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

This week is National Veterinary Tech Week, a time where we can give thanks, respect, and love to the heartbeats of our hospital. Without nurses, veterinary technicians, RVT's, LVT's, CVT's and all of the heroes in our hospitals who don't get enough credit, we simply would not be able to function.

I am so grateful for everything that you do which is why we want to highlight some of the past conversations we have had with these wonderful heroes. Join us for a walk down memory lane as we look back at some of the most inspiring and hard-working people in our industry.

Some wise words from our nurses and veterinary technicians are our way of saying thank you and showing our appreciation to those who deserve it the most.

What is your favorite episode featuring a veterinary technician? Share with us in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• Look back into some of the conversations we have had with veterinary technicians
• Exploring the specialties and wide potential of veterinary technicians
• Understanding the essential tools needed to take a hospital to the next level
• Addressing anxiety in the field and how to find excitement every day

Quotes

"This week is National Veterinary Technician Week, where we give thanks to the heartbeats of the hospital. As I've said many times, none of this veterinary thing works without the nurses, the veterinary technicians, the RVT's, the LVT's, the CVT's, all of you heroes out there who don't get nearly enough credit that you deserve." (1:37)

"You don't have to do it all. You have qualified technicians and assistants who are there to help and to bounce ideas off of you." (3:40)

"Some wise words from our veterinary technicians, nurses, our heartbeats of the hospital… Go give a vet tech a high five today!" (9:21)

Links

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Have you ever wanted to bond with lions and tigers and bears? Becca Miceli is the Chief Officer of Science and Welfare, otherwise known as the veterinary technician, at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado. From an early age she has had a fascination towards 'animals that can eat her', and now works in the sanctuaries 720 acres, with 532 animals ranging from tigers to grizzly bears and lynx.

Taking care of carnivorous animals and giving them the freedom to choose how they want to live the rest of their lives after coming from suboptimal and even unthinkable captivity is Becca's passion. By treating each animal as an individual, respecting their story and learning the unique needs of each animal she treats, Becca helps these mistreated animals find a new home and a new way of living.

Join us as we have a look into the stories of some of the animals that Becca takes care of on a daily basis and gain a glimpse of what life is like working with some of the world's most majestic and frightening creatures. By educating the public on an animals empathy, seeing things from a different point of view and making the world a better place on behalf of the animals who do not have a voice, Becca and the Wildlife Animal Sanctuary are giving animals the best life possible while changing the way we think about the world.

Have you ever visited a carnivorous animal sanctuary? Share your experience or desires related to these powerful animals in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• The importance of treating animals as individuals from medicine to psychology
• Factors that play a role in people wanting carnivorous animals as pets
• How to adopt an animals attitude of forgiveness into your human relationships
• A look into what it takes to develop a strong bond with carnivorous animals
• Understanding the role companionship and grief plays in an animals life

Quotes

"I ended up here, a lot of it I say by circumstance and by chance, but I feel very fortunate that I made it here and have been here for as long as I have been." (7:55)

"People forget that they still have a life to live out, they shouldn't have to end up euthanized because we decided to take them in, out of their environment, out of what and who they are, and disrespecting that and trying to make them a house cat." (14:37)

"To see that freedom and that choice click in their brain, I can't imagine another job where I can have that same fulfillment. I get to impact their lives daily." (23:43)

"These animals forgive on a daily basis things that they shouldn't, how can I not look at the world the same way?" (25:19)

"I grow every day, I learn something new, I learn a new way to approach something, I get to see them flourish and that all makes it worth it, even on the bad days." (35:08)

"We all have that animal I think where you look in their eyes and you say 'I will make it through another day because I need to help you'." (35:28)

Links

Wildlife Animal Sanctuary

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In a lot of ways, the way we practice veterinary medicine today is not setting ourselves up for success. Many of us are burnt out, tired, and considering leaving the profession far earlier than our counterparts in generations past. Lisa Mausbach knows this feeling first hand, and after her feelings toward veterinary medicine shifted from excitement to dread, Lisa knew she needed to make a change.

After going to business school and studying the organizational development of the business side of veterinary medicine, Lisa has been rejuvenated and rediscovered her passion for helping other veterinary professionals fill up their own bucket and make more money. By addressing the systemic organizational issues that are keeping us in the dark, Lisa hopes to help entire systems work smarter, not harder.

If you are starting to retreat from what you used to love about veterinary medicine, burnout and stress could be playing a major role. Instead of just dealing with it, you can use your voice to create an environment that works for you and your needs.

