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

As veterinarians we often forget that sometimes we don't just heal the animals, they can heal us in our time of need as well. Kate Neligan has fostered this human-animal bond since childhood, and after a career in Hollywood marketing, a Masters in psychology and creating powerful TV content, she turned to equine therapy and life coaching to help create positive change quickly.

Kate admires the blend of strength and softness found in horses and seeks to share her knowledge about how they can help us relax, create patience and become more mindful in our day to day life, plus so much more. Today Kate is sharing everything she knows about becoming more aware of your senses through equine exposure, why it is easy to be vulnerable around horses, and how to best understand you and your companies needs to show you care.

A refreshing departure from the medical perspective, Kate takes us on her journey through exploring options other than veterinary school. An advocate for accepting yourself as enough, forgiving your past and letting your perfectionist drive go, Kate, is an advocate for showcasing the best of humanity and shining a light on the good in the world.

The power of healing yourself through equine therapy and self-care is abundant if you can open yourself up to the experience. If you are ready to hear how you can begin to make conscious choices and live an empowered life, this episode is for you.

How does Kates message impact your relationship with horses? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• The therapeutic, healing and coaching possibilities of working with horses
• How horses can help you become more conscious and grow as a person
• Showing yourself and others that you care without burning yourself out
• What three core categories Kate believes make successful veterinary marketing
• Creating and increasing relationships between peers and animals to increase happiness

Quotes

"I never know what my normal is anymore. Now I hang out with horses before I was hanging out with celebrities, I have no idea what's next but its always been fun" (7:23)

"Horses will come up and put their nose next to you and remind you to breathe, and put their head on your heart and help you feel back into that space. And you forget your problems when you are with them" (14:51)

"If people also give animals a chance, they can learn so much from animals. And it's not just equines as well, but certainly, I think they have their own unique way of teaching" (18:30)

"Growth is what drives me now. Actually, every day being a better version of myself and helping our hospitals become that too" (43:44)

"I feel like I am here to bridge, and the human-animal bond is a bridge, and in that journey across we can have less judgment, and we can have more connection, and ultimately that is what we all want" (1:04:20)

Links

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute

Synergy TV Network

Conscious Rockstar Website

Follow Kate on LinkedIn

Email Kate

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Happy New Year everyone! We are excited for the new year and Season 2 of Podcast a Vet (PAV). Kelsey joins me again to discuss what the future holds for PAV, what to expect from future guests, an update on our not-for-profit status, and more.

We hope to bring as many connections and new opportunities moving forward into the new year, and that wouldn't be possible without you, the listeners! Thank you for your dedication, and be sure to keep an eye out on January 8th for Season 2.

In This Episode

• Goals and resolutions for 2019
• Staying positive and fostering wellness
• Sneak peeks into episode content for the new year
• What excites us most about the future of PAV

Quotes

"If you guys have veterinarians or veterinary professionals that you want us to get on the show, please let us know. We want to bring you guys what you want to hear" (3:47)

"I think resolutions are kind of a tricky topic sometimes, but its always good to press reset and share your goals and we're gonna share how we stay positive and foster wellness in the new year and we would love for you guys to join us in that" (4:38)

Links

Find the full show notes here

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Looking back on a full year of Podcast A Vet (PAV), I am so thrilled by the response to the podcast and the community that has grown around it. In the spirit of the holiday, today I am reflecting on past episodes and looking to the future of PAV.

I am joined by Kelsey Cates, Director of Operations for PAV and a previous interviewee. She is reflecting on joining me at AVMA, how PAV has grown over the past year, and the core values we try and instill through the show.

PAV would not be possible without the listeners, so this episode is dedicated to all of you. We love our community and are thrilled at the opportunity to bring people closer together through our stories.

