Extraordinary Vets

Extraordinary Vets

By Michigan State University College of Veterinary MedicineKids & FamilyPets & Animals
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Extraordinary Vets episodes

  • Passing the Stethoscope: A Spartan Family Story

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, we honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. John Welser former Dean of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Joined by his wife, Katie Welser, and daughter, Dr. Jennifer Welser, host Dr. Donna Harris explores two generations of leadership and devotion to animal care.

    41 min
  • Building Trust in Veterinary Medicine Through Social Media

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Emily King to discuss her multi-faceted journey through veterinary medicine. From hanging her own shingle in 2003 to expanding her digital footprint, Dr. King shares the invaluable leadership and longevity lessons she has picked up along the way.

    Dr. King also shares her absolute must-read book that changed the trajectory of her clinic and her take on where the digital landscape is heading over the next ten years. Whether you are a vet student, a practice owner, or simply a pet lover, this episode is packed with humor, honesty, and actionable advice.


    Explore Dr. Emily King’s resources, content, and Vet Practice Pro links at beacons.ai/dr.emilyking

    36 min
  • The Pivot to Purpose: How Dr. Mark Johnston Transformed Burnout into Global Impact

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Mark Johnston, CEO of Vetstream, for a deeply candid conversation about career evolution, resilience, and global impact. Dr. Johnston shares his personal journey from a traditional clinical education at Cambridge to navigating severe, hidden burnout during the intensity of equine practice.

    That pivotal crisis became the catalyst for a remarkable shift to entrepreneurship and advocacy. From launching groundbreaking equine safety data initiatives like CEPEF to establishing upstream mental health tools with the Vets in Mind Alliance, Dr. Johnston has dedicated his post-clinic career to protecting both animals and the veterinary team.




    Dr. Johnston’s work spans global relief, clinical intelligence, and vital mental health advocacy. To explore his active projects, or support his ongoing humanitarian initiatives, connect with the platforms below:


    Vetlexicon: www.vetlexicon.com

    Vets in Mind: www.vets-in-mind.org

    Euthasafe: https://www.safety.vet

    Prosalus Foundation: www.prosalusfoundation.org 

    Confidential enquiry into perioperative equine fatalities: https://cepef4.wordpress.com

    48 min
  • Exploring The New World screwworm

    In this special edition of the Extraordinary Vets Podcast, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Jamie Barnabei. With nearly a decade of federal service leading national programs in animal health and emergency preparedness, Dr. Barnabei draws on her deep expertise to break down what this parasite is and how it works.


    12 min
  • The Leader’s Cadence: A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Freeman

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lisa Freeman, a veterinarian, whose career path led her from comparative biomedical research all the way to becoming the 13th president of Northern Illinois University .

    Discover her insights on veterinary science, research, leadership, and her dedication to community engagement.

    30 min
  • Speaking the Language: Contracts, Equity, and the Future of Vet Med

    You won't find Dr. Charlotte Lacroix in a courtroom, but you will find her resolving the day-to-day legal puzzles that veterinarians face nationwide. As both a DVM and a transactional attorney, Dr. Lacroix uses her dual perspective to spot critical issues in employment agreements, non-competes, and equity arrangements.

    Dr. Lacroix shares her unique journey from UC Davis to practicing law, offering an inside look at how legal principles intersect with veterinary medicine. Whether you are an associate navigating the red flags of employment contracts , a practice owner eyeing corporate consolidation , or a student wondering where your degree can take you , Dr. Lacroix’s core advice to "trust, but verify" provides an essential roadmap for a successful career.

    38 min
  • A Veterinarian’s Journey Beyond Earth

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Richard Linnehan, a veterinarian and NASA astronaut who completed four space shuttle missions.

    Dr. Linnehan pulls back the curtain on his career path that led him from marine mammal research to the flight deck of the Space Shuttle. He describes the grueling reality of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) likening the high-stakes experience of working in a pressurized suit to a "ballet in a giant 55-gallon drum".

    45 min
  • Exploring the Raceways: A Deep Dive into Fish Medicine

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Myron Kebus, a specialist in fish production medicine, to explore one of the most unique and rapidly evolving career paths in veterinary medicine.

    Dr. Kebus shares his journey from the early days of a niche industry to the establishment of board-certified fish health specialties. We dive into the fascinating world of aquaculture from food production and baitfish farming to the science of aquaponics.

    47 min
  • From Exam Rooms to Global Thrillers: The Career of Dr. James Rollins

    What happens when a Mizzou-trained veterinarian trades his stethoscope for a pen to become a #1 New York Times bestselling author? In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. James Rollins, the creative mastermind behind the acclaimed Sigma Force series, to explore his fascinating career.


    If you’re looking for a gripping read to dive into this month, James Rollins' latest standalone thriller, Trust No One, is available now.

    33 min
  • Carving Your Own Niche: The Extraordinary Career of Dr. Christy Lee

    In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Christy Lee, a veterinarian with a unique career path that includes working with exotic animals and wildlife rehabilitation. Dr. Lee shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to her current roles in small animal practice and zoo medicine. She discusses the importance of mentorship, creating opportunities during veterinary school, and the challenges of entering the field of zoo medicine. The conversation also touches on the significance of philanthropy in veterinary work and offers valuable advice for aspiring veterinarians.


    Links Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Southview Animal Hospital: Official Website

    • Sustainable Safari: Learn more about the animals

    • Wildlife Safari (Winston, OR): Visit the park

    • Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW): Support wildlife rehab

    • The Minnesota Zoo: Plan a visit

    30 min

About Extraordinary Vets

From the publisher's feed

Explore the fascinating world of veterinary medicine with Extraordinary Vets, a podcast from Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Each episode dives into the inspiring stories…