Are you ready to reinterpret what you place value on as a veterinary professional? Share your thoughts on Lisa's unique approach to increase your worth in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Out of the box ideas that you can help you and your team make more money
• Why you should stop giving away your advice for free to increase your value
• Specific things that you can do at your clinic to help with your overall wellness
• Learn which organizational factors are contributing to your burnout and how to fix them
• Why you need to make time to collaborate, work on your passion project and actually think

Quotes

"What I'm happy about in our industry, is we are finally talking about it, it is not as taboo, and the focus on personal wellness and taking care of yourself." (7:05)

"We manage so much of medicine like trying to run a pet assembly line of trying to fix things, and there is no time to collaborate or think or work up a case or all the stuff that comes after that that is part of what is seen as being a good doctor on the human side." (12:56)

"The important part is our knowledge and what we are telling people, it's not the heartworm test. Sure the rabies vaccine is great but as an industry and as veterinarians I feel as though we always want to give away our brain. We want to give away our advice, and that I think is that is going to be some of the keys of how we reintroduce value to what we bring to clients." (22:16)

"You just want to be valued for your time, and when you are only valued on these average client transaction numbers and revenue… doctors aren't milking cows." (29:55)

"I think there is a lot of out of the box ideas that doctors can look into to not feel stuck." (34:19)

Links

Mausbach Mobile Veterinary Care

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Wendy Hauser has had a chance to wear many hats in her career, being involved in everything from pharmaceuticals, to practice ownership, consulting and pet insurance. Since deciding she was destined for veterinary medicine at age nine, Wendy has worked to develop her skills and resume to reflect her dedication, determination, and resilience.

Wendy wants to make sure that you realize all of the different gifts you can find in different jobs, never feel stuck, and find a culture that makes you feel necessary and happy. Providing advice on everything from early-career practice ownership to finding a mentor and dismissing the negative connotations around pet insurance, Wendy is proof of the power of diversity in medicine.

When you are part of a culture that creates a sustainable and inviting workplace you are able to problem solve as a team, develop your own personal skills and motivate yourself to keep taking brave leaps. If you want to learn why pet insurance is a valuable way to proactively care for an animal, understand the importance of talking to your clients about money or gain tools to create a great company culture, this is the episode for you.

How do company culture, client relationships and proactive strategies fit into your day to day routine? Share the similarities and differences you find in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Exploring the responsibilities and lessons of practice ownership
• Ways to be a more effective and impactful leader, employee and contributor
• How to make pet insurance normal in hospitals and part of your team's culture
• Which things that you can do to let your team know that you've got their back
• Three tools to help you adopt a proactive approach to caring for your pet or patient

Quotes

"Everything that I did from age 9 was focused towards developing skills that I would need to be the best veterinarian, and best human, that I can be." (4:03)

"I get out of bed every morning to help people. That's why I am a veterinarian. I help people by keeping their beloved pets healthy." (16:58)

"I have a marketable skill, it will be okay. But I need to feed my soul in different ways." (35:13)

"Regardless of whatever role you have, if you are a practice manager, if you are a technician, if you are a doctor, you are building great marketable skills and those will always translate into new opportunities for you. Please never stay in a position where you feel you're stuck, you're only limited by your own self-beliefs, not by reality." (36:09)

"Why aren't we being leaders in the lives of pet owners? Because once we start educating them then when they come in with their second or third or fourth pet, they know what to expect, and they're on board with providing the best care." (50:52)

Links

Peak Veterinary Consulting

The Veterinarian's Guide to Healthy Pet Plans by Wendy Hauser and Debbie Boone

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Alan Stockdale, Tatiana Rogers, Taylor O'Malley, and Rikki Vellman have decided to take on the world of veterinary school while simultaneously tackling an MBA. This combination of veterinary medicine and business know-how is giving these students a serious edge when it comes to practice ownership, and they are here today to shed light on what sets them apart in the big picture.

If you have any desire to learn about business, an MBA may be the push you need to set yourself apart from the crowd and get serious about business ownership. Learn what inspired these four students to do a dual degree and the benefits, hardships, and lessons learned from both the business classroom as well as the veterinary clinic.

These students believe in working on yourself rather than on paper, not conforming to any cookie-cutter molds, and ensuring that your veterinary business makes money at the end of the day. A look inside the mind of four bright, inspired and slightly tired DVM/MBA students, the class of 2023 is here to shed some light on the next generation of veterinary students, veterinarians, and practice owners.

