -Amy Edmondson-
I think we can all agree that team dysfunction and a toxic workplace are major contributors to the poor well-being of the individual veterinarian. Today's guest studies and consults on a few things that I believe could significantly change the way our veterinary practices function on a day-to-day basis. Dr. Olivia Oginska is deeply passionate about veterinary workplace well-being, emotional intelligence, psychological safety and creating tools that help veterinary practitioners to thrive in their career and personal life.
...
About Liv!
Dr. Oginska graduated in 2016 from the University of Poland and moved to the United Kingdom to undergo surgical training. During her career development, Liv was exposed to various workplace environments and worked with veterinary professionals of diverse backgrounds, cultures and nationalities.
Along the years of her professional training, Liv has been mentoring and providing mental health support to her colleagues. The passion for veterinary well-being led her to undertake the Master’s degree programme in Applied Positive Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University, UK, where Liv received the life-coaching and appreciative inquiry training credentials.
Based on several years of veterinary and peer-support experience, combined with Positive Psychology training, Liv created the Vet Gone Real platform, through which she supports multiple individuals and veterinary teams to receive mental well-being coaching.
Liv presented her innovative approach to building human-friendly veterinary workplaces on the international congresses and she puts her teachings into practice through serving veterinary teams as their Clinical Wellbeing Coach. She is also a Certified Workplace Conflict Mediator.
-Vet Gone Real Website
-Instagram
-Email: vetgonereal@gmail.com
-Linked In
...
Additional Resources
-Understanding Team Effectiveness from Google's Re:Work
-Google Doc on How to Foster Psychological Safety on Your Teams also from Re:Work
-The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Having a good mentor is vital to your veterinary career. Having a great mentor can be life changing. Dr. Addie Reinhard talks with us today about the qualities that set apart the great mentors and she explains how you can easily become one of them. Addie also details how her program, MentorVet, is helping recent grads adjust to life in the real veterinary world. If you've ever found yourself in a mentorship role (AKA literally ALL veterinarians!) or feel like you are needing help from a mentor, this episode is for you.
...
About Dr. Reinhard...
Dr. Addie Reinhard is a veterinary wellbeing researcher. Her research focuses on developing and evaluating innovative interventions to support mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary profession. Dr. Reinhard is a 2015 graduate of The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She is the Founder and Director of MentorVet, an evidence-based mentorship and professional development program for recent veterinary graduates. She is on the research team for the next phase of the Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study and is currently collaborating with Merck Animal Health to grow and expand MentorVet. She completed a master’s degree in Community and Leadership Development and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from the University of Kentucky in Spring 2021, was a 2019-2020 KVMA Power of Ten Leadership Program participant, and holds a certificate in Veterinary Human Support from the University of Tennessee. She is also a certified QPR instructor.
Find out more about MentorVet and Dr. Reinhard here...
-MentorVet website
-Facebook
-Instagram @mentorvet
-Linked In
...
Make sure to check out the FREE QPR Training from the AVMA
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
There is no doubt that veterinary professionals are beyond overloaded in today's current climate. We need to find ways to think outside of the box in order to lighten our load and create more boundaries. Our personal well-being has to be on our to-do lists if we want to decrease the burnout in veterinary medicine and attract the right people onto our teams.
In this episode I speak with Dr. Jess Trimble, a lover of all things virtual care. She truly believes that utilizing virtual, connected care with our clients is an important way to care for both ourselves and our patients.
...
About Dr. Trimble!
Dr. Trimble is a veterinarian who is passionate about how virtual health and new technologies can improve the lives of the whole veterinary team and enhance practice operations, while also improving pet health and making care more affordable. She is an experienced general practitioner, telehealth consultant, speaker, and the Chief Veterinary Officer of Anipanion.
Dr. Trimble's LinkedIn
...
References we mentioned...
-Free RACE-approved CE from Anipanion
-Free training articles like this one, Getting the Whole Team Excited
-AVMA Veterinary Telehealth Guidelines
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Today I speak with the Secretary of the NOMV Board of Directors, Caitlin Furlong, about the origination of the Race Around the World and how this fundraising event has helped to shape the growth of Not One More Vet.
Why NOMV is Needed1 in 6 veterinarians considers suicide at some point in their career. (Nett et al. 2015)
Rates of relative risk of death by suicide of veterinary professionals to the general public (Witte 2019):
- Male veterinarians: 1.6x
- Female veterinarians 2.4x
- Male technicians: 5x
- Female technicians: 2.3x
If you are able to, please share this information and get involved in the fundraiser!
...
Find out more info about NOMV and the Race!
-Not One More Vet Mission
-Are you a veterinary professional? Click here to join the community.
-Race details and how to sign up
Crisis Numbers
...
Here is NOMV's suggestion for fundraising verbiage...
Veterinary professionals are facing a mental health crisis. Not One More Vet, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity looking to change the trajectory of the profession. Join me by participating in the 2nd Annual NOMV Race Around the World which takes place during Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month. Log your miles throughout the month to remind veterinary professionals that NOMV is here and they are never alone.
@notonemorevet #nomvracearoundtheworld #milesforourmission
Find shareable graphics and more info HERE
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Today I am wrapping up the August series of Amazing Moms in Veterinary Medicine with the incomparable DermVet (also known as Ashely Bourgeois, DVM, ACVD!) We cover all things mom life and chat about how you really can make veterinary medicine work for whatever part of life you're in at the moment. Here's our collective advice - make sure to be flexible and ask for help!
...
Dr. Ashley Bourgeois is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist passionate about providing practical knowledge to general practitioners to help itchy pets! She completed her bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University and graduated from the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. She then completed a one-year small animal internship at Purdue University. Upon finishing her internship, she accepted a residency position with the Animal Dermatology Clinic’s Tustin, California location in 2011. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology in 2014. Dr. Bourgeois moved to Portland, Oregon in 2016 to help expand the company. She is an owner within the company and on the board of directors. She has a strong interest in autoimmune skin diseases, allergies, cytology, and otology.
In her leisure, Dr. Bourgeois enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and watching sports. She and her husband stay busy with their daughter, son, and rescue Lab/Boxer/Pit mix. Dr. Bourgeois is passionate about educating veterinarians in dermatology and work/life integration through her podcast, lecturing, and social media presence (@TheDermVet).
...
Find Dr. Bourgeois here...
- Website
- The Derm Vet Podcast
- The Derm Nerds Community
- Upcoming Conferences: Fetch Kansas City, Western Veterinary Conference, International Veterinary Seminars Sedona & Fetch San Diego
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Today you get to meet Dr. Nia Perkins, founder of My Vetamorphosis!
...
A graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, I dreamed of becoming a vet since I was a child growing up in Chicago. I hadn’t been practicing long before I realized that there were important aspects of the profession that were not taught in school. Not that they could have been. I’m talking about life experience. That’s what led me to Personal Development Coaching.
I currently reside in the Atlanta area. I'm a boy mom to the best teenager on the planet and dog mom to the most stubborn but cutest Japanese Chin around! I love to bake goodies in my spare time, find good shows to binge, spend time with family and friends, and travel wherever life takes me!
I believe every person should lead a fulfilling life, and achieve all they envision for themselves, both personally and professionally. I have coached others at different points in my career, but never looked at it as a job. With the current state of the veterinary profession, I feel I can make a profound impact as a coach.
I chose to work exclusively with veterinarians, because for one, I'm a veterinarian, and I understand many of the challenges you face on a daily basis. Also, there's no one like you, and it's important that you and everyone else knows that! You have a lot to offer, but expectations placed on you make it difficult to see or feel that.
Through personal development coaching, I help veterinarians become more balanced humans.
...
Find out more about My Vetamorphosis and Dr. Perkins
- Website
- Linked In
- Book a FREE discovery call with her to see if coaching is right for you!
- If you decide to move forward with purchasing a coaching package, you will receive 20% off for being a Whole Veterinarian podcast listener!
- Coaching Package #1 TWV
- 3 X 30-minute one-on-one coaching sessions and access to the monthly group sessions
- Coaching Package #2 TWV
- 3 X 30-minute one-on-one coaching sessions, access to the monthly group sessions, and unlimited messaging
- Coaching Package #1 TWV
- If you decide to move forward with purchasing a coaching package, you will receive 20% off for being a Whole Veterinarian podcast listener!
- If group sessions are more your style, check out the "Chat with the Tribe" option
- $25 for a monthly group session - no commitment and you can sign up for a single event HERE.
