Podcast A Vet: Stories, Support & Community From Leaders In The Veterinary Field

Happy Holiday's Podcast A Vet family! Today I am joined by our Director of Operations, Kelsey Cates, to have a look back on all that we have accomplished this past year on Podcast A Vet. With the end of 'Season 2' approaching and the start of a new decade we thought we would take the opportunity to thank you as our listeners and look forward into the new year.

Join us as we look back at the last year of Podcast A Vet and keep an ear out for when we will be starting again in 2020! What story stands out from the past year on Podcast A Vet? Share your favorite memories with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• The lifechanging magic of flushable baby wipes
• A look back at the highlights from Season 2 on Podcast A Vet
• Exploring the future of Podcast A Vet and what to expect in the new year
• A big thank you to our audience and Podcast A Vet community

Quotes

"I feel like its just one of those times when we just keep growing at a pace where we are so inspired to keep doing this. And that is because of you guys." (4:29) - Dr. Arnold

"All of a sudden it was just like this community grew out of something that we hoped would take off but we just never knew if it could." (5:49) - Kelsey

"Just knowing that [the stories] are hitting home for other people, it is really powerful and it is really moving and I am enjoying every minute of that." (6:17) - Kelsey

Links:

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A woman who wears many hats, Lori Cesario is passionate about having her hand in many fields while remaining dedicated to her oncology patients. Originally hailing from California and a Ross University Vet School graduate, Lori is here today to remind us not to sweat the small stuff.

Today Lori is here to share insider tips on everything from what it takes to build an online oncology resource to paying off student debt and what kept her focused on the oncology road. If you are looking for tips on motivating yourself while feeling accomplished, want to learn about surgical oncology as a general practitioner or are interested in learning how journaling improved Lori's life, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

How do you take stalk in what you have done and keep moving towards your future goals? Share your motivational tips with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Tips for getting out of debt by making some serious money spending changes
• The importance of getting your thoughts down on paper to better relax
• Why you should be setting real-life actionable steps to accomplishing your goals
• A peek into the life of an oncologist and ways to not be consumed by the work
• Learn what it takes to become a surgical oncologist and what keeps the passion alive

Quotes

"It feels a lot better just to confront it and figure out a plan and make progress and make progress and make progress rather than to get all of that anxiety." (15:32)

"If I'm just still kind of going over and over a case or a client that was really difficult or something, I have found that journaling really helps." (22:27)

"When you set goals or you have things that you want to do, you are comparing where you are now to where you want to go. And so you often never feel like you have accomplished everything, so you can sort of feel negative about that. But if you look back at older journal entries or make sure to say 'what have I done in the last 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, then you can realize all of the things you have accomplished." (25:11)

"It's nice to learn how to do new things and I like being able to do multiple different things at once, I think that is nice. It is nice to have multiple different types of outlets." (30:17)

Links

Canine Cancer Academy Website

ORU Wrapping Fabric Website

Advanced Surgical Oncology at the Oquendo Centre

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MJ Hamilton has spent his entire life in veterinary medicine and it has taken him across the country from Las Vegas to Michigan and more. On top of the wild parties he hosted during veterinary school, MJ realized that even though he had a strong love for veterinary practice, not everything was the right fit. After he hit is a critical breaking point, MJ realized he needed to go after his passion rather than the status quo and started PVS Pet Cancer, the world's first mobile oncology unit.

In this episode, MJ gets real about vulnerability and masculinity, how to find a balance, and why he is looking for his happy. By improving the lives of cancer patients, opening up about the dark times of veterinary medicine and appreciating that time really is our biggest commodity, MJ is proof that sometimes we all need somebody to lean on.

If you are in the process of figuring out what you want next and need some guidance on finding your happy place, MJ is the expert for you. A story of inspiration and perseverance, MJ is proof that sometimes you need to dig deep to figure out what you really want. How has anxiety and panic impacted your ability to do your job? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Addressing the trauma that many experience from imperfect days in the field
• Tips for getting through a residency by learning to ask for help when you need it
• What it is like to run the worlds first mobile oncology department
• The importance of asking your peers how they are doing and ways to combat trauma
• Advice to fellow veterinarians and strategies for staying balanced

Quotes

"Being the jack of all trades just didn't work for me… I realized that I needed to specialize, I needed to just do one thing really well. I started pursuing that more, more my interests, and I always had specialty interests, but then out there I really just said, 'I gotta do this to survive, I need to just do what works best for my brain'." (8:44)