What has been your favorite episode? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• Updates on some favorite past guests
• What I love about podcasts and the reason I started PAV
• Why AVMA was a turning point for PAV
• Fixing the lack of access to the 'behind the scenes' of the industry
• A sneak peek into our Christmas Giveaway on Instagram

Quotes

"I just love veterinary people. I think they are the best people in the world. The most caring, the most passionate, have the most empathy, the most of so many things" (1:48)

"I think AVMA was a turning point for the podcast in the sense that we really saw that there was a community growing, and we hadn't connected with that one on one before" (8:40)

"Seeing where this podcast can go and growing it and creating the systems behind all that, it's just a lot of fun for me and I really enjoy doing it" (10:08)

Links

PAV 017: Jeanne Ficociello

PAV 031: Dr. Louisa Poon

PAV 027: Sara Sheltren

PAV 026: Christine Hardy

PAV 004: Kelsey Cates

PAV 042: Meghann Berglund

Follow PAV on Instagram

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Can you think of anything cooler than riding into a veterinary conference on a mountain bike in head to toe gear? Try adding being the Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at CSU, a DVM, board-certified zoo medicine, and the previous director of animal operations for Walt Disney Company, among others, to the list. This resume could belong to none other than Dr. Mark Stetter, an awesome conversationalist, and today's guest.

Dr, Stetter is passionate about creating a culture focused on listening, passion and open communication in order for students to take care of themselves and feed their souls. He believes in hands-on experience and using positive reinforcement to direct behavior to better understand and utilize animal, and human, reactions.

If you have ever been curious about what a laparoscopic vasectomy on an elephant in the middle of the African desert is like, what is involved in a typical day at the Bronx Zoo, or how the Walt Disney Company handled and cared for their animals, this episode has got you covered.

From beluga whales to cobra snakes and bison, Dr. Stetter's 'typical day' is a wild adventure and a great story filled with lots of wisdom. Join in for this conversation and a wealth of knowledge on an incredibly diverse range of topics.

Do you use positive reinforcement in your own daily life? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• Creating a culture where 'its okay to ask'
• Using the human health model to improve the efficiency of animal health
• A look at the social dynamics of bringing large animals together
• Recognizing and appreciating the behaviors you think are important
• Why student debt is on par with health and wellbeing as the most significant issues in the field

Quotes

"We really have spent a lot of time saying what can we do to help nurture our students? Every single one that we admit we hope walks across four years later with a diploma. And if there are things that we can do to help during their college time or after, to make sure we have given them the fundamentals to stay healthy and not burn out and not have issues when they enter the workforce, that's hugely important to us." (7:03)

"I think veterinary schools realized probably 5 or 6 years ago, whether that be through terrible things like suicide issues, or mental health or substance abuse, divorce, there is a significant problem in veterinary schools. And now probably in the last 3 or 4 years, we started looking at that as a profession versus just within our ranks." (12:10)

"Whatever we can do to see a behavior, animal or human, that we like, and then use positive reinforcement, the chances of that behavior happening over and over again are obviously incrementally more likely." (37:13)

"I kind of got lost along the way and then I jumped in here. So it has been a wonderful journey, but my road there is a little bit less traditional." (47:12)

"My profession, my 20 or 30 years has been about fixing things and making things better and working in collaborative ways to address whatever issues are out there. Whether that be at Walt Disney World or the Zoo world or here in Colorado, that's what I would do and that's irrelevant of which animals I'm working with." (50:26)

Links

College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Website

C. Wayne McIlwraith Translational Medicine Institute

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Dr. Tracey Jensen is a board certified canine and feline practitioner, certified acupuncturist, practice owner, past president of the AAHA and president-elect of the ABVP. Suffice to say, Tracey has an impressive resume, and her impressive communication skills and attention to listening make her all the more a wonderful guest on today's episode.

Transitioning from being a single doctor hospital to the AAHA Veterinary Hospital of the year in 2012, Tracey knows what she's talking about when it comes to building your own practice and working hard to play hard.

Tracey looks to live life from the inside out instead of the outside in, and advocates for experiencing excellence as a journey, not a destination. Everything from what its like to run with the AAHA crowd, to tips for those who want to become their own practice owners, Tracey is a wealth of knowledge and an inspiring example of confidence in the veterinary world.

Learn everything from what skills you need to become Practice Of The Year, to finding multiple avenues to setting and achieving high standards for yourself, and the ability to recognize when its time to leave your practice in capable hands and move on to other pursuits. Tracey is driven to constantly better herself because of the people she serves and is an excellent example for any veterinary professional.

