Blunt Dissection

On today’s show, I am joined by the multi-talented Jolle Kirpensteijn.

Jolle graduated from the Utrecht Veterinary School in Holland and promptly moved to the US where he completed his residency training in small animal surgery and Masters degree at Kansas State University. He followed this with a fellowship in surgical oncology at the Colorado State.

In ‘93, Jolle returned to Europe as a surgical-oncology and soft tissue surgeon at Utrecht University. In February of 2005, he was appointed Professor in Surgery at the University of Copenhagen and in August 2008 Professor in Soft Tissue Surgery at Utrecht University.

He is a Diplomate of the American and European College of Veterinary Surgeons and received the titles of Founding Fellow in Surgical Oncology and Minimally Invasive Surgery, both from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS).

A former president of WSAVA, Jolle has been recognised with many awards including the prestigious BSAVA Simon Award, WSAVA President’s Award.

Jolle currently works for Hill’s Pet Nutrition as the Chief Professional Veterinary Officer, where he leads all professional activities in the United States.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, let me drop a quick word from today's show sponsor the VetX:Thrive community.

If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat your inner imposter, then not only should you listen to Jolle, but you should also join the VetX community.

As a community member, you’ll receive success-skill training modules, live mentoring session and actionable toolkits to help you thrive in your career.

A year-long membership of the community is available for just $275 and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount.

Head to www.vetxthrive.com to redeem this offer and take control of your career.

Jolle is one of a handful of people who truly meet the criteria of being a global citizen with a career that stands out for its life experience as much as it’s academic brilliance.

He is probably best (if somewhat confusingly) described as two parts surgeon, one part oncologist, two parts business-man, one part unashamed tech-geek, one part ninja-level networker and three parts fearless adventurer.

If your head is spinning then relax, because being Dutch, he is also pretty chill on life.

So, sit back and enjoy my conversation with the outstanding, Jolle Kirpensteijn

On today’s show I super excited to be joined by one of my writing and business idols, Chris Brogan.

Chris is one of the original group of people who, in the late nineties, decided this new-fangled-interwebs thing might just be useful and went all in. A risk that has paid off handsomely as he became known as one of the leading marketing gurus of the internet age.

He is also one of the most published authors on the internet and has been described as a “content production cyborg” due to the volume and frequency of his publishing.

But this description would be unfair because there is nothing robotic about the way Chris thinks or writes. His thoughtful, ground-breaking, and inspiring style have made him one of the most popular bloggers on the planet and his blog, CHRISBROGAN.COM is one of the most read in history.

But his writing credits do not stop there. Chris became a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author when he published “Trust Agents” and has gone on to write or co-author another seven books. With work published in Entrepreneur magazine for good measure.

All of which means for the next hour or so, you are going to be listening to genuine marketing royalty dipping his toes into the world of veterinary medicine.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is the VetX:Thrive community.

If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat your inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member you’ll receive success-skill training modules, coaching from experienced mentors and practical toolkits to help you thrive in your career.

A year-long membership of the community is available for only $275 and if you use the promo code ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount.

Head to vetxthrive.com to redeem this offer and take control of your career.

Now, back to the show.

Chris may be a huge name in business but he is no ego. In fact, I’ve rarely met a warmer, more humble person. In our interview, we covered a lot of ground from marketing to mindfulness. And we dive deep into his most recent project, Dented - an exploration of the vulnerable human condition and how we might better embrace all aspect of the digital lives we all now lead. A particular highlight is a very unexpected use for ketamine.

It’s a scary thing to meet your heroes, but Chris was every bit as awesome as I hoped, this is a conversation I know you are going to take a huge amount from. So, whether you are in the business of helping pet owners by marketing better, or the business of keeping yourself sane, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with the legend that is Chris Brogan.

On today’s show, I’m joined by Veterinary Technician, campaigner and veterinary Instagram celeb Nicole LaForest.

