Mary Emfinger, a third-year veterinary student at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, joins us on the show this week for an inspiring episode. She shares how she balances vet school, motherhood, serving as a SAVMA senior delegate, and launching her own compression sock business, Bright Alert Responsive. She reflects on learning patience, following ideas that won’t let go, embracing work-life integration, and how being a second-career student highlights the strong teamwork and collaboration in veterinary medicine that she hopes to carry into her future career. We can't wait to share her story with you!

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk returns to the show this week to discuss her new book, A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, which explores the realities of veterinary life. From her upbringing in a veterinary family to her emergency and critical care career, academic burnout, and transition into wellbeing advocacy, Marie reflects on the importance of mindset, speaks candidly about the emotional impact of mistakes, and shares how perfectionism and imposter syndrome shaped her early career. She also highlights the need for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion to help the profession evolve and better serve its communities. We can wait to share this episode with you!

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

This week we are featuring returning guest, Dr. Kemba Marshall to discuss her new book on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine. Dr. Marshall shares her motivation, the collaborative writing process with 23 co-authors, and how the book offers practical, actionable steps for veterinary professionals. The conversation highlights the importance of psychological safety, inclusive workplaces, and the vital role DEI plays in fulfilling the veterinary oath and improving patient care and team culture. We are so excited to share this episode with you!

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Latonia Craig, AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Engagement and Belonging Officer, joins us to explore why fostering a sense of connection, motivation, and inclusion across the profession isn’t just good for teams — it’s vital for the health of our entire field. She shares stories and statistics to help us better understand the value these concepts bring to the team as well as approachable ways to get the conversation started with anyone!  

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guest on this week’s episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast is Dr. Ken Gorczyca about his pioneering work in end-of-life care for animals. Dr. Gorczyca shares his journey from early influences and activism during the AIDS crisis to becoming a veterinary death doula. He discusses the importance of compassionate in-home euthanasia, integrating ritual and storytelling, and supporting both pet owners and veterinary professionals. The episode also highlights Dr. Gorczyca’s creative pursuits, including art and personalized memorials, and his advocacy for holistic, respectful approaches to animal end-of-life care.

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Jennifer Edwards, currently a leadership and energy coach and previously a small animal practice owner, is our guest this week on the My Veterinary Life podcast. Dr. Edwards discusses trusting intuition, navigating career pivots, overcoming burnout, and embracing the power of conscious choice and personal responsibility. Her story is a refreshing reminder that career paths are rarely straight lines and that fulfillment often comes from following your heart rather than a rigid plan.

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Megan Gerhardt, the founder of Gentelligence®, is our guest on this week’s episode of the My Veterinary Life® podcast. Megan will be the keynote speaker for the 2026 Veterinary Leadership Conference, hosted by VLC Presenting Partner, Zoetis. She shares insights about navigating generational differences in the workplace, emphasizing the value of curiosity, respect, and open dialogue. She introduces practical tools, like “power questions” and the “house walls” metaphor, to help teams identify core values and embrace innovation. The conversation highlights how reframing generational diversity as an opportunity fosters trust, collaboration, and growth within veterinary teams.

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Bonnie Wright shares her journey to becoming a veterinary anesthesiologist, pain specialist, and educator in this week's My Veterinary Life podcast episode. She discusses how a life-changing car accident reaffirmed her career choice, her evolving interests in anesthesia and pain management, and her embrace of acupuncture as a science-based tool. Dr. Wright highlights the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and following one’s passions, while also addressing the challenges and surprises of her career. Her story encourages veterinarians to remain open to new opportunities and diverse career paths.

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Our guests on this episode of My Veterinary Life Podcast are Drs. James Orsini and Nora Grenager, co-authors of Comparative Veterinary Anatomy: A Clinical Approach. They discuss the evolution of veterinary education, the importance of adapting to diverse learning styles, and integrating multimedia resources. The guests share insights into textbook development, as well as the value of professional networks. This episode highlights creativity, adaptability, and collaboration in advancing veterinary education and supporting the next generation of veterinarians. It’s a great conversation, and we are so excited to share it with you.

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast

Dr. Jacey Cerda, a postdoctoral fellow in biodiversity conservation and emergency response, is this week's guest on the My Veterinary Life podcast. Dr. Cerda shares her unique journey from wildlife biology to law to veterinary medicine, and discusses her experiences as a Fulbright fellow, attorney, and AVMA Government Relations Division extern. The conversation highlights the versatility of veterinary careers, the importance of advocacy, and opportunities like the AVMA GRD externship for students interested in policy. Dr. Cerda’s story inspires listeners to explore non-traditional paths and make a broad impact in veterinary medicine.

Thank you to our podcast partner, the AVMA Career Center. Are you a veterinary professional looking for a position change or even a complete change of scenery? The AVMA Career Center is THE place for all veterinary professionals to find the next step in their career journey. Learn more and explore career resources at https://www.avma.org/careers

Remember, we want to hear from you! Please be sure to subscribe to our feed on Apple Podcasts and leave us a rating and review. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Follow us on social media @AVMAVets #MyVetLife #MVLPodcast