...
Books that Nia recommends!
1. More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth
2. Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield
3. Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom
4. Full Circle- Race, Law, & Justice: Inside My Life: Attorney James D. Montgomery, Sr. by Walter M. Perkins (Nia's dad!)
BONUS - Write Right- Right Now by Walter M. Perkins
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Work hard. Take risks. Try new things. Push yourself. Become Your Own Leader.
Just a few of the tangible lessons you'll hear in this episode.
Meet Dr. Julie Settlage!
Julie Settlage joined Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health as an Equine Professional Services Veterinarian in May 2020. She is a board certified large animal surgeon and has a masters in veterinary education. Until joining Boehringer, her career focused on serving her alma mater, Virginia Tech, through clinical service, teaching, leadership positions, and research collaboration. Utilizing her strengths in teaching and collaboration, Julie enjoys providing practice-centered education in her new role at BIAH.
While she has lots of letters behind her name indicating that she is a bit of a nerd, she is actually just a normal human mom. She is passionate about her family, her profession, and, newly, her Peloton.
Contact: julie.settlage@boehringer-ingelheim.com
...
Things we discuss...
Veterinary Leadership Institute
- VL Experience
- VLI Trek (spots are still open for this September's trip!)
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
This is the month I celebrate some of the amazing mothers in veterinary medicine.
Today you get to meet the co-founder of the DVMoms facebook group. We members know the strength of the community that Jordan Gesimondo has helped to create. If you’re not a member yet, I’d highly recommend joining the over 15,000 of us already there! I wanted to talk to Jordan about her journey into motherhood in hopes of helping other young veterinary professionals to realize that parenting and veterinary medicine can go together - you just might need to get a little bit creative and find a lot of boundaries!
...
Meet Jordan!
"I became a veterinarian in 2011 when I graduated from Colorado State University. While I always knew I wanted to be a veterinarian, nobody could have prepared me for the extent of what the field involved. My path to motherhood was very similar. While I always knew I wanted to be a mom, nobody openly talked about the reality of it all. My first child’s birth was traumatic, with a plethora of postpartum complications. Everyone talks about the pleasantries of motherhood. Nobody tells you your recovery may be brutal, you may struggle to bond with your baby, or have crippling postpartum anxiety and depression. They don’t mention the night sweats, the difficulty of breastfeeding, the mastitis, the urge to smack your sleeping partner, or the sleep deprivation so severe that you can’t remember your own name. Then, just as you are learning up from down, maternity leave is over, and you go back to work.
For me, navigating the challenges of veterinary medicine with a baby that would not sleep more than two hours at a time was a form of torture. If it weren’t for my good friend, Megan Emerick, I’m not sure I would have made it. Luckily, we were in the same stage of life, and knowing I wasn’t alone was monumental. Megan had the brilliant idea of forming a Facebook group to help support our friends in similar situations. With that, DVMoms was born.
I graduated with an MPH from the University of Minnesota in 2016. It was a two-year dual degree program that I should have completed with my DVM by 2012. However, since they offered a generous seven years to complete it, and I have an honorary Ph.D. in procrastination, I utilized every minute of those seven years. My interest in public health initially centered around zoonotic disease and global public health. As I became more established in private clinical practice, my eyes were opened to the vast need for support within our own veterinary community.
I now know that for this field to be sustainable, the health we need to focus on is our own. My passion focuses on all my veterinary colleagues’ mental, physical and emotional health, but particularly mothers needing support in a field that often fails to recognize the struggles unique to being a veterinarian and a parent. I strive to be a present, loving mother to my kids while also being a caring, compassionate veterinarian to my patients and clients. I truly believe that with positive changes, it will be possible to do both."
...
Links to find more information
-Here it is, THE DVMoms - Life in the Trenches Facebook group!
-DVMoms on Instagram
-www.thedvmoms.com
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Burnout. We know about it. Many of us live it. Is there a solution?
...
For this episode, I’ve invited Dr. Ivan “Zak” Zakharenkov to share with us his research on burnout in veterinary institutions-- all collected from his dissertation and experience in 35 different hospitals across Canada. With his extensive background, Dr. Zak aims to crack the code and build a new methodology to address veterinary groups’ acquisition, integration, and improvement; all while keeping employee experience as the top priority.
Could consolidation really be a solution to some of the issues in vetmed? My opinion has definitely changed after learning about a possible burnout-proof mindset for corporate practice transitions. I am interested to hear what you think!
Episode Highlights:
- Dr. Zak’s personal experience with burnout, inspiring his research
- Why younger veterinarians are more vulnerable to burnout
- Incorporating the 5 Principles of Lean into veterinary medicine
- Veterinary Integration Solution's mission and their plan to tackle burnout
- Advice for veterinarians experiencing burnout and its possible signs
Things we mentioned:
- Webinar “Why are veterinarians unhappy”: https://vetintegrations.com/events/why-are-veterinarians-unhappy/
- Burnout study: https://vetintegrations.com/insights/burnout2020/
- Flow Training
- Traction by Gino Wickman
- 6 Causes of Burnout - HBR article
About Dr. Zak:
Dr. Ivan Zak has earned multiple accreditations in veterinary medicine. After graduating, he worked in 35 veterinary hospitals across Canada, where he was inspired to create Smart Flow, a first-in-the-industry workflow optimization system. Smart Flow was subsequently acquired by Fortune 500 company IDEXX, where Ivan became General Manager of the Software division. After consulting 500+ practices worldwide on workflow optimization, he dove into studying the psychological triggers of burnout and business methodologies that veterinary organizations can apply to eliminate them. Ivan obtained an MBA degree in International Healthcare Management and wrote a dissertation “Implementation of lean thinking to improve the employee experience.” Today Ivan is leading VIS, helping veterinary groups systematize acquisition, integration and improvement of practices while preserving the employee experience.
Connect with Dr. Zak:
- Website | Veterinary Integration Solutions
- Podcast | Veterinary Innovation
- Podcast | Consolidate That!
- LinkedIn | Dr. Ivan Zak
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Are you fed up with the way that equine practice has been run for the past... forever? In this episode you will hear the plans for an exciting new equine-focused seminar.
If you’re ready to help make changes in our industry, we want you to spend the weekend learning and collaborating with us. We know that it is possible to make equine veterinary medicine a sustainable and fulfilling career. Please join us for the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar and Retreat being held in Seattle, Washington this October 14th-17th**.
Find out more and register HERE****.
Come disrupt with us!Meet the Organizers:
Misty Gray, DVM
Cara Wright, DVM
Kelly Zeytoonian, DVM
(click on the link to find their podcast episodes and learn more about each person!)
Who's going to be speaking?(click on their name to head to their websites)Click here to see the Seminar's Speaker Page
Danielle Alleman, DVM
-Hear more from Danielle
Jessie Carr
Isaiah Douglass
-Hear more from Isaiah
Liz Moneymaker
Kirsten Screen
Julie Squires
-Hear more from Julie
Kelly Zeytoonian, DVM
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Dr. Lillie Davis proves that hard work and determination are the keys to achieving your dreams. She also realizes that it's easy to lose yourself in the process. In this episode we cover everything from boundaries and self-care to the difficulties that people of color face when entering the veterinary medical field. Lillie is so genuine and warm; I am so thankful to have gotten the chance to get to know her. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did.
About Dr. Davis
Dr. Lillie Davis is a board-certified Medical Oncology Specialist and a native of The Bronx, New York. She earned her undergraduate degree at Cornell University in 2009 and her veterinary medicine degree at Cornell University in 2014. She completed a one-year small animal rotating internship at Purdue University in 2015 and returned to Cornell University to complete a three-year residency in Medical Oncology in 2018. She became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology) in 2018.
-Find Lillie on Instagram or Linked In
We both highly recommend therapy, so get a free month from BetterHelp here!
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
While I worry that the burden of student debt weighs heavily on veterinarians throughout their careers, quick repayment is not feasible in many cases. I'm also learning that it may not make the most mathematical sense. In this episode, Meagan Landress, a consultant for Student Loan Planner, helps me understand how to look at income-driven repayment and forgiveness in a new light. If you have any amount of student debt or are still in school, I think this episode is a must-listen. Planning for this giant pile of debt is the only way you will gain control over it.