Nicole is a co-owner, manager and Licensed Veterinary Technician for Mayo Veterinary Services - a large mobile surgery practice in Seattle. She graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster College, is licensed in both California and Washington State and spent several years working in emergency medicine as a lead technician. Her clinical work at the mayo is focussed primarily in the fields of orthopaedics and regenerative medicine.

Away from her practice, Nicole is very active in the wider veterinary community serving as the president of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians, and also campaigning personally to raise awareness, standards and opportunities for vet technicians around the planet. Her passion in doing so has attracted a large social media following where she chronicles her life in practice and courageously discusses her issues with mental health in the hope that others may battle their own demons.

Now, just before we jump into the episode here’s a quick word from today's show sponsor the VetX:Thrive community.

If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat your inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member, you’ll receive

success-skill training modules, monthly access to experienced mentors and incredible toolkits to help you thrive in your career.

A year-long membership of the community is available for just $275 and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount.

Head to www.vetxthrive.com to redeem this offer and take control of your career.

A conversation with a veterinary technician on Blunt Dissection is long overdue so it was great to bring a different perspective to the show. In a virtual world where filters and selfies are the norm, Nicole’s brand of visceral story-telling stands out and has won her a 20,000+ fan base.

Her frequently edgy posts chronical a journey off the beaten path, they are educational, engaging and gritty – displaying an authenticity and a rawness that scream’s “take me as I am, warts ‘n’ all”. Nicole, it’s safe to say, is not afraid to call a spade a spade. But she is also a warm-hearted and incredibly bubbly person to spend time with.

And so it was in our conversation where she left nothing on the field. We covered a lot of ground, with subjects as diverse as managing burnout, drug addiction, crazy clients, how she keeps a life working with her husband fun. So without further ado, it gives me huge pleasure to bring to you, my conversation with Nicole LaForest.

On today’s show, I am joined by Dr Jessica Wilson. Jessica is a veterinarian and professional athlete. In fact, as of now, she holds a new record - being the first pro-athlete to appear on Blunt Dissection.

Jessica’s journey into veterinary medicine began early when she decided (age four) to become a vet. But from that moment the odds seemed stacked against her and she had to overcome many obstacles. Growing up, the daughter of a single mum who migrated to in New York from the Dominican Republic, money, nor culture was not on her side. And she had to find a way to cope with the double rejection from vet school that nearly stopped her career before it even got started.

Jessica’s resilience was further put to the test in her early career as stress began to cause some major health problems. But while she may be small in stature, Jessica possesses a drive and determination to overcome obstacles that are formidable and have helped her to achieve success not only as a veterinary dentist but also as a professional athlete in the world of bodybuilding.

Initially, Jessica took up bodybuilding as a way to manage her stress level as a vet, but quickly fell in love with the sport and started to move up through the ranks to her current level competing as an athlete on the IBB professional circuit.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is the VetX:Thrive community.

If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat your inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member, you’ll receive 12 success-skill training modules, access to experienced mentors and incredible toolkits to help you thrive in your career.

Access to the community is available for just $275 and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount.

Head to vetxthrive.com to take advantage of this offer and take control of your career.

Back to Jessica. This native New Yorker has crammed a lot of living into her years on this earth and she shares openly both her struggles and triumphs in equal measure. Her’s is a tale of building not just her body, but also her mind as life kept on dishing out challenges.

There’s a lot in this episode for anyone who wants to gain insight into finding balance in life through sport, getting clear on what matters and being laser focussed on your why. I hope you find some wisdom and inspiration in her message.

So, without further ado, I present to you, my conversation with Dr Jessica Wilson.

On today’s show, I am joined by Dr James Greenwood. James is a practising vet living and working in Bristol, England. Originally from the flat cap, whippet and ferret loving county of Yorkshire, James’ family has been farming the Pennines Hills in England for generations. Although his parents chose to leave farming, James inherited the family trait and devoted himself to a life spent in the company of animals.

After graduating from Bristol Vet School in 2007, he began his career as an equine vet, but like many young vets quickly began to struggle with the complexities of life after graduation and slowly fell out of love with his career.

What makes James a little different was his ability to find balance and rediscover a passion for veterinary medicine again by connecting with his more creative side.