Do you relate to Tracey's passion for seeking new adventures while seeking ownership as a veterinarian? Let us know in the comments section!

In This Episode

• Burnout, compassion fatigue, and tools to overcome them
• Understanding empathy, how to express it and use it on a daily basis
• How your peers and teachers can be instrumental to the veterinarian you become
• Finding your inherent strengths and exploring your potential
• Setting a culture that puts the client relationship first and nurtures success

Quotes

"I think that in spending so much time in my head thinking about what I needed to do with their pet, I lost the fact that there was a person on the end of the leash with their own perspectives, their own history, knowledge base, their way of learning. I didn't take the moment to listen and actually get to know that client and how to work with them." (7:21)

"Instead of assuming the worst of people, try to understand where they are coming from and assume the best." (9:31)

"You can live your life from the outside in, 'oh my gosh all of this is happening', or you can live your life from the inside out, 'what am I going to do with this? What am I in control of?'" (27:47)

"Just like AAHA exists to help support practices that are always striving for excellence in patient, team and client care, ABVP recognizes and certifies veterinarians who practice and are always trying to practice, at the highest level possible in general practice." (37:27)

"I was drawn to this profession, I thought because I wanted to do research. But where my path has taken me is that its actually because of love for people and animals. And I see that in all of my veterinary colleagues, my support staff of veterinarians." (46:00)

Links

Blue Heron Consulting Firm

Find the full show notes here

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Jackie Campbell has had a journey filled with constant travel, learning how to balance work and life, and persevering through setbacks. A boarded dermatologist, Jackie's story is full of humility, humor, and heart. Today we are reminiscing about our CSU memories, how she developed a keen passion for dermatology, and why grades are not the whole picture when it comes to your veterinary skills and placement.

The demand for dermatologists is rising, and Jackie makes an appealing case for the versatility and flexibility of the field. Learn everything from what a dermatology residency looks like, to how she started her own practice and why you should be creating a family in your workplace. Get ready for a story of beating the odds, accepting your failures and not letting them stop you from achieving your passions.

A path filled with lots of high highs and some low lows, Jackie is an open and honest book with a ferocious laugh and wisdom to share.

How do you relate to Jackie's life journey? Have you ever considered a career in animal dermatology or opening up your own practice? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• The journey of getting into vet school and the pressure we put on ourselves
• Stories from 'The Cube's' about the relationships created during school
• How a melanoma scare inspired a career specialization and the ability to sympathize
• The components of test taking and how your brain can get in the way of true knowledge
• What life is like as a dermatologist and being your own boss

Quotes

"I didn't know what path I would take to get there and I was kind of jumping in blindly… just like the collection of little experiences I got just by stepping I think outside of my comfort realm in animal science was a lot of fun" (5:38)

"That was like a really 'a-ha!' moment for me because I had never really been given the 'okay, you don't have to be the best. You just have to be you and do what works for you.' And so that was my approach in vet school. I was never about grades or rankings at the time that they were. It was kind of first the first time kind of trying to have more balance. (14:15)

"We are truly blessed in our veterinary profession, I think about it almost every single day. We have a pretty naturally honest, kind, empathetic, good people are drawn to this field more than any other field." (27:17)

"[Residency] was the first time in my life, truthfully, that I was learning to learn. Because you are so excited about something you want to understand all the workings. And it's not learning it to pass a test." (42:43)

"So now I feel like I see people a little differently. I am more compassionate towards other people and what they are going through. I used to not know what to say or avoid the topic because I didn't want to upset people, and what I realized after navigating through that is just showing up is like 99% of it" (1:05:14)

Links

Animal Allergy & Dermatology of Colorado

Dermatology for Animals

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Jon Geller has led an incredible journey full of reinvention, community, passion, and kindness. Board certified in canine and feline practice, a certified and published vet journalist, trained hyperbaric technologist, and hospital and non-for-profit organization founder, Jon's resume is an impressive homage to the tribe of self-discovery.