About Meagan...Meagan Landress is a student loan consultant for Student Loan Planner. Meagan was the first person in Georgia to acquire her CSLP® designation, as a Certified Student Loan Professional®. Her specialized education around student loan debt allows her to guide borrowers through informed repayment decisions, taking into account their full financial situation and financial goals. Outside the office, Meagan serves as Treasurer of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) as well as President & CEO of the non-profit organization Power Suit Project, Inc. Meagan enjoys cooking, reading, and strength training; when she is not working or volunteering, you can often find her in the gym or cheering for the Atlanta Braves.
Website: https://www.studentloanplanner.com
Podcast: https://www.studentloanplanner.com/category/podcast/
Press: https://www.studentloanplanner.com/press/
Social media links: Facebook | Twitter
...
Resources
-Student Loan Forgiveness Calculator from SLP
-Student Loan Repayment Simulator from VIN
-This blog post from SLP makes me chuckle....kind of.
-A great podcast episode from SLP featuring NOMV (Episode 86)
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Amber LaRock, LVT is an amazing human being. She travels the world volunteering for animal organizations and creates helpful content for veterinary and pet companies. She is also gracious enough to share her story of recovery from alcohol addiction with us today. THANK YOU, Amber, for your grace and generosity.
...
A little bit about Amber-
My name is Amber LaRock and I am a Licensed Vet Tech that has made traveling in this field my life. In search of a way to allow myself to travel full time, I created my veterinary writing business. I now get to create informative pet health content as my career, all while volunteering at rescues around the world. I am not only an advocate for stepping out of your comfort zone in your career, but doing so while advocating for mental health and wellness. Sobriety and mental health work saved my life, and I hope to offer hope to others who are struggling as well.
Email: amberlarockva@gmail.com
Instagram: @vettechandtravel
The Podcast (Let's Travel VetMed Style) she co-hosts: @letstravelvetmedstyle
...
Resources we mentioned in the episode:
The Virtual Assistant Course Amber recommends
Organizations to check out:
- Phnom Penh Animal Welfare Society in Cambodia
- Amicci Canis Animal Hospital in Ecuador
- Bodhi Dog Shelter
A Few Substance Abuse Resources:
-A Sober Girl’s Guide podcast
-Recovery Happy Hour podcast
-SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has a ton of resources on their site
~ SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities
~Finding Quality Treatment-Substance Use Resources for Young Adults
...
More information about the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar and Retreat
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Have you ever wondered if you will last in this profession of ours? Burnout, compassion fatigue and general overwhelm are amazingly common problems in veterinary medicine. Leaving the industry is not your only option if you are feeling this way. What you might not realize is how well-prepared you are to adapt and create a life you love within veterinary medicine. It might not be the exact route you always thought you'd take, but there's definitely a path for you. Doctors Melanie Bowden and Kirsten Ronngren want to help you find happiness and success in your veterinary career. They are doing this by creating Advanced Vets Academy, an online course and community which aims to educate and mentor recent graduates about both medical and personal development topics. Their goal is similar to mine: create a more sustainable life while being a veterinarian - whatever that looks like for you!
Check out their amazing online platform - Advanced Vets Academy!
...
Dr. Bowden
Melanie is passionate about supporting the veterinary profession and believes that starts on an individual level. Born and raised in Maine, Melanie became a PNW transplant after attending WSU College of Veterinary Medicine but recently moved back to her home state. When not working, she and her dogs Pip and Tuck can be found skiing, climbing mountains, boating or practically anything else outdoors.
-Website
-Instagram
-Ted Talk "What Being A Veterinarian Really Takes"
-Her book "What the F*ck. Is This Vet Med?"
Dr. Ronngren
Kirsten is a born and raised Washington state girl, college football fanatic, traveler, and golden retriever lover with a passion for supporting and guiding our community through the ever changing world of veterinary medicine! Currently she resides in England with the puppies, cat and fiancé.
-Website
-Instagram
...
Resources We Mentioned:
-Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
-The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown
-Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
-You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Well-being might be a word that is thrown around a lot lately, but Renee Machel and Dr. Quincy Hawley are dedicated to educating all veterinary professionals about ways to improve this aspect of their lives. They formed Get MotiVETed with the hopes of ending burnout and dissatisfaction in our vetmed world.
Make sure to check out their new E-book in collaboration with Empowering Veterinary Teams, which can be found here!
About the Get MotiVETed Team!Visit their website! Check out their Instagram and Facebook!
Use code wholevet for 25% off anything from their website.
Renee Machel is a nationally recognized wellbeing speaker, certified life coach, CYT 200 yoga instructor, mindfulness, and meditation guide. As the co-founder of Get MotiVETed she aims to provide a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and enhance the culture within organizations. She has spent nearly 20 years in the veterinary industry as a hospital leader and technician.
She now shares her personal story of overcoming wellbeing struggles and key teachings in managing personal and professional wellbeing and development.
Renee speaks and trains on many topics of well-being. ● Mindfulness ● Leadership ● Gratitude ● Self-Care ● Balanced Living ● Stress Management ● Holistic Personal/Professional Development
Additionally, she lives in NC with her blended family, welcoming their newest addition into the world this spring, and of course, her fur-kids Eli & Penelope. As a family, they spend much of their time racing motocross when she and her fiance are not wearing their ‘entrepreneur hats’.
Dr. Quincy Hawley is a 2013 graduate of NC State’s CVM. Dr. Hawley has 6 years of working in small animal general practice. He is the co-founder of Get MotiVETed LLC, a company that provides wellbeing solutions for veterinary professionals and organizations. He is a Certified Professional Coach, self-published self-help and fitness author. Dr. Hawley has experience coaching a variety of veterinary professionals including but not limited to veterinarians, practice managers, and various veterinary hospital support staff.
Dr. Hawley is also the president of the NC Association of Minority Veterinarians, a 501-3c non-profit organization with a purpose of improving diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency for the profession. Dr. Hawley volunteers his time as a member of NC State’s CVM admissions committee, and is currently serving his 3rd term doing so.
He lives in NC with his wife, 2 daughters, along with their 8 dogs, 1 calico cat and a handful of chickens! **...
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
-**Inspirational Speakers that led Dr. Hawley to become a well-being speaker include Les Brown, Eric Thomas, Jim Rohn, Earl Nightingale and Tony Robbins.
-The "Exploratory" podcast on GetMotiVETed University
-Dr. Hawley's book recc
-Renee's book recc
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
HAPPY EARTH DAY 2021! Do you need easy tips to create a more sustainable lifestyle? Would you love to do more for the planet but have no idea where to start? In this episode I'm speaking with Brandy Heyde Montague. She's the host of the For Animals. For Earth Podcast, which is all about sharing simple and actionable tips on how to change your lifestyle in a way that betters both animals and the environment. I am acutely aware of how important it is to do better to conserve our environmental resources but I lack the time to follow through with many of the generic ideas out there. Brandy is here to share some unique and thought-provoking ideas with us.
More about Brandy Heyde MontagueBrandy is the founder of For Animals. For Earth. and has been passionate about helping animals since she declared herself a vegetarian at three years old. Growing up, she was a part of various animal welfare projects as an industrial engineer, a graphic designer, a community advocate, and an animal reiki teacher. She started an eco conscious clothing line in 2016 to help animal interest groups, and through that discovered a second passion: saving the Earth.
Brandy now runs For Animals. For Earth., a resource hub of simple ideas that anyone can try in their daily life to make a difference. She hand paints the clothing sold in their Etsy shop and hosts a podcast called For Animals. For Earth., where she interviews creators and activists all over the world who are making a difference. You can find the podcast streaming on all major platforms.
Website (podcast, blog, shop): https://foranimalsforearth.com/
Instagram (to connect): https://www.instagram.com/foranimalsforearth/
Pinterest (1000's of simple ideas): https://www.pinterest.com/foranimalsforearth/
5 Day Challenge (free jumpstart): https://foranimalsforearth.com/lifestylechallenge
50 Simple Ideas E-Book
...
Topics we cover in this episode:
-Skin Carisma ingredient analyzer
-Paige Padgett's skincare book "The Green Beauty Rules"
-EcoCert certification info
-"These Travel Companies Created Tools to Help You Travel More Sustainably" from Travel and Leisure Magazine
-"Ten Unique Places to Donate Toys" - ForAnimals.ForEarth. Blog post
-A sound bath on the Insight Timer App from the group, Wakes
-Try Wearwell, a sustainable clothing subscription
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
How do your boundaries hold up against the daily pressures of veterinary medicine? In this episode, Dr. Danielle Alleman of Empathos Vet shares how her struggles with setting firm boundaries quickly led her down the path toward burnout. Her own self-discovery and personal development has gotten her to a healthier place in veterinary medicine; she is now sharing tools for others to do the same through her online wellness platform, Empathos Vet. You'll hear us chat about how to set boundaries, what is self-compassion and how vet school is a starting place of many of our poor habits in these departments.