Throughout his life, James harboured a dual love, on one hand, science, but on the other art. Although originally trained to paint, James’ artistic creativity developed into a deep love for ceramics. And after pursuing this passion and developing his personal brand on Instagram he was invited to compete on the first series of BBC2’s 'The Great Pottery Throwdown' where he showcased his ceramic skills to the nation and earned his fame.

James has now made incredible ceramics for many celebrity pet lovers and has further developed his TV vet status by appearing in the popular CBBC children's television series 'The Pets Factor’.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is the VetX:Thrive community.

If you are a young vet looking to find your feet in veterinary medicine, grow your confidence, avoid burnout and beat your inner imposter, then VetX:Thrive is for you. As a community member, you’ll receive 12 success-skill training modules, access to experienced mentors and incredible toolkits to help you thrive in your career.

A year-long membership of the community is available for just $275 and if you use the promocode ‘podcast' then you will receive a further 10% discount.

Head to www.vetxthrive.com to redeem this offer and take control of your career.

Now, back to the show, James’s interview was a real pleasure for me as he bravely and openly shares his experience of mental struggles and inner turmoil and how he was able to find a way through difficult times to a happier place where veterinary medicine now fits nicely with his other interests.

If you’re struggling in practice, I hope this episode speaks to you and offer some insight into how you can also find balance and, I hope, happiness in the wonderful world of veterinary medicine.

So, without further ado, I present to you, my conversation with the fabulous, Dr James Greenwood.

Today’s episode marks a very big mile stone on the Blunt Dissection pathway as we reach our two year and 24 episode-th birthday! (Apologies to the English language for that abuse).

We needed a big episode and I am thrilled to say that my guest, Dr. Bree Montana, absolutely nailed it.

Dr Montana, or Bree as I can now call her since we’re blunt dissection besties, gained her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State University.

After graduation she worked in emergency hospitals before moving into general practice and eventually practice ownership where much of her real “learning” began. Safe to say the road was bumpy.

Outside of her practice, Bree has served as a member of UC Davis’ College of Veterinary Medicine’s External Advisory and Admissions Boards, is a past Board member of the VIN Foundation. And, somehow, finds time to act as the Director of the VINFoundation’s Vets4Vets programs – a place where vets struggling with a range of physical, emotional and psychological problems receive much needed support. She is also in high demand as a speaker on the subject of caregiver compassion fatigue.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is my brand new VetX:Leaders training group.

If you are a manager or owner of a vet practice and people are your biggest problem then VetX:leaders is designed for you. As a member you will learn how to build a high performing team based on three vital areas. Recruitment of th right people, daily management of those people and leadership skills. This is a unique deep dive into the world of high performance and I will be your personal mentor throughout. There will be teaching, mentoring and access to all of the templates and frameworks I have used to run successful veterinary hospitals around the world over the past decade. So if that sort of training would improve your practice performance then go to vetxleaders.com to learn more. And if you use the promo code ‘podcast’, then you’ll get 10% off.

Back to Dr Bree. Her’s is a story of work, struggle and ultimately, balance and joy. There is something here for anyone who ever dared to pull on a white coat and throw a stethoscope round their neck. And I hope for some of you, this episode is going to change everything – in a good way.

So, without further preamble, I present to you, my interview with the amazing, Dr Bree Montana.

Today’s show is the 2018 end of year review. Normally it is my job to interview and tease apart the life of interesting people from around the world of veterinary medicine.

But in this end of year review episode, I take the time to reflect on my favourite clips from my 2018 guests and this year I decided to wrap the clips up in a theme which this year is how to overcome fear.

F.E.A.R. (or false evidence appearing real) stalks many of us in veterinary medicine and shows up to wreck our days in many ways if we let it.

It influences us as students and can lead to burnout, it can prevent us from making good decisions that can change our lives for the better and it can harm the welfare of our patients. So in this episode, I put fear under the microscope and each guest shares their take on fear from a unique angle and offers their advice on how to be more fearless.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor which is my brand new VetX:Leaders training group.