"It was to kind of find my happy because at that point I had been doing everything for everybody but me." (25:42)

"I was like, you know what, I think I am going to do this. I think I am going to do the first mobile oncology department, and I can still be me but I can do it my way and also be different." (29:29)

"All of these things that we are talking about, taking care of each other, it is a movement now and I really want to support it." (42:23)

Links

PVS Private Veterinary Specialties Website

PAV 042: Meghann Berglund

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Often during this celebratory time of year, I like to take a look back and remember all of the moments where I physically felt the feeling of 'wow, I can't believe we get to do this'. Podcast A Vet has shared over 100 people's stories and it is only through being transparent and helping the community grow that we can continue to build the Podcast A Vet Family.

What we do as veterinarians matters, and I think it is important to look back at the path of Podcast A Vet and highlight the things that make us tick. Family, support and saving lives is the medicine that we need every day to keep going and is the ultimate goal of Podcast A Vet. Join me for a recap of some extra-special gratitude based episodes and look into the future of Podcast A Vet for the coming new year.

What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving? Share your hopes, memories, and dreams with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• A recap of episodes perfect for re-listening too during the holidays
• Why you should focus on your family and being thankful this holiday season
• The impact of having a daughter when viewing time in regards to veterinary work
• Gain insight into the perspective that goes into the making of Podcast A Vet

Quotes

"It is almost a physical feeling for me, of 'wow, we get to do this', I feel like Thanksgiving is one of those times." (1:36)

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think we were going to share, at this point, 100 stories. That is just something that I am so so thankful for." (2:57)

"Everybody mentions family as super important, as part of your tribe, whether it is your blood family or your tribe family, having that support is what gets us through and it is what Podcast A Vet is all about." (4:26)

Links

PAV 001: Bronwen Foster

PAV 005: Mike Suit

PAV 050: Mark Stetter

PAV 061: Andy Rourke

PAV 072: Trent Gall

PAV 071: Becky Krull

PAV 038: Kristin Gablehouse

PAV 041: Nate Daughenbaugh

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Alissa Edoff's path to veterinary medicine has taken her all over the world, from her native Colorado to Australia, Glasgow and beyond, she is passionate about exploring and setting yourself apart from the crowd. From hospital work to research and corporate positions, Alissa has the determination to follow what she wants and is here today to share her story of how she was able to find happiness in starting her own business.

Everything from travel to alcohol dependency and finding a partner over diarrhea is on this episode as we dive into Alissa's experience in veterinary school and beyond. Alissa loves to share her passion, connect with her mobile canine rehab and large and small animal acupuncture clients, and share her passion with the world.

An advocate for the importance of having a fulfilling life outside of work and following what makes you happy, Alissa is an inspiring example of dedication and finding joy in the unexpected. How do you balance your career with your desires outside of work? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• A look into the life of an international veterinary program
• How to become okay with not being perfect at everything
• Tips to cope with times when you are second-guessing your career path
• Why Alissa came to the realization that she was using alcohol as a crutch
• Reasons mobile canine rehab and acupuncture ended up being Alissa's calling

Quotes

"I had never been to either London or Glasgow so I didn't know what life was like there really. So I just figured, I have to take loans out regardless if I can have more money for traveling rather than rent in somewhere like London, that just made more sense to me." (12:12)

"Travelling to me is one of my #1 priorities and goals in life, to see the world." (22:32)

"It was 100% a coping mechanism and she helped me figure out alternatives, and then I haven't had a drink for almost 3.5 years." (34:26)

"I started my own business and now I have made veterinary medicine something that I enjoy again." (39:27)

"I am now an extra, so I am not general practice, so if people reach out to me it is because they want to do more for their pets. So they are dedicated and they want the best for their animals." (42:08)

Links

Longevity and Wellness Vet

Follow Alissa on Facebook

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After brief stints playing in a band in Mexico, working as a waitress and putting herself through veterinary school, H. Howells learned that she enjoyed supporting veterinarians much more than she enjoyed practicing. This inspired her to create Agents of Change, a coaching program focusing on the health, life and team aspects of veterinary medicine.

A self-described extrovert who went into school with a 'B is for Badass' mentality, H is here today to share how you can look at veterinary medicine through her mindset. Instead of placing your entire identity in what you do, H wants to destigmatize doing something 'just as a job' and give veterinarians the freedom to be okay with being more than what they do for a living.