About Dr. Alleman
Dr. Danielle Alleman, DVM is a small animal veterinarian, and founder of Empathos Veterinary Wellness. She created Empathos Vet in late 2020 in response to the increased challenges the veterinary profession has been facing, and is passionate about helping veterinary professionals embody wellbeing as a concept, rather than just a buzzword. Empathos Vet is a veterinary wellbeing platform focused on veterinary workplace culture on both an organizational and a personal level. Danielle uses her platform to talk about things like creating and maintaining healthy boundaries, self-compassion and self-care, healthy habits, improving communication between veterinary teams members as well as clients, and other mental health and wellbeing topics, all aimed at improving career satisfaction! She currently has online courses available for veterinary students and veterinarians, holds masterminds for veterinary professionals, and speaks to veterinary groups around the country about how they can shift their mindset and grow into a happier, healthier version of themselves.
Instagram: @empathos.vet
Facebook: Empathos Veterinary Wellness
Email: danielle@empathosvet.com
Better Together: Mastermind Group for small animal practitioners, accepting participants now until April 14, 2021!
...
References we made in this episode...
- Kristin Neff, PhD and her amazing website
- Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Veterinarians are leaders whether we are prepared for this role or not. Leadership is certainly not taught to us in vet school but the nature of this profession forces us to learn a few skills on the job. In this episode, I speak with Iggy Perillo of WSL Leadership Coaching about some of the unique ways that veterinarians (especially associates!) might struggle with becoming a leader in the workplace. We end up diving into communication skills with team members and how to know when your efforts as a leader are not in alignment with the rest of your workplace team.
...
About Iggy Perillo
Iggy cultivates masterminds for professionals and athletes in unique
communities who are seeking excellence in their work, sport and life. She created WSL
Leadership Coaching to develop leaders and teams who make the world a better
place through enhanced connection, communication and trust. Iggy works with
individuals, teams and organizations around the world helping them overcome
challenges and function like champions.
Work Sport Life Masterminds website
Instagram: @wsl_leadership_coaching
Facebook: @WSLLeadershipCoaching
Pinterest: wslleadership
LinkedIn: IggyPerillo
Email: Iggy@wslleadership.com
Listen to Iggy's bonus episode on Mastermind Groups HERE!
Iggy's Book Recommendations: Don't Shoot the Dog, Drive & Mindset
New offerings from Iggy!
-Email her to join an April Mastermind group
-Leadership Ecosystem Lunch - a free gathering for heart-centered leaders to connect and rejuvenate (2nd Tuesdays 12-1 PT) Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leadership-ecosystem-lunch-tickets-144539542663
- Leadership Skills For Everyday Life Masterclass - Starting soon! Get info and on the waitlist at wslleadership.com/workshops
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Katie graciously spent a bit of extra time talking with me about the psychological and social benefits of gratitude. Gratitude journaling is something that I have done regularly for the past year or so; it has made a monumental difference in my day-to-day outlook. Please have a listen and see if this might be something that you could work into your weekly routine.
...
Where to find Dr. Katie Ford
-Her website
-Her online course - Imposter Busters Lite (you can use code WHOLEVET to get 10% off!)
-Buy her book on her site or on Amazon
-Check out her new group coaching called Vet Empowered
-Instagram @katiefordvet
-LinkedIn
...
Stuff we discussed!
-The Five Minute Journal
-Katie also recommended the book Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl after we stopped recording!
-Here's a recent article that Katie wrote on gratitude
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Have you ever felt like you weren't qualified enough to be treating the animal standing in front of you? You are not alone. Join me as I chat with Dr. Katie Ford about her experiences with imposter syndrome and why they led her to dive deep into this topic. She is a wealth of information and I cannot thank her enough for sharing what she's learned along her journey.
...
About Dr. Ford
My name is Katie, I live in beautiful Saddleworth just outside Manchester, UK. I'm a happy space-nerd, obsessed with Gary Vaynerchuk and I love racoons. Getting outside walking makes my heart glow, as does spending time with my partner and our two ridiculously fluffy cats. I love the gym, learning mountain biking, fitness and have done the odd mud run. I'm obsessed with gratitude, its anecdotal and more scientifically proven effects. I come up with new and crazy plans on the regular, and I am fascinated with human potential.
I'm passionate about positive mindset techniques and helping others with them too; I trained as a coach, broadband consciousness trainer & cognitive behaviour therapy. I've also been mentored and still am, by one of Bob Proctor's top mindset coaches in the world, who I'm lucky to call a good friend. I'm also a vet, who works in small animal practice and has an advanced certificate in internal medicine, I've been lucky to be doing this for nine years now.
Five years ago, this would have been a very different introduction. I would have started with "my name is Katie, and I'm a vet." All of my worth was on my job title; this was a double-edged sword. The profession is amazing, but I left all my hobbies behind. I became overworked (on my own terms), feeling like a fraud for any achievement and constantly chasing happiness. I put myself under more stress than clients, colleagues or patients ever did; I chased perfection constantly, staying longer and longer to disaster prevent. My brain looked for things that went wrong, and tortured me, however minuscule they appeared externally. It was mentally and physically unsustainable. I had achievements galore, everything external that I could want... but internally, I was in a civil war. I felt like one person went and achieved all this stuff externally, and then internally, I felt like a worthless fraud.
The good news was that through lots of methods, help from many sources, harnessing my thoughts, and recognising my personal value...my life is totally transformed. I've since started multiple businesses of my own & grown a social media following of over 12,000. You'll also find me speaking about imposter syndrome on many stages from WellVet to the Global Vet Career Summit, a myriad of podcasts, and recently keynote speaker at BVNA. In 2020, I published a book called "To an amazing vet", with versions for vet nurses and receptionists available too.
I feel lucky every day to know the content that I post about, hence I constantly try to share what I have learned, and why I trained in these methods myself. I love to help people to reconnect with themselves, the real them, and that's not always who we think that we are.
Where to find Dr. Ford
-Her website
-Her online course - Imposter Busters Lite (you can use code WHOLEVET to get 10% off!)
-Buy her book on her site or on Amazon
-Check out her new group coaching called Vet Empowered
-Instagram @katiefordvet
-LinkedIn
Isaiah Douglass joins us today to break down some important topics - best ways to choose a financial planner, why you need to know the value of your practice if you own one, ways in which ownership can benefit an individual… and my personal favorite - you are allowed to fire toxic clients! Plus, he gave us a ton of resources and tips on leadership and financial investing. Let me know how this episode resonates with you!
...
About Our Guest
Hi, my name is Isaiah Douglass. I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Certified Exit Planner, and Fee-Only advisor. I left a large national firm to found a solo financial planning firm in 2018 to pursue a planning approach that is dedicated to identifying ways to grow the net worth of veterinarians and dentists. In the summer of 2020, I merged with another financial advisor and became a partner in Vincere Wealth Management.
I am the host of the weekly podcast The Veterinarian Success Podcast which interviews and discusses topics related to clinical, business, financial, and personal of the lives of veterinarians. I am deeply involved in speaking within veterinary medicine via students, podcasts, video interviews, and spoken at the Veterinary Financial Summit conference. I am on the Communications Committee within VetPartners to help deliver the message of the organization to membership, but also the veterinary industry.
Vincere Wealth Management
The Veterinarian Success Podcast
Isaiah's IG : @isaiahd_vwm
Isaiah on LinkedIn
Veterinarian Financial Advisor Network
Hear ME being interviewed on Isaiah's podcast!
Podcast Recommendations:
The Knowledge Project (specifically episodes 96 and 67)
Invest Like The Best
Morgan Housel on Modern Wisdom (episode 222)
Book Recommendation: The NEXT Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and Sarah Stanley Fallaw
Find the Veterinarian's Financial Guide HERE!
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
Dr. Tannetje' Crocker has worked really hard to develop an impressive social media following and the content that she provides to young veterinarians is invaluable. In this episode, she gives some tactical pointers on how and why a social media presence (and therefore, a personal brand!) can be really important for your career. Tune in to hear how she makes sure to lead with a positive outlook in the veterinary social media world.