If you are a manager or owner of a vet practice and people are your biggest problem then VetX:leaders is designed for you. As a member, you will learn how to build a high performing team based on three growth areas.

Firstly, you’ll learn how to recruit the right people. Secondly, you’ll learn how to performance manage your people effectively so the team reaches new heights. And thirdly you’ll take your leadership skills to the next level.

This is a unique deep dive into the world of performance and I will be your personal mentor throughout. There will be teaching, mentoring and access to all of the templates and frameworks I have used to run successful veterinary hospitals around the world over the past decade. So if you think that sort of training would help improve your game as a leader and reduce your stress then go to www.vetxleaders.com to learn more. And if you use the promo code ‘podcast’, then you’ll get 10% off.

Ok, back to the episode. We cover everything from farming to fast jets and much in between. While this episode may be more staccato than you are used to, it also provides insight and solutions to the many-faced beast that fear can manifest as.

I hope you enjoy this exploration and dissection of the topic of fear, which may help you slay one or two of your inner demons.

A better Christmas gift I cannot offer. Enjoy.

On today’s show I am joined by Dutch Veterinary Royalty and Communication Master Dr Roeland Wessels.

Roeland graduated from Utrecht University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1995 and entered the workplace in his native Holland.

In 2001 he opened St Anna 404, his own small animal vet practice which he and his wife have operated successfully as an exemplar of veterinary business in Holland ever since.

Away from his practice, Roeland is best known for his work as a veterinary business consultant and in particular a communications specialist.

There are many skills needed by modern veterinarians, but as Roeland says veterinary schools don’t teach you the most important one: how to understand humans. (Hear, hear, say I). It is safe to say that he is on a mission to change the way communication between humans is taught to veterinarians at all levels of the profession.

To this end, Roeland published his first book, The Veterinary Communication Handbook, in May 2013. It’s a great book that I encourage any vets to read.

Now, in addition to his book, the forward-thinking Utrecht University Veterinary School (one of the best-rated vet schools on the planet), has boldly incorporated Roeland’s communications program into their undergraduate curriculum since 2015. Kudos there to Utrecht in making a move that one hopes other vet schools around the world will follow.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from today's show sponsor The VetX:Thrive community. VetX:Thrive is a place where vets of all ages and walks of life can learn the non-clinical skills required to lay the foundations for career happiness and success. Members learn from the best tutors and have access to role models and mentors around the world. The aim? Simple, to engage and retain the next generation of vets so they too can have happy, healthy and long careers in veterinary medicine. If you think that sort of support and training would be of benefit to you or one of your team then head to drdavenicol.com/vetx and click on VetX:Thrive to learn more. The link is also found in the show notes.

Back to the episode. This conversation is already one of my favourites simply because Roeland shared so freely and honestly from his wide-ranging and deep experience and knowledge. The episode is so crammed full of advice and insight I know you are going to have to listen again and again.

And happily, for accent lovers, due to his soft Dutch accent, that should prove no hardship at all. So, without further ado, I give you my conversation with Mr Veterinary Communication, Dr Roeland Wessels.

In This Episode

The life and work of Roeland Wessels: how he became interested in Veterinary medicine.

The struggle of schooling and how the light went on for Roland.

The gift of an ivory detection dog (Mitch) and how you can support the cause.

Roeland’s 3 dimensional encouragement to his fellow veterinarians.

The 4 Cs of a successful veterinarian.

Why the species we need to understand best is the human being.

What is contributing to the widespread dissatisfaction among veterinarians?

How perfectionism is debilitating many veterinarians from doing good work.

Fantastic failures Roland has made in his career - and what he learned from them.

The power of active listening and how it leads to greater happiness.

The best and worst advice Roeland has ever received.

Tips for building a team that works with passion and energy.

Lessons for veterinarians from Roeland’s secret passion: Carpentry.

