In this episode, I’m joined by an absolute powerhouse of a human being—Dr. Paula Yankauskas. A veterinarian, practice owner, and open-water swimming legend, Paula’s story is one of resilience, passion, and pushing the limits of what’s possible.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Paula has spent decades building and leading Lamoille Valley Veterinary Services, a thriving seven-doctor practice in rural Vermont. But as impressive as her veterinary career is, it’s her other life in the water that truly sets her apart.

Paula is one of a select few athletes to have completed the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming—a gruelling trifecta of the English Channel, the Catalina Channel, and the 20 Bridges Swim around Manhattan. Not stopping there, she went on to achieve the Frosted Triple Crown, which adds the mind-boggling challenge of an Ice Mile—swimming a full mile in water below 5°C (41°F).

From the discipline and endurance required to swim across the world’s toughest waters to the lessons of leadership, resilience, and goal-setting that she applies in veterinary medicine, Paula’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. We discuss how she balances her veterinary career with extreme endurance challenges, the mindset that allows her to push past discomfort, and the power of simply "just keep swimming."

Whether you’re looking for inspiration in your own career, curious about open-water swimming, or just love hearing stories about people who redefine what’s possible, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

So grab a coffee (or maybe a wetsuit) and dive into this incredible conversation with Dr. Paula Yankauskas.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] The Meditative Power of Swimming

[00:03:12] Paula’s Journey to Veterinary Medicine & Founding Lamoille Valley Veterinary Services

[00:08:23] Taking the Leap: Her First English Channel Swim

[00:15:45] The Psychological Battle of Marathon Swimming

[00:22:10] Lessons from the Open Water & Applying Them to Vet Med

[00:31:30] How to Train for Extreme Endurance Events While Running a Business

[00:39:50] Facing the Cold – Completing the Frosted Triple Crown

[00:47:12] The Human-Animal Bond & Passion for Veterinary Behavioral Medicine

[00:55:43] Building a Successful Vet Practice in a Rural Community

[01:06:11] Why Work-Life Balance is a Myth & What to Focus on Instead

[01:15:38] How to Handle Setbacks & Keep Moving Forward

[01:30:02] Best Career Advice for Veterinary Professionals

[01:35:17] Final Thoughts: Just Keep Swimming

Episode Links

Follow Lamoille Valley Veterinary Services: https://lvvsonline.com/

Learn more about the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming: https://www.openwaterpedia.com/wiki/Triple_Crown_of_Open_Water_Swimming

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