...
About Dr. Crocker!
Dr. Tannetje' Crocker is a 2009 graduate from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, she completed an equine focused internship in Southern California. Then she worked as a solo equine ambulatory practitioner for three years before transitioning to small animal medicine. She currently practices in Grapevine, Texas at Northwest Animal Hospital and the Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas. Tannetje' is passionate about mentorship and empowering both veterinary students and young veterinarians to embrace the profession and find joy and success. She is inspired by fellow veterinarians and vet students who want to contribute, support, and move this profession in a new direction.
She met and married her husband Shane Crocker at the start of veterinary school. Thirteen years later they have lived in 7 houses, had 2 children, and continue to laugh and love together. In her free time, Dr. Crocker can be found spending time with her family and friends riding horses and enjoying the outdoors.
Dr. Crocker is always looking for speaking and writing opportunities in the veterinary industry, so please feel free to reach out to her.
Contact Dr. Crocker
Instagram: @dr.tannetje.crocker
Email: dr.crocker@drcrockerpetvet.comWebsite: www.drcrockerpetvet.com
Dr. Crocker's Youtube Channel
Purchase Dr. Crocker's Veterinary Adventures Career Guide
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
If you own a practice, are looking to hire or you hold just about any job in the veterinary profession, you're going to want to hear all of the insight that Dr. Tannetje' Crocker shares with us today. She has a pulse on the newest generation of veterinarians; it's in all of our best interests to hear what they need from the more-seasoned practitioners among us. The new kids can also teach us a thing or two, don't you think?!
...
About Dr. Crocker!
Dr. Tannetje' Crocker is a 2009 graduate from the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation, she completed an equine focused internship in Southern California. Then she worked as a solo equine ambulatory practitioner for three years before transitioning to small animal medicine. She currently practices in Grapevine, Texas at Northwest Animal Hospital and the Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas. Tannetje' is passionate about mentorship and empowering both veterinary students and young veterinarians to embrace the profession and find joy and success. She is inspired by fellow veterinarians and vet students who want to contribute, support, and move this profession in a new direction.
She met and married her husband Shane Crocker at the start of veterinary school. Thirteen years later they have lived in 7 houses, had 2 children, and continue to laugh and love together. In her free time, Dr. Crocker can be found spending time with her family and friends riding horses and enjoying the outdoors.
Dr. Crocker is always looking for speaking and writing opportunities in the veterinary industry, so please feel free to reach out to her.
Contact Dr. Crocker
Instagram: @dr.tannetje.crocker
Email: dr.crocker@drcrockerpetvet.comWebsite: www.drcrockerpetvet.com
Dr. Crocker's Youtube Channel
Purchase Dr. Crocker's Veterinary Adventures Career Guide
...
Use the code WHOLEVET to get a BOGO ticket plus 25% off to the Global Veterinary Careers Summit! You will not be disappointed in the amazing RACE-approved CE they offer.
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
In this episode, you will gain valuable insight into how to start the dreaded money conversation with your partner or spouse. Adam Kol and I discuss the ways in which you can start this conversation and why it's so important. Listen in for all of Adam's amazing advice and expertise.
Here is the Couples Money Personality Type Quiz! bit.ly/LoveMoneyQuiz
...
Who is Adam Kol?
My Journey into Couples Financial Counseling
I started this business because I believe that much financial stress is avoidable. You can have the peace and financial freedom you want and deserve, and I will help you get there.
So, how’d I end up here?
Well, I’ve been a finance geek since Day 1 thanks to my grandfather ceaselessly watching CNBC, AKA the stock market channel. Sitting by his side daily led me to study Economics at the University of Miami. While there, I took a job at a financial services company called Northwestern Mutual. There, I developed a love for working with families to build healthy financial futures.
Later, I graduated from Duke Law School and got a Master’s Degree in Tax Law at NYU. I strengthened these skills at a large accounting firm, Deloitte, and later at a nonprofit focused on ending homelessness.
Along the way, I began providing coaching of all kinds, as well as gaining conflict resolution experience and becoming a Certified Mediator.Eventually, I realized that financial stress was a huge stressor for so many couples. Thankfully, my unique background as a Mediator, Financial Advisor, and former Tax Lawyer perfectly positioned to profoundly impact this area.
I began to focus on providing individually-crafted Couples Financial Counseling and trainings, and that’s how you found me here today.
.
AHK Coaching, LLC
Contact@AHKCoaching.com
(954) 263-5719
https://ahkcoaching.com/
Adam on Instagram
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the The Whole Veterinarian Newsletter HERE!
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
"A habit is a behavior that has been repeated enough to become automatic."
-James Clear-
...
Here are 3 quick takeaways from one of my favorite books! James Clear's book, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad ones, is a MUST READ. Today you are going to hear three lessons from it that I have incorporated into my own life. It's just the tip of the iceberg, so I hope it inspires you to dig deeper into his work. Whether in our veterinary careers or just life in general, we can always use some new ideas on forming good habits.
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
SIGN UP for the Newsletter HERE!
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Katie Berlin, DVM, NASM-CPT discusses her thoughts on physical fitness and mental resiliency and the effects they can have on veterinarians. She shares personal insights and very relatable stories in today's episode. We hope our conversation will encourage you to explore a new way to challenge yourself. Please make sure to go check out her podcast, The Vet Reset.
...
About Dr. Katie Berlin
Katie is an optimist, podcast junkie, book nerd, and lover of all things running and fitness. She works as an associate veterinarian at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in York, PA, and as a veterinary editor at Clinician’s Brief. She has a personal training certification and teaches group fitness, and she recently launched The Vet Reset Podcast where she focuses on the intersection between physical and mental health and the importance of prioritizing both in our roles as veterinary professionals. You can also find her on the Veterinary Super Friends podcast with Dr. Carrie Jurney of Not One More Vet, and on Facebook and Instagram @thevetreset.
Katie's Book and Podcast Reccomendations:
-The Uncharted Veterinary Podcast
-Ali on The Run Podcast
-Esther Perel's "Where Should We Begin?" and "How's Work?" podcasts
-Atomic Habits by James Clear
-The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin (and take the quiz to find out your type HERE!)
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Season 2 of The Whole Veterinarian will start January 14, 2021! Get excited because there is a ton of great content coming your way.
I also wanted to highlight a workshop from Empathos Veterinary Wellness (aka Dr. Danielle Alleman) on January 17th. Here's the link to more information about her boundaries workshop.
The Limit Does Not Exist: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
You heard me mention how much I enjoyed the Global Veterinary Career Summit back in Episode 8 when I interviewed Dr. Melanie Barham. She, along with Dr. Ebony Escalona and Dr. Emma Davis, put together this virtual summit in June of 2020. They are currently offering listeners a BOGO deal - during the month of December you will get a ticket to watch all of the 2020 sessions AND a ticket to the upcoming 2021 GVCS (October 21-23!) Also, you will be receive a 25% discount when you use the code WHOLEVET. Have a listen to hear more about the ways in which this summit can serve all veterinarians!
https://www.globalveterinarycareersummit.com/
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
You want me to join what?!?! If you've never heard of a mastermind, or if you haven't found the right people to connect with, please have a listen to this short bonus episode. Iggy Perillo is a mastermind cultivator with over 20 years of leadership and team-building experience. She is forming a veterinary-focused mastermind group in January 2021; we want to share all of the cool ways that participating in a mastermind group can help you level up. Make sure to check out more about Iggy below!
...
Iggy Perillo
Iggy cultivates masterminds for professionals and athletes in unique
communities who are seeking excellence in their work, sport and life. She created WSL
Leadership Coaching to develop leaders and teams who make the world a better
place through enhanced connection, communication and trust. Iggy works with
individuals, teams and organizations around the world helping them overcome
challenges and function like champions.
Work Sport Life Masterminds website
Instagram: @wsl_leadership_coaching
Facebook: @WSLLeadershipCoaching
Pinterest: wslleadership
LinkedIn: IggyPerillo
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
The creators of Peace Within Mindfulness generously shared one of their veterinary-focused mindfulness episodes with us this week! You DEFINITELY have time to fit this short practice into your day today. You can also hear more from Dr. Sarah Montgomery in our discussion on Episode 13!
Thank you, Sarah and Zak! Please check them out on Instagram @peacewithinmindfulness or at the website below.