Today, Jon is sharing stories such as the time he walked for six months in the desert with a donkey, to what he loves about ER medicine and why it's never too late to start your veterinary career. He is taking us on a journey to help you align your passions with your career and see the good in people, plus much more.

Everything from caring for homeless pets, to addiction and abuse and creating a safe workplace are on the table today. Jon is an inspiration that has achieved both personal and professional success but still continues to strive to help more. If you are looking for a discussion about reinventing yourself, following your spiritual path and work towards closing the gap between appearances and reality, this episode is for you.

How have you prepared yourself so that you can have a long career in veterinary medicine? Leave us a comment on the episode page!

This Episode

• Dealing with impulsivity and how to select the right projects for you
• Transitioning from the corporate world to veterinary and following your passion
• Factors to help you find longevity in your veterinary career
• Suicide, depression, homelessness and the veterinary profession
• Comparing the mindset between for-profit and non-for-profit medicine

Quotes

"I really learned patience, and I think it carried over into my relationships with people, with patients, with pet owners, you know with my wife, my family, and that was my lesson there." (10:57)

"Veterinary medicine was more of a decision where I knew I needed to make a change, and I had a list of other possibilities, and I'm really glad I picked veterinary medicine." (12:45)

"Being an emergency vet is what fit with me, I like the chaos, I like the unexpected, I like new things, unexpected things, I didn't like a day that was planned out." (23:34)

"Most veterinarians don't really think its a big deal and don't really care that much about it, but I think its still important to have an awareness of it because of the accessibility and the stressors of the job." (46:41)

"It just comes back to kind of slowing everything down and really trying to live in the present and treating everyone with tender loving kindness, which sounds easy but it's not necessarily… bring those principles more into actions than ideas. (56:47)

Links

The Street Dog Coalition

Contact the Street Dog Coalition Here

The Ladybug Fund

Find the full show notes here

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Today we are diving into the mind of an undergraduate student with plans to go to veterinary school. Lance Sommer is a 3rd-year pre-vet student majoring in zoology and is here to share an interesting perspective about wanting to go to vet school, what the perception of going to vet school is like and his thoughts on the current state of the profession.

The Vice President of the pre-veterinary club and avid traveler, Lance has a curious and candid outlook on how to better yourself in order to become a better veterinarian. He is sharing his thoughts on being okay with failure, why it's important to be passionate about what you do, and why optimistic stubbornness can be the key to success.

An optimistic voice for the future generation of veterinarians, Lance promotes a mentality of working hard, staying open to new possibilities and having some fun along the way. What struggles and stresses are you pushing through in your vet school journey? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• How to thrive in the sink or swim college environment
• Bringing a global perspective to future veterinary endeavors
• The benefits of joining a pre-veterinary club in your undergrad
• Why some students are choosing to take a 'gap year' to better themselves
• Finding unity through suffering through vet school

Quotes

"It's almost backward you know, if someone is kind of low energy or not striving so much in a very mellow environment, you feel like if they had more on their plate they would just kind of give up or like roll over or something. But it kind of just put a fire under my bum and I got going." (15:07)

"It's not always intelligence that can carry you through. It's very important to know what you have learned. But also just to put your nose to the grindstone and realize that it's a certain amount of work that it takes to succeed in these classes." (17:11)

"A lot of things won't come naturally to you, and failure will be a constant companion I suppose. And that's almost a driving factor, something you should take and motivate you even more. Failure shouldn't be something that defines you, something that instead makes you want to move forward." (18:57)

"I know that we are all aware of the work-life balance that veterinarians sometimes suffer with, and just being aware of that is one step towards not suffering from that." (28:34)

"There are a lot of daunting and discouraging things that come across your path, and those are things you have to take into consideration, and almost use to make yourself better. Don't get beaten down by them, instead use them as inspiration." (33:10)

Links

Veterinarians Without Borders

PAV 029: Gretchen Delcambre

BASE Camp Fort Collins

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Kim Ellis has had an incredibly impressive 32-year long career as a CVT and equine nurse and has created a lasting positive impact in the field. Today we are reflecting on highlights throughout her career, finding longevity as a nurse, and her three-year-long battle with breast cancer.

