Extraordinary Vets

In this episode of "Extraordinary Vets," host Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Stacey Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, and DACAW, who is the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Research Compliance Officer at the Texas A&M University System. They discuss the unique role of research compliance in veterinary medicine, the intersection of animal and human research, and the importance of animal welfare. Dr. Pritt shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges and opportunities in veterinary research, and the future of veterinary medicine, including the impact of AI and funding sources for research. The conversation also highlights the American College of Animal Welfare and offers advice for aspiring veterinarians.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Donna Harris interviews Dr. Cord Brundage, an assistant professor of biology and veterinary advisor to the National American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association. They discuss Dr. Brundage's unique journey through veterinary medicine, including his experiences in Alaska, Colorado, and California, as well as his transition to Wisconsin. The conversation covers his career aspirations, challenges in veterinary practice, the importance of acupuncture and rehabilitation, and the role of IACUC in research. Dr. Brundage also shares insights on supporting pre-veterinary students and the future challenges facing the veterinary profession.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou, DVM, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM , a veterinarian with a rich history in public health and epidemiology. They discuss Dr. Marguerite's journey from veterinary school to her influential roles at the CDC and her current work in One Health and environmental health. The conversation highlights the importance of veterinarians in public health, the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and the future challenges facing veterinary medicine.

Are you a graduate of the Externship in Epidemiology Program (EEP)—a hands-on CDC experience for veterinary students focused on public health, global health, and One Health?

In partnership with the CDC, Dr. Marguerite Pappaioanou created the Pappaioanou Veterinary Public Health and Applied Epidemiology Award to support emerging leaders in the field. This award offers a $1,300 stipend to one or two standout EEP graduates preparing to apply to the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS).

For more details about the Pappaioanou Award, visit the CDC Foundation’s program page

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets Dr. Donna Harris sits down with global health expert Dr. Charles  Mackenzie, whose career has spanned continents and saved countless lives. From his early work in immunology to becoming a leading voice in the fight against filarial diseases like river blindness and elephantiasis, Dr. Mackenzie shares the surprising turns his career has taken and the scientific breakthroughs that followed.

Join Dr. Donna Harris on location at King's Cross Station as she catches up with Dr. Stuart Reid, President and Principal of the Royal Veterinary College, University of London. In this lively conversation, Dr. Reid reflects on his journey from food animal practice in Scotland to leading one of the most prestigious veterinary institutions in the world. They discuss the role of epidemiology in modern veterinary medicine, lessons from COVID-19, and the surprising path from average student to university leadership. It's a candid, insightful, and on-the-go chat that proves there's no one route to becoming an Extraordinary Vet.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Jessie Sanders shares her journey as an aquatic veterinarian, detailing her early love for animals, her educational path, and her experiences in veterinary school. She discusses the unique aspects of caring for fish and the challenges of aquatic veterinary medicine, as well as her role in advancing the field through public speaking and education. She discusses the growth of veterinary conferences, the challenges of starting her own practice, and the importance of husbandry in fish health. Jessie emphasizes the need for better resources for fish hobbyists and veterinary students and highlights the potential for expanding fish veterinary services. She also introduces her innovative business venture, OnlyFins, aimed at providing essential products for fish care. 

In this episode of the Extraordinary Vets podcast, Dr. Donna Harris interviews Dr. Melinda Merck, a pioneer in veterinary forensics. Dr. Merck shares her journey from a young animal lover to a trailblazer in the field, discussing her early influences, experiences in veterinary school, and the ethical challenges she faced in her early career. She explains how her passion for animal welfare led her to establish her own practice and eventually transition into forensic veterinary medicine, where she has made significant contributions to the field.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. David Sherman shares his remarkable journey in veterinary medicine, detailing his role at the World Organization for Animal Health and his passion for animal health on a global scale. Dr. Sherman also highlights his expertise in goat medicine and his experiences teaching and mentoring future veterinarians, culminating in a full-circle moment as he returns to Nairobi to contribute to veterinary workforce development. He discusses his role as a state veterinarian, and his experiences in establishing veterinary services in Afghanistan. Dr. Sherman emphasizes the significance of sustainable development in veterinary practices and reflects on his transition to the World Organization for Animal Health, where he has influenced global veterinary policies.

📚 Books by Dr. David Sherman

Explore Dr. Sherman’s published work, each offering powerful insight into veterinary practice, global health, and sustainable service models:

1. Tending Animals in the Global Village: A Guide to International Veterinary Medicine
   A foundational resource for veterinarians working in global development settings. This book explores cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and the complexity of delivering care across borders.

2. That Sheep May Safely Graze
   A compelling memoir chronicling Dr. Sherman’s experience rebuilding Afghanistan’s veterinary infrastructure from the ground up. An inspiring story of sustainable development in a conflict zone.

3. Goat Medicine (3rd Edition)
   Co-authored with Dr. Mary Smith, this is the definitive evidence-based textbook on diseases of goats—used globally by practitioners, students, and development organizations.

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, Dr. Ebony Escalona shares her unique journey in the veterinary field, emphasizing the importance of finding one's fit in a diverse career. She discusses her experiences in clinical practice, academia, and community building through her initiative, Vet Stay Go Diversify. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by veterinary professionals, the need for emotional intelligence, and the significance of community support in navigating career paths. Dr. Escalona encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and seek fulfillment beyond traditional roles in veterinary medicine.

🌍 Vet Stay Go Diversify
Explore global veterinary career paths, mentorship, and more at vsgd.co.
📣 Connect with them on social media: @vetssgd

🌿 The Pangolin Project
Dedicated to protecting one of the world’s most endangered mammals. Learn more at thepangolinproject.org
📱 Follow their journey on Instagram: @thepangolinproject

In this episode of Extraordinary Vets, host Donna Harris sits down with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda's first wildlife veterinarian, to explore her remarkable journey from childhood fascination with primates to her groundbreaking work in gorilla conservation. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka shares her experiences in veterinary school in London, the challenges she faced as a trailblazer in wildlife medicine, and the profound impact of tourism on wildlife. This conversation delves into the complexities of human-wildlife conflict, the importance of a One Health approach, and the lessons learned from great apes. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka also emphasizes the vital role of family support, economic value in conservation, and the hope she finds in the next generation's commitment to wildlife protection. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the future of wildlife conservation and the power of following your dreams.

To learn more about Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka's organization, visit https://ctph.org/