As a listener of The Whole Veterinarian podcast, you can use the promo code FRIEND to get 30% off an annual membership to the Mindfulness for Veterinarians program - which comes out to only about $6 a month. Each month, you'll receive three new audio strategies customized for vet med like this one to support your well-being, as well as access to all of the previous content. Sign up at https://www.peacewithinmindfulness.com/join
...
Episode description - Savoring the Positive
Focusing on the positives in our life doesn’t mean we turn away from our negative experiences or the challenges we face - rather we take time to honor the good things that exist alongside the challenges - we purposefully give our brains and bodies time to soak up and enjoy the positive experiences and emotions we have.
Recent research on neuroplasticity has shown how our experiences and what we focus our attention on shapes our brain. Our brain is always changing and evolving. We can counter our biologically driven negativity bias and deliberately take in the good.
Purposefully paying attention to our positive experiences and emotions can have clear outcomes on our daily lives both personally and professionally. For example, research has shown that being in a positive mindset as opposed to negative or neutral can support focus and attention, which can impact accuracy and decision making regarding patient care.
"Savoring the Positive" is a practice in which we specifically direct our attention to a positive experience we've had - and really take the time to savor our feelings regarding this experience. This practice can then be applied to moments throughout our day.
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
A quick hello from me and a few examples of joyful moments that listeners shared with me on Instagram!
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
You're about to get some serious insight from a rockstar in the financial independence and real estate world. I am so grateful that I was able to interview Scott Trench for this week's episode. Scott very generously let me throw some tough topics at him. He was able to frame our student debt issues in a really interesting way and also shares some very valuable thoughts on wealth development and basic financial structures. You also get to hear some of Scott's famous "dad jokes" at the end of the episode...not to be missed! Thanks again to Scott and Bigger Pockets!
...
About Scott!
Scott Trench is the CEO and President of BiggerPockets.com. Scott has dedicated his career to helping ordinary Americans build wealth, in part through real estate investing. Since joining BiggerPockets in 2014, Scott has authored the wealth building book Set for Life and joined Mindy Jenson as a host of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast . He stays active in the BiggerPockets forums and has contributed hundreds of articles, market analyses, and files to BiggerPockets. He has also contributed to other personal finance blogs, along with traditional news outlets including Time, CNBC, and NBC.
An active real estate investor in the Denver market, Scott currently manages a private portfolio with about $1.5M in real estate assets under management and holds his real estate license as a CO broker. Scott graduated from Vanderbilt University with degrees in Economics and History, Corporate Strategy, and Finance.
scott@biggerpockets.com
@scott_trench
About Bigger Pockets!
BiggerPockets offers content, tools, and a community of over 1,800,000 members to help people avoid mistakes; learn valuable tips; find partners, deals, and financing and make the best real estate investing decisions possible. BiggerPockets works hard to bring together real estate experts, newbies and everyone in between to gain the knowledge needed to reach their full potential.
www.biggerpockets.com
Bigger Pockets Money Podcast
...
Resources referenced in this episode:
-FIRE = Financial Independence, Retire Early
-The 5 Financial Decisions that Make or Break Middle Class Americans written by Scott
-Article on getting started in real estate investing written by Scott
-Mr. Money Mustache Blog
-Set for Life by Scott Trench
-Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Grief is not the easiest topic to discuss. I'm generalizing here, but I think most of us would like to avoid it completely. Unfortunately, we will all face loss and grief at some point in our personal lives and many of us have already met it head on. Veterinarians deal with grieving owners all of the time; we may not be professionally trained but we get pretty good at helping clients through this. But, have we made any effort to help ourselves deal with these emotions? Today I speak with Rachel Liepman, DVM, MS, DACVIM about her personal experiences with loss and what she is learning along the way. Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your story and for helping to normalize the discomfort!
...
About Dr. Liepman!
Dr. Rachel Liepman is an equine internist in Cave Creek, Arizona at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center. She grew up in Michigan and went to undergraduate and veterinary school in Michigan as well. Thereafter, she completed an equine internship at BW Furlong and Associates in Oldwick, New Jersey. She completed a large animal internal medicine residency at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where she also completed a masters in comparative veterinary medicine. During this time, she performed research on the equine microbiome and equine neonatal medicine. She moved to Cave Creek in 2015 to start her job as a solo equine internist at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center and has practiced there for the last 5 years. She and her husband Daniel are exploring the great outdoors whenever they can with their two kids, Quillen and Stori, and their long-time canine companion, Penelope (Nelly Belly). Recently, Helle, an equine companion has joined the crew.
...
Resources that we have personally found useful :
-Brene Brown on Empathy Animated Video
-We Don't Move On from Grief. We Move Forward with It. TED Talk by Nora McInerny
-The 5 Stages of Grief and Loss from PsychCentral.com
-Podcasts: Terrible, Thanks for Asking; The Death Diaries Podcast; Ten Percent Happier
-Instagram Accounts: @nedratawwab, @alapocascollaborativecare, @journeytowellness, @nytherapist, @veterinarywoman
-Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore
-The Sad Dragon: A Dragon Book About Grief and Loss by Steve Herman
Online Therapy: BetterHelp or TalkSpace
Support: Not One More Vet, Suicide Stop International Health Center
...
www.thewholeveterinarian.com IG: @thewholeveterinarian email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
I am so excited to share my conversation with Dr. Sarah Montgomery! Sarah is a PhD in Curriculum Studies (she teaches people how to teach people!) and is also a Certified Mindfulness Instructor. She gives a wonderful and scientific overview of the basics of mindfulness and why it can be so helpful to veterinary professionals. She's got all of the science-backed data and experience to explain why YOU need to take a moment and just BREATHE.
...
About Dr. Montgomery!
Sarah is Founder and CEO at Peace Within. She is a Certified Mindfulness Educator who has been practicing Mindfulness since 1999. Sarah has 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education and has published research and given national presentations on Mindfulness. She has taught Mindfulness to adults both face to face and online. Sarah has a B.A. in Psychology from Kalamazoo College and a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from Indiana University. She is passionate about Peace Within because stray cats and dogs tend to find her, and every time, the support of veterinarians is amazing. Sarah wants to use her research and teaching experience to help the veterinary profession.
Contact info:
Email: info@peacewithinmindfulness.com
Website: https://www.peacewithinmindfulness.com
Instagram: @peacewithinmindfulness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peacewithinmindfulness
Twitter: https://twitter.com/4peacewithin
...
Resources!
Mindfulness for Veterinarians Free Preview: https://www.peacewithinmindfulness.com/demo
Free Well-being Resources for Veterinarians: https://www.peacewithinmindfulness.com/resources
A wonderful, science-backed article to check out for more info!
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_state_of_mindfulness_science
A free app recommendation from Stacey:
Gratitude
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Kelly Zeytoonian, DVM, MBA, CERP joins me this week as we discuss everything from contract negotiations to setting boundaries with clients to how to grow your veterinary business. Although it sounds business-focused, my overall takeaway is that in order to stay happy and healthy in veterinary medicine, you need to learn to advocate for yourself. Be sure to check out the free resources she provided to us in the links below!
...
About Dr. Zeytoonian!
Dr. Kelly Zeytoonian is the owner of Starwood Equine Veterinary Service and Starwood Veterinary Consulting. She earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Dr. Zeytoonian is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and is also on the Board of Directors of The Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners
In 2013, Dr. Zeytoonian established Starwood Equine, an ambulatory practice, in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has since grown the business to include five doctors and two locations. As a veterinarian and practice owner, Dr. Zeytoonian experiences the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of both veterinary medicine and business ownership. In addition, as faculty at Foothill Community College, she contributes to the future of the veterinary field by educating RVT candidates.
In an effort to support her practice’s growth without compromising the culture of work-life balance that was its cornerstone, Dr. Zeytoonian earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business in 2020. Now, she uses her combined experience in veterinary medicine and business administration to empower veterinarians to create and maintain a career and practice culture tailored to their individual needs. She has been privileged to collaborate with industry partners and veterinary thought leaders to advance the business acumen of veterinarians.
Contact her here!
Starwood Veterinary Consulting
Starwood Equine Veterinary Services
IG: @starwoodequine and @starwoodconsulting
...
Exclusive Resources shared by Dr. Zeytoonian:
-Managing Innovation exercise
-Pre-Mortem exercise (see downloadable file HERE)
...
We love to GO GREEN!