H loves to listen to other veterinarians and provide an outlet outside of your immediate workplace to let others know that they are not as alone or as trapped as they think they are. Learn how she was able to resuscitate herself by giving back to the community, why she loves to help others find meaning in veterinary medicine and explore the importance of staying connected as a vital tool to not getting sucked into your daily routines and pressures.

If you are looking for a way to find meaning in what you do without it becoming an all-consuming aspect of your life, H. is who you need to hear from. Are you able to look at your role in veterinary medicine as 'just a job'? Share what you think about H's perspective in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• How you can recognize and address the stressors of veterinary medicine
• Ways that you can start being more vulnerable and find a better work-life balance
• Why you should stop viewing veterinary medicine as your 'calling'
• Exploring The Power of 10 Program and the lifechanging realizations it can spur
• The importance of actively pursuing things outside of the veterinary profession

Quotes

"I can only envision going back and doing more school if I promise myself that it is not going to swallow me alive." (7:30)

"The only thing that I could think was 'I got to figure out how in the world to get myself out of this profession without incurring another dollar of debt, the end'. And that was really hard." (18:03)

"I really love coaching and connecting with other veterinarians. And the way that I always describe it is, over time I realized I feel a lot more fired up about supporting other veterinarians than I do about being one." (21:39)

"I think we need to start to have a little bit higher level of being willing to be vulnerable and say when we are struggling so that we can receive the support that exists out there." (24:37)

"That's where I think the danger lies when you conflate veterinary medicine with your identity so much so that the rest of our life takes a back seat." (29:58)

Links

Agents of Change Coaching

The Power of 10

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Chris Chase believes in the necessity of the spiritual, mental and educational aspects to becoming a great veterinarian. A DVM, speaker, educator, and chief scientific officer at RTI, Chris is a trained classic virologist and immunologist who uses his unconditional love and commitment to make the profession a better place.

A South Dakota native who is passionate about the need to be involved in some level of practice despite your current field, Chris is here to shine a light on microbiology and viruses as well as the importance of exploring all of your possible opportunities with no regrets.

Diving deep into the complexities of an animal's microbiome, the financial implications of scientific research, the importance of developing your 'soft' skills, and so much more, Chris is a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to foster a sense of adventure and a child-like fascination with the world.

Do you have a vision of what your veterinary career may look like 10, 20 or 30 years into the future? Share what you learned from Chris today in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• How to embrace variety as the spice of life in work and play
• A deep look into decades of change in organized veterinary medicine
• Analyzing the role of business and ROI in the field of scientific exploration
• The importance of figuring out what you do want to do as well as what you don't
• Understanding how the gut and the immune system interact with each other in animals

Quotes

"If you are going to be good at research or anything else outside of veterinary medicine practice, you got to know what is going on in practice." (5:03)

"I find everything interesting, there is just not anything I don't find interesting. It has always been me. And that frustrates some people because in academia when I get reviewed they always walk in like 'here is your program, you just do this little piece of the puzzle and that is your focus. Focus, focus, focus'. And I am certainly not." (23:47)

"Most of the time I can see what I don't want to be or what I don't want to do, and figure out what you can do to limit that or make sure that you don't make those same mistakes." (26:03)

"Here is something that is sort of new and novel to me, I sort of turn it around like a Rubix cube in every way that I can to figure out how I can run with that with what I am doing." (37:52)

"What is really important to me is to figure out what you don't want to do. Because the worst thing you can do is go downstream in something and realize 'I hate this'." (56:28)

Links

RTI Website

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Jennifer House is a real-life virus hunter, DVM, and public health veterinarian. Jennifer is passionate about keeping animals and humans safe from diseases such as rabies, plague, and tularemia.

While the diseases may sound scary, Jennifer is here to educate about the preventable and treatable ways that you can protect yourself and your animals. An interesting look into alternative veterinary careers, Jennifer is fervent about what she does and stopping diseases in their tracks.

If you are looking into a career at the state health department, want to understand the stress behind making life or death decisions when it comes to public health or are interested in learning more about how diseases can impact humans, animals, and the environment, Jennifer is the expert you need to listen too.

