How do you balance impostor syndrome, 12-hour days, and the soft skills that keep you human?

Join host Dr. Gershon Alaluf and guest Dr. Jake Rostas, DVM for an insightful, inspiring episode of Irreplaceable Truths. A candid Q1 internship check-in, this conversation explores clinical decision-making under pressure, the role of mentorship, internal medicine vs. surgery thinking, and why love and empathy remain the core of care.

Packed with professional wisdom, emotional insights, and authentic experiences, this episode offers valuable lessons for veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal care professionals.

🎧 What you'll discover:

– The mindset shift from student to clinician — and why “you know more than you think”

– How to survive being “punched in the mouth” by tough cases without losing empathy

– Work-life tradeoffs: using running and fitness to stabilize mental health during internship

– Mentorship, soft skills, and a practical take on using AI as a research assistant

🐾 Who will love this episode:

– Veterinarians & veterinary students

– Animal care professionals

– Veterinary educators and mentors

– Animal lovers passionate about veterinary medicine

– Pre-vet students exploring internships and residencies

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – “You’re not supposed to know anything”: embracing humility and growth as a new DVM

02:09 – The internship reality: exhaustion, mentorship, and finding confidence under pressure

08:04 – Balancing burnout and purpose: running, resilience, and rediscovering mental clarity

16:37 – Learning from mentors: developing soft skills, emotional control, and professional identity

27:05 – Medicine meets technology: AI in research, privacy, and the human element of healing

45:26 – Keeping the dream alive: faith, gratitude, and redefining success in veterinary life

🔔 Stay Connected:

– Like this video if you found value in this discussion!

– Drop your questions or share your veterinary stories in the comments.

– Subscribe & hit the bell icon to never miss an episode.

📚 Resources Mentioned:

– Complications by Atul Gawande (human surgery reflections relevant to vet med)

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 51

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