Kelly's favorite sustainable tools/products:
Clean the office using Seventh Generation!
Get yourself some reusable straws!
Stacey's favorite sustainable tools/products:
Recycle anything with TerraCycle!
Plastic-free oral care from Humankind!
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Ed Kanara, DVM shares some easy action steps to help you define and develop your strategic life plan. Veterinarians are pulled in so many different directions - use this episode to help clarify some goals and action steps that will improve your life (trust me, I can attest to the fact that it can happen!)
...
About Dr. Kanara
Edward W. Kanara, DVM, DABVP is a 1979 graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners certified in equine practice. He is currently the managing member of the Kanara Consulting Group, LLC (KCG) which he founded in 2007. His group focuses on management consulting and leadership development with a clientele that includes the human and animal health industries, research organizations, academia, veterinary medical associations and private veterinary practices.
Prior to establishing KCG, Dr. Kanara spent 17 years with Pfizer Animal Health in various senior executive positions while leading various business units and teams in both operations and research. Before joining Pfizer he was in clinical veterinary practice for 11 years and owned and operated a multi-person equine practice in the Chicago area.
Dr. Kanara has been actively involved in organized veterinary medicine serving on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Sponsors Council of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues and the Deans National Advisory Committee for the U of IL CVM to name a few. In 2013 Dr. Kanara received the President’s Award from AAEP. He has also been a published author with book chapters, refereed and lay publications as well as an invited speaker at national and international meetings and at the Wharton Business School of the U of Penn.
Contact information:
Kanara Consulting Group, LLC
Ed@kanaragroup.com
...
Ed's Book Recommendation: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Stacey's Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
My very good friend, Dr. Misty Gray, generously shares her experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety in this week's episode. With veterinarians' mental health status already at high risk, I wanted to touch on a subject that could easily affect any one of us as we enter parenthood. If your gut is telling you that things don't feel quite right after you've brought your baby home, please discuss it with someone who loves you! I'll also attach some resources below.
...
Dr. Gray's info!
Dr. Misty Gray is a 2007 graduate of The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an equine internship at BW Furlong and Associates in Hunterdon County, NJ in 2008 and worked as an associate at the practice for the next 13 years. Her primary veterinary interests include broodmare management and foal care. Misty is also certified in Acupuncture and Chiropractic medicine. She and her husband, Dave, are enjoying raising their two boys, two cats and pup, named Penny! Any chance she gets, Dr. Gray will hop on a pony and let her hair blow in the wind to remind her of her childhood pony club days!
...
Postpartum Mood Disorder Resources:
-FAQs from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
-Postpartum Depression site from the Mayo Clinic
-Postpartum Health Alliance Screening Quiz
-BetterHelp online therapy (Get a free month when you enroll through the NOMV website!)
-Not One More Vet
-Crisis Phone Numbers (International listings also)
-Infant Risk/Mommy Meds app from Thomas Hale for drug medication guidelines while breastfeeding
-Balanced Breastfeeding - virtual lactation consultations with Katie Madden, RN, IBCLC (you can also hear Katie address working mom issues in Episode 3!)
..
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Julie Squires spent some time talking with me about the significant role that compassion fatigue plays in many of our lives. As she says, it's not only the patient trauma that we deal with every day, we also have to consider the compassion we extend to clients and team members. I hope you gain as much from her insights as I have in this episode!
...
About Julie!
Julie Squires is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist and Certified Life Coach who brings a unique perspective and approach to support the sustained energy and passion of those exposed to the highly stressful, challenging and sometimes traumatic environment of veterinary medicine . She does this in a very distinct way, by empowering them to help themselves through easy-to-implement yet powerful practices, tools and insights.
Julie has over twenty-five years of experience within the veterinary industry as a veterinary technician, hospital administrator and leading organizations, developing and executing training and workshops most notably for Nestlé Purina, Bayer Animal Health and IDEXX Laboratories. She is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist through the Traumatology Institute.
Julie is a recognized international speaker and also offers on-site seminars and workshops, online courses, private coaching and the Rekindling podcast all as a result of the need Julie saw to help those that work with animals maintain their wellbeing and mental health. Julie lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband John, pugs Ernie & Mabel and Gregg & Duane, their two cats.
www.rekindlesolutions.com
julie@rekindlesolutions.com
Find the Rekindling Podcast here!
...
Resources for You!
-Professional Quality of Life Measure quiz
-Online Guide to Understand and Overcome Your Compassion Fatigue
-A Guide to Understanding and Coping with Compassion Fatigue
-AVMA Wellbeing Resources
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
This week I sit down for a quick chat with Dr. Melanie Barham. We discuss her journey to creating The DVM Project and her more recent co-creation of The Global Veterinary Career Summit. Dr. Barham gives us the ultimate motivatation to think outside of the veterinary practice box!
...
Dr. Barham's Bio!
Melanie is a veterinarian, Project Management Professional, and MBA candidate in Sustainable Commerce. She completed a large research study in 2020 of over 1000 veterinarians worldwide on their career paths, and has completed over 40 qualitative interviews with veterinarians about their career paths, making her uniquely positioned to deeply understand the opportunities available in vet med and how to achieve success. An engaging career consultant, instructor, and facilitator, Melanie has helped hundreds of veterinarians find their best path in veterinary medicine, land bigger roles and raises, and more recently, she has helped small business owners with the addition of MBA skills to her toolkit. She is currently working on certification as a Neurolinguistic Practitioner and as a Coach. Her full LinkedIn profile can be accessed here.
Melanie grew up outside of Ottawa, Canada on a farm with multiple animals. After veterinary college, Melanie practiced in the US and Canada as an equine veterinarian on performance horses. In 2014, Melanie left clinical practice to coordinate and build the Ontario Animal Health Network, an innovative, relationship based approach to surveillance and communication. She also instructs at the Ontario Agricultural College in the Bachelor of BioResource Management Program. She started the DVM Project in 2017 to help fellow veterinarians explore the options available and how to get there, along with a Facebook Community to discuss career growth. She is the past president and conference chair of the Canadian Animal Health Laboratorian’s Network, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, and past chair of the Equestrian Canada National Health and Welfare Committee. In her spare time, she has a beekeeping yard with her partner Tim, enjoys riding horses, and spending time outside with her two children.
...
Links to check out!
-https://www.thedvmproject.com/
-https://www.globalveterinarycareersummit.com/
-Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify
-Veterinary Careers
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Listen in as Dr. Cherese Sullivan-Henry generously shares the details of her family's struggle with infertility on this week's episode. She has recently started a video blog chronicling her journey to IVF (My Black IVF Story) in hopes that other Black women can find comfort in sharing her challenges. I am honored to call this brave woman my friend! Thank you for chatting with me, Cherese!
...
About Cherese!
Cherese Sullivan-Henry, DVM is the creator of MyBlackIVFStory on YouTube and Instagram which is a personal account of her infertility journey. She is a graduate of Penn State University (Bachelor of Science), Tuskegee University (Master of Science), and Cornell University (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). She is a member of the board of directors for Sparkles of Life Inc. a a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families dealing with infertility and delayed parenthood. Currently, she is a relief veterinarian living in Houston, TX with her husband, one year old twins, and dog.
IG: @myblackivfstory
My Black IVF Story on YouTube
...
Topics that we cover
-Sparkles of Life
-CDC article on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy
-Racial bias in pain assessment and treatment recommendations, and false beliefs about biological differences between blacks and whites
-My Black Receipt Project
Cherese's favorite recent Black-owned business purchase: Ejona Sleepwear
Stacey's favorite recent Black-owned business purchase: Red Bay Coffee (Carver's Dream is my favorite blend so far!)
...
Resources for expanding your thought process on anti-racism and White Privilege:
-How to Be an Anti-Racist Summary from Aspen Ideas Festival with Ibram X. Kendi
-Please see the Other Resources page on my website for some examples of learning material regarding systemic oppression, White privilege and allyship guides.
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
Email: thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
This week's guest is Dr. Amy Grice, an equine veterinary business consultant and all-around great human being. We talk about leadership styles, finding a mentor and even touch on ways that the newer generation can help shape the future of the veterinary profession.
...
About Dr. Grice
www.amygrice.com
www.decadeonevet.com/
Dr. Grice was an ambulatory equine practitioner in the Hudson Valley of New York for over 25 years, and served as the managing partner of the thirteen doctor equine referral hospital in Rhinebeck, NY. At the end of 2014, she retired from clinical practice to concentrate on veterinary business consulting, and moved her residence to Virginia City, MT.