Have you ever considered a dual degree to help increase your effectiveness in a practice environment? Share your education journey with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• How owning a business can help you relinquish your debt faster
• Understanding the role ownership can play in being a good clinician
• The biggest takeaways from business school to apply to your practice today
• Discover the financial perks of doing an MBA at the same time as the DVM
• The similarities and differences between students in vet school versus business school

Quotes

"My ideas for my MBA is to be an innovator and an entrepreneur and I think I really want to try to redefine how veterinary medicine is practiced." (22:10) - Rikki

"What we see differently is the big picture, when we get out we want to be a part of the business administration side and not just the medical side." (23:27) - Rikki

"When you look at it from a business standpoint I think it really helps you provide better care, just as a doctor or a clinician, it really helps you bridge that connection between the medical side of things and the client service. And it helps change the perspective of the client." (27:50) - Rikki

"I wholeheartedly believe that at the heart of every veterinary practice, it is a business." (37:14) - Rikki

"It's kind of nice that we can have other perspectives from other areas of business. With our MBA's we can kind of see what has been working in other fields of business and kind of use that for ourselves, that adds a little more value as well." (45:07) - Alan

"Keep an open mind and explore those different degrees, there are Ph.D. and all sorts of different dual degrees that you can get, I think they will help you in the future because there are so many things you can do with veterinary medicine." (51:24) - Rikki

"We need innovative minds, we need different perspectives, those are all very important. So don't be discouraged if you feel like maybe you don't fit what a traditional veterinarian might be, because there is no cookie-cutter, be you!" (54:23) - Tatiana

Links

Follow Dr. Fit Vet (Tatiana) on Instagram

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Cancer sucks, but learning about cancer should not suck. That's the motto of Sue Ettinger, aka the Cancer Vet. Sue is a badass oncologist, veterinary cancer specialist and mom who believes in providing reliable and accessible content to both pet owners and veterinarians.

An author, speaker and the 2019 Western Vet Conference Small Animal Continuing Educator, Sue does what it takes to inspire others to bounce back from our shortfalls. Join in today as we talk about everything from tips to building a thriving social media presence, to role storytelling plays in finding joy and how to create more balanced work-life boundaries.

With an old fashioned hard working attitude, Sue is passionate about educating others on finding a career you love, embracing the missteps that got you to where you are and sharing cancer awareness.

How have your past hopes, dreams, and mistakes led you to the place you are in now? Share your failures and successes with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Appreciating the science and the relationships behind oncology
• How cutting back can increase your sustainable happiness
• The secret to building a social media or podcasting platform
• Exposing the need for reliable internet content on cancer
• The importance of finding out what is going on underneath the surface

Quotes

"We don't talk about our failures out loud, but I think it is really important in veterinary medicine, especially when you are talking to students… our failures shape us and allow us to figure out who we are and what we want to do. I think our failures are as important than our successes." (8:36)

"I am always trying to balance family with work, and my personal life with work, self-care and things like that." (21:24)

"You will be lucky if you find a job that brings you such joy. There are so many people that don't love their jobs, and they don't love going to work, they just go to work." (26:13)

"I always say its not about me, it is about the people I am trying to serve. And that to me is the secret to success, consistency and trying to solve the problem of the people I am trying to help." (32:00)

"I just want to create information for veterinarians to share with pet owners and for pet owners to find that is reliable, good information. Because you and I can complain that there is no good information, or we can do something about it." (36:40)

Links

Dr. Sue Cancer Vet Website

Follow Dr. Sue on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

Join Dr. Sue's Oncology Community

The Dog Cancer Survival Guide

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Today we're joined by Kim Schmidt, a career CVT and veterinary technician specialist in surgery and anesthesia. She is also the program director for veterinary technology at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins where she trains some incredible CVTs.

Kim takes us on her journey from a child with a fascination in reptiles to an internship at a zoo to a certified veterinary technician and instructor. Working in surgery means a lot to Kim as she gets to be part of the team that fixes what's broken in an animal and send them home with a new lease on life. Furthermore, as a teacher, she feels honored to help prepare the next generation of CVTs.

There are so many crucial and rewarding parts of a career as a veterinary technician. From being an integral part of the veterinarian's team to helping to maintain relationships with clients, a vet tech makes the whole process possible. Kim also breaks down her training program for CVTs and explains just what is needed to make this a fulfilling and long-lasting career.

How do recognize the value of veterinary technicians in your work? Share with us in the comments on the episode page!

In this episode

• Following your interests and passions from childhood to career
• The appeal of specializing in anesthesia as well as its challenges
• The key elements behind maintaining a cohesive doctor-nurse relationship
• The process behind obtaining a particular specialty
• Communicating the value of CVTs for all to recognize
• What the ideal training for a CVT student should look like

Quotes

"I had the reptile passion and getting into the zoo setting and exploring what I wanted to do with life. I always knew it was going to be with animals but I wasn't sure what path I wanted to take." (8:40)

"I really do enjoy the challenge of the anesthesia piece and absorbing just as much information as you can." (10:15)

"I think it's really important for the veterinary community to understand what is expected of a new graduate and have proper mentorship and watch them grow." (30:45)

"Pick your passion, don't just do it because you didn't get into vet school. CVT really is a career. That's the piece that people really need to understand." (37:25)

Links

Front Range Community College Veterinary Technician Program

Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians

Vet Treks Foundation

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Colorado State University believes in the importance of bonding with your fellow veterinary students and professors which is why they have created a Mountain Campus to help celebrate those in their first year of veterinary school. Situated up in the mountains, this two-day retreat features no phones, team bonding, and the ability to get back to nature.