On today’s show, I am joined by Bash Halow. Bash, is one of the most entertaining speakers on the veterinary circuit, firstly because he is tear-inducingly funny when he hits his flow, highly eloquent and not afraid to say things that others might take offence to. In short, he possesses a raw authenticity that has endears him to many in his native North America and beyond, notably he recently addressed the Veterinary Management Association at the House of Lords in London.

Based in New York Bash started out life as a technician and pursued his business interest to founding both the New Jersey Veterinary Hospital Manager’s Association, the Big Apple Veterinary Management group in NYC and served as an advisor for the Mercer County Community College’s Veterinary Assistant Program, the first of its kind in the area.

Bash’s day to day work involves helping veterinary hospitals understand how to build stronger teams and responsibly and ethically grow their businesses. And he is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association which recognised Bash with the President’s Award in 2013 for his educational work in that state. He is also on the editorial advisory board for Firstline Veterinary Management Magazine and the FetchDVM360 veterinary conferences.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from our show sponsor VetX:Thrive. If you are struggling in practice or you know a vet who is then please check this out. VetX:Thrive is a community that will help you find purpose and direction plus give you the skills to succeed and be happy. As a member, you'll learn and master the non-clinical skills required for success. You’ll get access to the best mentors around and you’ll be part of a supportive global network of vets. If you think that sort of support and training would help you succeed as a vet then head to drdavenicol.com/vetx and click on VetX:Thrive to learn more.

Back to Bash, I can honestly say that no guest has made me laugh so much at topics that I might otherwise find quite dark, Bash was genuine, forthright, vulnerable and honest during this interview which made him such an amazing guest.

So let me speak no more and instead leave you to savour, learn or maybe just enjoy this, my conversation with the wonderful, Bash Halow.

Topics covered in this episode include:

*Why Bash moved upstate and enjoys farming, bees and chickens

*Why everything knows about people he learned from chickens (vegans be warned, you are going to laugh at something you might find distasteful).

*His opinions on the modern veterinary practice

*Why the job of the veterinary receptionist is almost impossible the way most clinics do it.

*Much more about Bash you have never heard, but will make you love him even more. (Except vegans - and even then, it’s hard not to love Bash).

Normally on Blunt dissection it is my job to interview and get under the skin of the great and good of veterinary medicine, to get them to tell their story as you’ve never heard before and to learn as much about their journey in vet med as possible - in the hope we can all learn how to be better versions of us.

This episode is a little different because in this episode, the students at the University of Queensland Vet School decided that it was time to turn the tables and put me under the spotlight. So aside from having the creeping feeling that this is an unhealthy exercise in narcissism, I encourage you to manage your expectations down! I make absolutely no claims to being one of the great and good in vet med, nor do I offer any assurance that you, my dear listeners, will receive the benefit of wisdom what so ever!

Which of course is no reflection on the skills of my guest hosts Lianne (@vetmedkid), Mackenzie (@thevetintraining) and Amy (@chasingvetmed) who all did a fantastic job as first-time interviewers and are great examples of why millennials can and will rock the veterinary profession in future.

This show is entertaining at least but is especially good to listen to if you want to learn more about a career in vet med, how to survive vet school and also, how to get places quickly and be happier in your career after graduation. Plus it will give you an useful insight into not just my mind (god help us all), but also the mind of my interviewers who in a few short years will be entering the workplace.

Now, just before we jump into the episode, I just wanted to drop a quick word from our show sponsor VetX:Thrive. If you are struggling in practice or you know a vet who is then please check this out. VetX:Thrive is a community that will help you find purpose direction and give you the skills to succeed and be happy. As a member, you'll learn and master the non-clinical skills required for success. You’ll get access to the best mentors around and you’ll be part of a supportive global network of vets. If you think that sort of support and training would help you succeed as a vet then head to drdavenicol.com/vetx and click on VetX:Thrive to learn more.

Now back to the show. This episode was recorded originally as a Live Instagram broadcast between the UK and Australia, so it is amazing that it happened at all. I want to shout out my sound team who have worked some technological miracles to bring this episode together - so thank you very much Evenlin. And with all of that said, all that remains now is to invite you to sit back and enjoy this special student episode of Blunt Dissection.