Dr. Grice received her BA in Biology from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and completed her veterinary education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1990. She earned her MBA with a concentration in Ethical Leadership from Marist College School of Management in 2014.
Dr. Grice is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, where she served on the Board of Directors from 2015-2018, and now serves on several task forces and committees. She is currently serving as a member of the AVMA Economic Strategy Committee.
Dr. Grice is a frequent speaker at educational seminars for veterinarians across the country, as well as leading regional Decade One networking groups for equine veterinarians early in their careers. In addition, she consults with a diverse range of veterinary businesses and collaborates with industry partners to bring business education to veterinarians. Dr. Grice aids with transitions of ownership, strategic planning, financial projections, and other solutions for private practitioners.
....
https://www.inc.com/guides/2010/08/how-to-become-a-servant-leader.html
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Silva Martin, International dressage rider and coach, joins me for a chat about the many obstacles she has faced throughout her life. Her no-nonsense attitude and humor are infectious! We cover everything from overbooking herself to her traumatic brain injury. Silva handles life and motherhood with apparent ease these days; she is truly an inspiration!
...
About Silva!
German-born and trained dressage rider, Silva Martin, is a successful competitor and sought-after trainer and coach of both dressage and event riders. She and her husband Boyd, a member of the US Eventing Team, own and operate their farm, Windurra USA, in Cochranville, Pennsylvania.
Early in her career, Silva passed her Bereiters exam at the German Riding School in Warendorf with an “excellent” mark and is fortunate to have apprenticed with noted horsemen Paul Beck, Rudolf Zeilinger and Hubertus Schmidt. Through these experiences she learned what a well-trained Grand Prix horse feels like and is now able to convey that feeling to her horses and students.
https://www.boydandsilvamartin.com/silva-martin-dressage/
https://www.facebook.com/silva.martin.393
...
Resources for veterinarians
-"Equine Veterinarians Getting Hurt on the Job" an EquiManagement article by Dr. Amy Grice
-Not One More Vet
-Wellbeing resources from the AVMA
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Join me as I have a quick chat with my colleague Meredith Jones, DVM. We cover a few personal finance basics and Meredith also shares how the upcoming Veterinary Financial Summit is geared toward helping veterinarians with all things finance!
...
Contact Info for Dr. Jones:
Instagram: @vetfinancialsummit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DebtFreeVets/
and https://www.facebook.com/VetFinancialSummit/
Dr. Meredith Jones is an emergency veterinarian in the Richmond, VA area. She is a self-professed “money nerd” who attends financial conferences and reads about personal finance in her spare time. In 2016, she completed training to become a financial coach and founded the Debt-Free Vets Facebook group. She is a co-founder of Veterinary Financial Summit, a financial conference and online community for veterinary professionals.
...
Topics that we cover!
-Debt Snowball Method
-I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
-Uncharted Veterinary Conference
-What Do You Love Spending Money On blogpost
-How to Save $1400 blogpost
More info about the Summit - https://vetfinancialsummit.com/summit/
Summit registration - https://vetfinancialsummit2020.eventbrite.com
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
You don't need to be a breastfeeding mom to appreciate the conversation that I have with International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Katie Madden. We cover everything from setting boundaries to learning how to give your child (and yourself!) room to grow and why you need to find some ways to give yourself some grace. Veterinarian moms are AMAZING; if you are one, or if you support one, please have a listen to this episode!
...
Here is Katie's Info!
Instagram: @balancedbreastfeeding
Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiemaddenibclc/
Website: www.balancedbreastfeeding.com
Email: info@balancedbreastfeeding.com
Katie Madden RN, BSN, IBCLC is the founder of BalancedBreastfeeding.com and the owner of The Balanced Breastfeeding Clinic & Clubhouse. She believes in Safe Advice that protects a parent's and baby's whole health and well-being, Realistic Strategy that creates actionable, manageable breastfeeding plans for real life, and Kind Community that fosters courageous, authentic connection online and in real life.
...
Delaware Today Article - Local Mothers Share the Truth About the Fourth Trimester by Amy White
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Join me as I have a quick chat with my friend and equine veterinarian, Cara Wright, DVM. We discuss equine relief work, ways in which employers can attract good job applicants and why it is so important to put yourself first.
Here is Cara's info!
Instagram: @whatsnextcara
Email:cara@starwoodequine.com
Websites: www.starwoodequine.com and www.equinereliefvet.com
Dr. Cara Wright grew up swimming and eventing outside of Washington DC. After attending Louisiana State University to earn her Master of Science with a focus on Equine Reproduction, she graduated in 2009 from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. After vet school, she headed straight to Ocala for an internship at a large practice focused on the needs of the Thoroughbred racehorse. She currently lives and practices in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Cara completed the Options for Animals Chiropractic -United Kingdom course and is certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
Cara's interests outside of work involve cycling and triathlon, which correlates with her professional interests in the equine athlete and integrating additional modalities such as laser and chiropractic to keep horses feeling and working their best. Dr. Wright also really enjoys working with geriatric horses and ophthalmic cases.
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Join me as I chat with health coach Michelle Vahey about everything from clean eating to mindfulness to developing a strong relationship with your kids. We cover a lot in this short interview focusing on ways to improve a veterinarian's daily plan!
...
Here is Michelle's info!
Instagram @michellewithvida
Email:michelle@vidaperformance.com
Website: www.vidaperformance.com
Michelle’s passion for fitness started at a very young age, as a gymnast and dancer she was always worried about her weight and what to eat, that led her into seeking a Culinary Degree and minor in Nutrition from Johnson and whales University.
After dealing with her own struggles with Health and Wellness, it was clear that she wanted to help others find Joy in life and help them become a better version of themselves. We are all born with a special gift, Michelle will make it her personal goal to help others find what ignites their soul.
Michelle is a Certified Health Coach with IIN (Integrative Institute of Nutrition in New York City), Certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) Certified TRX Instructor, Certified Personal and Group Personal trainer with AFFA, a 200 Hr. Registered Yoga Instructor, Certified Aqua Fitness Instructor and VBarre Instructor.
She is the co-founder and owner of VIDA Performance where she applies all of her passions (studies) in helping others achieve the life they are meant to have.
Michelle strongly believes that adding healthy foods, movement (exercise) and purpose to your life, will help you become the Best Version of Yourself.
...
Other resources that we discussed...
-Author Glennon Doyle
https://untamedbook.com
-Gabrielle Bernstein's Super Attractor book
https://gabbybernstein.com/shop/books/
-UMass Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course
https://www.umassmemorialhealthcare.org/umass-memorial-medical-center/services-treatments/center-for-mindfulness/mindfulness-programs/mbsr-8-week-online-live
-Intro to Handlettering
https://amzn.to/2B8XPqc
-TimeBloc app
https://apps.apple.com/bm/app/timebloc-daily-planner/id1476033780
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foruslabs.timebloc&hl=en_US
-NPR's Life Kit Podcast
https://www.npr.org/2020/05/01/849181366/advice-for-dealing-with-uncertainty-from-people-whove-been-there
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewholeveterinarian/
thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada
Hey guys! Welcome to The Whole Veterinarian. My name is Dr. Stacey Cordivano. Veterinarians are really good at the professional development thing and it goes without saying that we are hard workers who are beyond dedicated to our patients. We're not always so great at taking care of ourselves, though. I find myself searching for a way to give back to this community that I feel so strongly connected with and that I also feel is in dire need of new ideas. The problems facing veterinarians aren't going to be solved by any singular idea or group, so this is my shot at helping. The Whole Veterinarian podcast is about sharing my experiences, helping and educating others and starting a dialogue about how we can grow as people and professionals. I believe that this type of personal development will aid in making a happier and more whole veterinarian.
I would love if you would hit subscribe so you'll hear all about the new episodes and if anything I ever cover strikes a chord for you, please leave a review. Also, if you want to make sure to never miss an episode or any other tidbits that I share, please go to the website and sign up for our newsletter. Thanks for checking out the podcast and here's hoping we can all grow together.
...
Ways to connect with The Whole Veterinarian!
Instagram: @thewholeveterinarian
Facebook
thewholeveterinarian@gmail.com
www.thewholeveterinarian.com
....
Music Credit: Journey of Hope by Alexander Nakarada