A life motto of 'lean into the collar and go', developed from a childhood surrounded by horses, Kim is an open book and advocates for taking care of yourself first. Everything from the importance of becoming specialized in your field, to keeping your nurses happy and why Kim loves meditation, are on the table today.

In addition to a passionate equine talk, get ready for an honest, open conversation about kicking cancers ass and the struggles and good times that have happened as a result. No topic is off limits today as we explore the emotional and raw side of not only being a vet tech, but also a human.

Does Kim's story of struggle and perseverance resonate with you? We would love to know your thoughts about today's episode, leave us a message in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• Becoming okay with asking for help and putting yourself first
• The importance of having balance in work and in life
• What you can learn in the field that you can't learn in a textbook
• How the equine field has evolved over the years for veterinary nurses
• Listening to your body, being in the present and slowing down

Quotes

"I'm not 110, I'm 150 percent of giving to my job. And I set the example, and I mentor. And that's when I decided that I needed to take this and just go ahead and retire." (19:58)

"In my entire career I have not been seriously hurt by horses, and its because I take the time with them and read their body languages. That's hard to teach to somebody, and that's what difficult for students nowadays when they graduate." (34:08)

"I just everyday found excitement in learning something and knew that I was in the right place because I wanted to teach. I just kept myself learning something or developing something or creating something or just 'go'. Just kept myself going, I never settled, I just wanted to keep expanding." (44:02)

"Get rid of those cellular devices and be in the present. And make memories and be kind to yourself, that's my tagline… You have to be kind to yourself first before you can be kind to other people. And that's where I've learned to take anything negative and to find the positive." (52:49)

"That longevity, that's what it is. It's these chapters, you want to turn the page, and what is that next chapter. And so you want to keep going, go to the next chapter and see what it reads. That might be what it is. It's a book." (1:07:02)

Links

AAEVT

PAV 021: Karie Madigan

CALM App

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Even if the grass is green on the other side, we often lose sight of the green grass under our own feet. After vet school, Ryan Dunning recognized his passion for his native state of Arizona and the versatility that being a small animal practitioner allowed him, and has been thriving on his own green grass ever since.

Having experience working in every aspect of the field from tech assistant to the receptionist, he is now the Medical Director at his childhood veterinary clinic. Another reunion episode, we are diving into everything from general practice to family, balance and why you should be sitting on the floor during all of your appointments.

Ryan has a wealth of knowledge for those entering the veterinary field, those looking to make a switch, and those who have been thinking about reaching out to an old classmate. Everything from creating a lasting legacy, to how to continue to grow in the field and why you need to be honest with yourself and your colleagues first.

A great model for success in so many ways, Ryan is sharing his inspiring vision with us today. By continuing to grow, learn and avoid your old patterns, this episode is sure to help guide you in the right direction.

What are your thoughts on today's episode? Let us know in the comments on the episode page!

In This Episode

• How having less staff turnover extends to your clientele
• Options for those in a state without a vet school
• Why internships can change your confidence game
• When to pull the trigger and add a new colleague to your team
• Trying to maintain your mentors legacy while creating your own

Quotes

"It feels like home to me. I have always kind of, as an employee here, as a veterinarian here, and now as the managing vet, I've basically always treated it as if I owned it. Made decisions as if I was the owner because it holds that special place in my heart. I want to see this place succeed, I've got clients here that have known me, in some instances, since I was born." (5:28)

"The academic portion is a big part of our job, but communicating with people is, I could argue, more important. Honestly, I think an excellent communicator will be as good or better practitioner than the smartest person in a given class." (24:39)

"I've always been a very goal-oriented person, so constantly setting your sights on something and achieving for something is important for me and my personality." (49:12)

"As you know, there are tons of difficult times and challenges in this profession. And being able to lean on the people that you work with and live with through those difficult times has been key for me. Because yes there have been lots of successes but there are still even in those successes really hard difficult times." (51:19)

"I don't claim to have the secret. I've always tried to be true to myself and I've always had that great mentor to look towards and try to model myself after." (51:57)

Links

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

WICHE Program

Countryside Animal Hospital

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