Do you have an infectious disease story? Share your experience with us in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• Understanding the value of having a dedicated human and animal health specialist
• A peek into the stress behind physician recommendations when diagnosing disease
• Learn how infectious diseases can impact humans, animals, and the environment
• Discover the measures taken to protect humans and animals from infectious disease
• Why you should get rabies vaccines for you and your beloved animals

Quotes

"I was called to go down this path. Oddly enough the Hantavirus was the trigger, and so I intentionally went to college and veterinary school with the intent of doing public health, and this career certainly lead me further than I ever anticipated going." (11:33)

"I think it is very valuable to have one person that is looking at that bigger picture of looking at human and animal health concurrently." (17:55)

"It can sound very exciting on the service, but a lot of it is actually spreadsheets and phone calls and reading articles. And all of that really excites me, I find it interesting." (21:03)

"Ultimately the physician makes the decision of what to do, and I have to give them the available science, the protocols and the recommendations so that they can make the best decision for their patients." (24:27)

"I always want to make everybody happy, but sometimes I make nobody happy. But at the end of the day, I hope that what I have done has saved lives, both animals and peoples." (32:10)

Links

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Ryane Englar is a DVM certified in canine and feline practice and an assistant professor and clinical education coordinator at Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine. Ryane works to help her students understand life, connections, and relationships to get to the other side of hardships.

Ryane believes that each person is truly enough, and it just takes a bit of sorting out to figure out what that means for each individual person. Through a mastery of work-life balance, finding a passion project such as ballroom dancing and realizing the life that you want as a veterinarian, Ryane is an inspirational teacher and motivator.

We all bring different angles and perspectives to academia and our profession, and Ryane loves to have real conversations with her students to embrace this messy thing that we call life and help the new generation pull together instead of being separated by our differences. Through the writing of many books and conversations with many students, Ryane has a handle on learning about yourself and the importance of reaching out to others.

What was the last 'real' conversation you had with somebody about the successes and failures that you are currently experiencing? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Life lessons from the ballroom dance floor and learning how to do things better
• The importance of reaching out to people and letting someone know you are there
• How to disagree on issues and still be colleagues that can work together
• Words to help you be better veterinarians while reminding us that we are all human
• Why you need a light at the end of the tunnel to funnel your stress into and find pleasure

Quotes

"I thought all I could ever be was a veterinarian, that was how I defined my whole being, I lived to work and I worked to live. And then I met dance and I met Loel, and I realized a whole person inside of me that I didn't know existed." (7:16)

"Maybe we all need to think 'what is enough?' and change that definition. So that to me is kind of how I am trying to live my life through teaching the students." (11:25)

"We both know that medicine is not easy, you are never going to wake up one day and it is going to be magic and perfect, but why don't we start giving us tools that can help us succeed better?" (17:14)

"That is part of my hope, that maybe someone out there, maybe not even reading the book for its purpose was written for, will say hey, maybe I need to pick up the phone and call somebody." (26:36)

"We don't need to massive things to change the world or our profession, we just have to be kind to one another." (31:23)

Links

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Laurel Krause is a 4th-year veterinary student from CSU who took the long road to veterinary school and has since embraced her path to veterinary medicine. The CVMA student representative for her year and lifelong 'cat-whisperer', Laurel is providing insight into the delicate balance between the art and science aspect of the brain as well as veterinary medicine and how she transitioned from a life in Hollywood to finding her new home at CSU.

From playing the trumpet, piano and singing opera to leaving the comfort of Iowa and making life work in LA, Laurel has an amazing story full of perseverance and passion for veterinary medicine. Someone who doesn't like to adhere to the status quo, Laurel is proof that in the end, we all come back to our true callings.

How have the aspects of community, debt, and stability played a role in your path to veterinary medicine? Share your story with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• How to satisfy both the art and science side of the brain simultaneously
• A look into the backstage extra life on Bones, NCIS, Glee and Modern Family
• The importance of having the courage to try something different
• Why a leadership role in school can help you connect with your community
• Exploring what can be done to address the financial impact of veterinary school

Quotes

"At first I wanted to be a cat, but someone told me that wasn't possible so I was like oaky, how about a cat doctor?" (3:21)

"Now I'm looking back at that and I'm like, man the hours were awful and you never knew what was coming next, but that was a hell of an adventure and I am so glad that I did it." (23:00)

"I wasn't confident whatsoever that they were going to take the whole non-traditional student approach in a good light. However, from comparing websites of different programs, on the CSU website I saw that their median student age was much higher than others, and that kind of gave me a little bit of hope that maybe CSU was in the business of taking non-traditional students." (30:25)

"I visited CSU after I had been accepted and I just knew that this is where I wanted to be. The atmosphere, the culture, it felt like home." (38:11)

"I honestly don't know what else I would do. I know I can do other things, but I don't want to." (41:43)

Links

Enjoying these stories? Consider supporting Podcast A Vet on Patreon & check out our awesome patron-only perk

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