Unique to CSU, the Mountain Campus is a great way to embrace orientation for first-year vet students and help you get to know the people you will be working with on a personal level. Everything from ropes courses to sharing circles happens at the Mountain Campus in order to get you the best orientation experience possible.

Join Dr. Arnold, Christina Geldert and Chloe Muir as they dive into the highs and lows of the first year of veterinary school. How does your university embrace orientation for first-year vet students? Share your traditions with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Highlighting the orientation program for vet school at Colorado State University
• Common questions from first-year students and advice to your younger self
• Examining burnout and what that looks like for each person individually
• How to take mental health more seriously throughout the profession
• Be inspired by a new generation of veterinary school attendees and professors

Quotes

"It was probably the best way to get close to my classmates, and get to know our energy and trust each other and get to know each other as people not just as vet students." (11:40)

"I don't feel like I am a serious person, but I really wanted to set that tone and kind of challenge them to be open with one another and feel okay with it." (14:46)

"A ton of people are also asking, 'how do I have a balance? How do I stay healthy? How do I maintain a good mental state while I am doing this?' And I think the fact that they are asking that is super important." (19:47)

Links

PAV 037: Christina Geldert

PAV 085: Chloe Muir

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Chloe Muir is about to enter her third year of veterinary school and has a wide range of experience under her belt already. Having just returned from working at a clinic in Kathmandu, Nepal, as well as a stint at a pop-up clinic in Guatemala, Chloe is an expert in the challenges of doing veterinary work abroad and the importance of being resourceful.

On this special 'back to school' episode, Chloe shares stories of her adventures, inspirational tips for fellow veterinary students, and reflects on the journey that brought her here. Learn why she equates veterinary medicine to summiting a mountain, why she thinks we need to talk more about student debt and get into the mind of a modern veterinary student.

If you are looking to get into the mind of an almost graduated veterinary student, or are hoping to open up the conversation to become more resourceful, this is the episode for you.

How did your experience in veterinary school shape your career? Share with us in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Explore the connection between hiking and veterinary medicine
• Takeaways from practicing veterinary medicine abroad with limited resources
• Reflecting on the highs and lows of veterinary school
• Why studying does not always equal more success of happiness
• Advice to vet students who are struggling and ways to look ahead

Quotes

"I think a lot of it is just realizing the world is so big, and I think I have moved a little bit, but I haven't really seen very much. And so I think there is just this curiosity of seeing what it is like everywhere else, especially with veterinary medicine." (22:25)

"When you summit a mountain you are very focused on a goal, but you don't realize all the great things you pass on the way up, and I think vet school is like that too." (26:24)

"I know that there is a ton of knowledge in my brain right now, even though it doesn't feel like it sometimes. So I think getting to actually apply it is going to be such a cool feeling." (32:49)

"I really honestly performed the same, or better probably, by taking a step back." (36:52)

Links

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

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Today we are switching things up as I, Dr. John Arnold, invite you to join me during my drive through Colorado as I reflect on the path that brought me to the Leadville Colorado 100 Mile Mountain Bike Race. A look inside my mind and what would be my journal, this episode is all about the culmination of hard work, dedication and a tinge of mid-life crisis.

Join me on my road trip as we take a break from routine and get to know each other better. Learn all about the role Tom Petty has played in my relationship, what I am drinking to stay hydrated, how I prepared myself to train for this race, and much more.

How do you like to reflect on your path? Share how you document your perspective in the comments on the episode page.

In This Episode

• Learn the reason why behind the 100 Mile Mountain Bike Race
• Exploring your inner dog and which dog represents Dr. Arnold
• Why the bike is a symbol of feeling better physically and emotionally
• How being more present in the trenches can lead to greater job happiness
• Discover the difference between doing something as a team versus solo

Quotes

"I say race but its more of just something to see if I could do it, and finish and have a blast. And have an adventure, so ya I'm going with adventure. A midlife crisis can be an adventure right?" (4:43)

"The bike has kind of been a symbol for me feeling better both physically and emotionally." (21:48)

"I'm so into memories these days and making memories, that's part of what this trip is about too." (40:31)

"Being more present in the trenches has really found me a happy place with practice right now." (46:29)

Links

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

Find the full show notes here

Keep up with everything Podcast A Vet

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Join our free community of dedicated vet professionals looking to improve their practices and lives in our free Facebook community!

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